Shloka 13
Ṛśyaśṛṅga’s Luring, Rainfall at Aṅga, and Reconciliation with Vibhāṇḍaka (ऋश्यशृङ्गोपाख्यानम्)
स वक्तव्य: प्राउ्जलिभियर्भवद्धि: पुत्रस्य ते पशव: कर्षणं च | किं ते प्रियं वै क्रियतां महर्षे दासा: सम सर्वे तव वाचि बद्धा:,राजाने विभाण्डक मुनिके आगमन-पथमें बहुत-से पशु तथा वीर पशुरक्षक भी नियुक्त कर दिये और सबको यह आदेश दे दिया था कि जब पुत्रकी अभिलाषा रखनेवाले महर्षि विभाण्डक तुमसे पूछें तब हाथ जोड़कर उन्हें इस प्रकार उत्तर देना--“ये सब आपके पुत्रके ही पशु हैं, ये खेत भी उन्हींके जोते जा रहे हैं। महर्षे! आज्ञा दें, हम आपका कौन-सा प्रिय कार्य करें। हम सब लोग आपके आज्ञापालक दास हैं"
sa vaktavyaḥ prāñjalibhir bhavadbhiḥ: putrasya te paśavaḥ karṣaṇaṃ ca | kiṃ te priyaṃ vai kriyatāṃ maharṣe dāsāḥ sma sarve tava vāci baddhāḥ ||
“Deveis responder-lhe com as mãos postas: ‘Este gado é de teu filho, e esta aragem também se faz para teu filho. Ó grande sábio, que serviço agradável queres que façamos? Somos todos teus servos, presos ao teu mando.’”
विभाण्डक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharmic conduct in speech and service: one should address a venerable person with humility (prāñjali), speak truthfully and respectfully, and offer willing service—showing that ethical action is expressed not only in deeds but also in the manner of one’s words and obedience to rightful authority.
An instruction is being given about how to answer the sage Vibhāṇḍaka if he inquires: the attendants are to greet him respectfully and say that the cattle and the agricultural work belong to his son, then ask what service the sage wishes, declaring themselves bound to his command.