Shloka 5
Daṇḍotpatti-kathana (Origin and Function of Daṇḍa) — वसुहोम–मान्धातृ संवाद
को दण्ड: कीदृशो दण्ड: किंरूप: किंपरायण: । किमात्मक: कथंभूत: कथंमूर्ति: कथ॑ं प्रभो
ko daṇḍaḥ kīdṛśo daṇḍaḥ kiṃrūpaḥ kiṃparāyaṇaḥ | kimātmakaḥ kathaṃbhūtaḥ kathaṃmūrtiḥ kathaṃ prabho ||
Yudhiṣṭhira asked: “What is daṇḍa (the rod of punishment, royal authority)? What is it like in nature? What form does it take, and on what ultimate foundation does it rest? O Lord, of what is it constituted, how did it arise, and what shape or embodiment does it assume?”
युधिछ्िर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames daṇḍa as a profound ethical and metaphysical principle, not merely physical punishment: Yudhiṣṭhira seeks to understand its nature, rightful basis, and proper embodiment so that royal power can be aligned with dharma rather than arbitrary force.
In the Śānti Parva’s discourse on kingship and peace, Yudhiṣṭhira questions a revered authority about daṇḍa—its definition, form, foundation, and origin—preparing for a systematic teaching on just governance and the disciplined use of power.