Shloka 20
Nimi’s Disembodied Liberation and the Rise of the Mithilā (Videha) Dynasty
कृतध्वजात् केशिध्वज: खाण्डिक्यस्तु मितध्वजात् । कृतध्वजसुतो राजन्नात्मविद्याविशारद: ॥ २० ॥ खाण्डिक्य: कर्मतत्त्वज्ञो भीत: केशिध्वजाद्द्रुत: । भानुमांस्तस्य पुत्रोऽभूच्छतद्युम्नस्तु तत्सुत: ॥ २१ ॥
kṛtadhvajāt keśidhvajaḥ khāṇḍikyas tu mitadhvajāt kṛtadhvaja-suto rājann ātma-vidyā-viśāradaḥ
O Mahārāja Parīkṣit, from Kṛtadhvaja was born Keśidhvaja, and from Mitadhvaja was born Khāṇḍikya. Kṛtadhvaja’s son was learned in spiritual knowledge, while Khāṇḍikya knew the truth of Vedic ritual works; fearing Keśidhvaja, he fled. Keśidhvaja’s son was Bhānumān, and Bhānumān’s son was Śatadyumna.
FAQs
Keśidhvaja is presented as a king born from Kṛtadhvaja, specifically described here as highly expert in ātmavidyā—spiritual knowledge of the self.
Śukadeva is narrating dynastic history to Parīkṣit; the address 'O King' keeps the dialogue format clear and emphasizes that the teachings are meant for a responsible ruler seeking truth.
This verse highlights valuing inner realization alongside worldly duty—cultivating study, reflection, and devotion so identity is rooted in the soul rather than status or achievements.