Shloka 16
Cāturāśramya-dharma—Marks of the Four Āśramas (चातुराश्रम्यधर्मः)
एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं भगवंस्तद् ब्रवीहि मे । त्वं बन्धुभूतो हास्माकं क्षत्रियाणां सुरेश्वर,भगवन! सुरेश्वर! यह मैं सुनना चाहता हूँ। आप मुझे यह सब बताइये; क्योंकि आप ही हम क्षत्रियोंके बन्धु हैं
etad icchāmy ahaṃ śrotuṃ bhagavaṃs tad bravīhi me | tvaṃ bandhubhūto hāsmākaṃ kṣatriyāṇāṃ sureśvara ||
因陀罗说道：“尊者，我愿闻此事——请为我宣说。噢，诸天之主！你确是我等刹帝利的亲族与护持者；因此，请将此理详尽教诲于我。”
इन्द्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames ethical instruction as legitimate when sought with humility: Indra requests teaching and grounds the request in a relationship of duty and protection—Indra as the traditional patron of Kshatriya power—so that guidance on dharma and rulership is received as responsible counsel, not mere curiosity.
Indra, as the speaker, asks a revered interlocutor to explain a topic he wishes to understand. He urges the teacher to speak plainly, emphasizing Indra’s special bond with the Kshatriya class and thus his stake in hearing guidance relevant to warrior-kings and governance.