Shloka 4
Śukasya Janma-yoga-phalaṁ — Vyāsasya Tapasā Putrārthaḥ (Śānti-parva 310)
याज्ञवल्क्यमृषिश्रेष्ठ॑ दैवरातिर्महायशा: । पप्रच्छ जनको राजा प्रश्न॑ प्रश्नविदां वरम्,एक बार देवरातके महायशस्वी पुत्र राजा जनकने प्रश्नबका रहस्य समझनेवालोंमें श्रेष्ठ मुनिवर याज्ञवल्क्यजीसे पूछा
Yājñavalkyam ṛṣiśreṣṭhaṁ Daivarātir mahāyaśāḥ | papraccha Janako rājā praśnaṁ praśnavidāṁ varam ||
Sinabi ni Bhīṣma: Ang tanyag na Haring Janaka, anak ni Devarāta, ay nagtanong sa pinakadakilang pantas na si Yājñavalkya—ang pinakamahusay sa mga nakauunawa sa diwa ng mga tanong—upang maabot ang maselang katotohanan.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic method of learning: a responsible ruler seeks higher ethical and spiritual understanding by approaching a foremost sage and asking well-formed questions. It implies humility, discernment, and the value of guided inquiry in matters of truth and conduct.
Bhīṣma introduces a traditional teaching episode: King Janaka (called Daivarāti) approaches the sage Yājñavalkya and poses an important question, setting up a discourse where royal duty and spiritual insight are explored through dialogue.