Shloka 21
Marutta–Indra Rivalry and Bṛhaspati’s Priestly Refusal (मरुत्तेन्द्रस्पर्धा—बृहस्पतेः पौरोहित्यनिश्चयः)
मां वा वृणीष्व भद्रें ते मरुत्त वा महीपतिम् । परित्यज्य मरुत्तं वा यथाजोषं भजस्व माम्
māṁ vā vṛṇīṣva bhadre te maruttaṁ vā mahīpatim | parityajya maruttaṁ vā yathājoṣaṁ bhajasva mām ||
“Nawa’y mapabuti ka. Piliin mo ako bilang yajamāna (tagapagtaguyod ng handog), o piliin si Marutta, panginoon ng lupa. Alinman ay talikuran mo si Marutta at manalig sa akin ayon sa nais mo, o talikuran mo ako at tumindig kasama ni Marutta.”
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should avoid divided allegiance in matters of dharma: when duty involves patronage, authority, or refuge, clarity of commitment is ethically required—choose one rightful course rather than trying to hold incompatible loyalties.
Vyāsa confronts the listener with a direct either–or decision: accept him as the sacrificial patron/guide or accept King Marutta. The speech functions as a decisive ultimatum to resolve a conflict of association and ritual responsibility.