Shloka 14
ऋभु-निदाघ-संवादः — अधः-ऊर्ध्व-दृष्टान्तेन अद्वैतबोधः (राजा-गज-उपमा) तथा मोक्षफलश्रुति
त्वं राजेव द्विजश्रेष्ठ स्थितो ऽहं गजवद् यदि तद् एव त्वं ममाचक्ष्व कतमस् त्वम् अहं तथा
tvaṃ rājeva dvijaśreṣṭha sthito 'haṃ gajavad yadi tad eva tvaṃ mamācakṣva katamas tvam ahaṃ tathā
O best of the twice-born—if you stand here like a king and I remain like an elephant held in check, then tell me plainly: which of us are you, and which of us am I, in truth?
A king (addressing a Brahmin sage)
Concept: When external roles and positions change, the question of true identity remains—prompting inquiry into the self beyond social/spatial predicates.
Vedantic Theme: Atman
Application: Practice self-inquiry: separate role (job/status/body-position) from enduring selfhood; cultivate steadiness amid changing circumstances.
Vishishtadvaita: Affirms a stable self (jīva) distinct from roles, while preparing for the Vishishtadvaita conclusion that the jīva’s true identity is as śeṣa (dependent) of the Lord.
Vishnu Form: Para-Brahman
Bhakti Type: Shanta
FAQs
This verse frames a dharmic tension: worldly power (the king) is questioned against spiritual authority (the dvija), prompting reflection on who truly holds mastery—force or wisdom.
By putting direct questions in a character’s mouth—“who are you and who am I?”—the text turns a social encounter into a moral inquiry about pride, restraint, and rightful hierarchy.
Even when Vishnu is not named, the Purana’s dharma-logic implies that true sovereignty aligns with the cosmic order upheld by Vishnu; worldly dominance without discernment is shown as incomplete.