Shloka 13
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
Atri said: “O King, you are truly blessed. On this earth you are a sovereign, the foremost among rulers; therefore you are fortunate and endowed with every kind of prosperity and lordly power.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
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.