Shloka 3
Sāvitrī–Satyavān Vivāha: Kanyāpradāna and Āśrama-Śīla (सावित्री-सत्यवान्विवाहः)
न ते प्रकृतिमान् वर्ण: कच्चित् क्षेमं पुरे तव । कच्चित् प्रकृतय: सर्वा भजन्ते त्वां यथा पुरा,'लंकेश्वर! तुम्हारे शरीरका रंग ठीक हालतमें नहीं है। तुम उदास दिखायी देते हो। तुम्हारे नगरमें कुशल तो है न? समस्त प्रजा और मन्त्री आदि पहलेकी भाँति तुम्हारी सेवा करते हैं न?
na te prakṛtimān varṇaḥ kaccit kṣemaṃ pure tava | kaccit prakṛtayaḥ sarvā bhajante tvāṃ yathā purā ||
马尔坎德耶说道：“你的面色不似平常——你可安好？你城中可得安稳？诸臣与百姓可仍如往昔一般侍奉于你？”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s legitimacy and inner peace are reflected outwardly, and are grounded in the welfare and security of the city and the continued loyalty of subjects and ministers. The verse frames good governance (rājadharma) as concern for public well-being and stable, ethical administration.
Mārkaṇḍeya addresses a king with concern, noticing an unhealthy change in appearance and asking whether the city is safe and whether the people and officials remain supportive as before—probing for signs of political or personal distress.