Yugapramāṇa–Kaliyuga-lakṣaṇa–Pralaya-kathā
Markandeya’s Account of Yugas, Kali Signs, and Dissolution
अत्रिर॒वाच राजन् धन्यस्त्वमीशश्व भुवि त्वं प्रथमो नूप:,अत्रि बोले--राजन! तुम इस भूतलके सर्वप्रथम राजा हो; अतः धन्य हो, सब प्रकारके ऐश्वर्यसे सम्पन्न हो
atrir uvāca rājan dhanyas tvam īśaś ca bhuvi tvaṁ prathamo nṛpaḥ
قال أتري: «أيها الملك، إنك لمبارك حقًّا. على هذه الأرض أنت السيّد المتوَّج، الأوّل بين الحكّام؛ فلذلك أنت سعيد الحظ، موفور بكل صنوف الازدهار وسلطان المُلك.»
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
The verse affirms the ideal of righteous kingship: a ruler who stands foremost in sovereignty and responsibility is considered blessed, implying that true prosperity and authority are tied to legitimate, dharmic rule.
Within Markandeya’s narration, the sage Atri addresses a king directly, offering a formal commendation—recognizing him as the foremost ruler on earth and praising his fortune and sovereign power.