Shloka 23
Yugapramāṇa–Kaliyuga-lakṣaṇa–Pralaya-kathā
Markandeya’s Account of Yugas, Kali Signs, and Dissolution
वैन्यं विधातेत्याहात्रिरत्र नौ संशयो महान् | श्रुत्वैव तु महात्मानो मुनयो<शभ्यद्रवन् द्रुतम्,तब गौतमने सदस्यरूपसे बैठे हुए उन श्रेष्ठ मुनियोंसे कहा--*श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मणो! हम दोनोंके प्रश्षको आपलोग सुनें। अत्रिने राजा पृथुकी विधाता कहा है। इस बातको लेकर हम दोनोंमें महान् संशय एवं विवाद उपस्थित हो गया है।” यह सुनकर वे महात्मा मुनि उक्त संशयका निवारण करनेके लिये तुरंत ही धर्मज्ञ सनत्कुमारजीके पास दौड़े गये। उन महातपस्वीने इनकी सब बातें यथार्थरूपसे सुनकर उनसे यह धर्म एवं अर्थयुक्त वचन कहा --
vainyaṁ vidhātety āhātrir atra nau saṁśayo mahān | śrutvaiva tu mahātmāno munayo 'bhya-dravan drutam ||
Gautama said: “Atri has declared that Vainya (Pṛthu) is the ‘Vidhātṛ’ (ordainer/creator). On this point, between the two of us, a great doubt and dispute has arisen.” Hearing this, the high-souled sages at once hurried away, intent on removing the uncertainty by seeking authoritative clarification from the knower of dharma.
गौतम उवाच
Educational Q&A
When a serious doctrinal or interpretive doubt arises—especially about titles and theological-ethical claims—one should seek clarification from reliable authorities rather than cling to dispute. The verse models disciplined inquiry and deference to dharma-knowledge.
Gautama reports a disagreement with another party about Atri’s statement that King Pṛthu (Vainya) is ‘Vidhātṛ’. On hearing of this dispute, the sages promptly hurry to obtain an authoritative resolution (contextually, from a higher dharma-knower).