Adhyāya 188: Mārkaṇḍeya’s Account of Yuga-Decline and the Restoration Motif
Kali-yuga to Kalki
भगवन् हि कृता रक्षा त्वया सर्वा विशेषतः । प्राप्तकालं तु यत् कार्य त्वया तच्छुयतां मम,“भगवन्! आपने विशेष मनोयोगके साथ सब प्रकारसे मेरी रक्षा की है, अब आपके लिये जिस कार्यका अवसर प्राप्त हुआ है, वह बताता हूँ, सुनिये--
bhagavan hi kṛtā rakṣā tvayā sarvā viśeṣataḥ | prāptakālaṃ tu yat kāryaṃ tvayā tac chūyatāṃ mama ||
«أيها المبجَّل، لقد حميتني حقًّا من كل وجه، بعنايةٍ خاصة. والآن قد حان أوانُ عملٍ ينبغي لك أن تنهض به؛ سأخبرك ما هو—فأصغِ إليّ.»
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
The verse highlights dharmic conduct through gratitude and timely action: one acknowledges protection received and then points to a duty that must be undertaken when the proper moment (kāla) arrives.
Mārkaṇḍeya respectfully addresses a revered figure, thanks him for comprehensive protection, and announces that a decisive moment has come for the other to act; he asks for attentive listening as he explains the required task.