Shloka 13
उत्तङ्कोपाख्यानप्रारम्भः — Uttanka’s Tapas, Viṣṇu-stuti, and the Dhundhumāra Prophecy
Opening
व्यवहाररता वैश्या भविष्यन्ति कृते युगे । षट्कर्मनिरता वित्रा: क्षत्रिया विक्रमे रता:
vyavahāraratā vaiśyā bhaviṣyanti kṛte yuge | ṣaṭkarmaniratā viprāḥ kṣatriyā vikrame ratāḥ ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: “In the Kṛta Yuga, the Vaiśyas will be devoted to fair dealings and orderly commerce; the Brāhmaṇas will be intent upon the six prescribed duties; and the Kṣatriyas will delight in valor and heroic enterprise.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents an idealized social-ethical order for the Kṛta Yuga: each varṇa is portrayed as naturally inclined toward its dharmic function—Vaiśyas toward honest economic conduct, Brāhmaṇas toward the six Vedic duties, and Kṣatriyas toward courageous protection and heroic action.
Mārkaṇḍeya is describing characteristics of the Kṛta Yuga, outlining how different social groups behave when dharma is strong and society is harmoniously ordered.