Shloka 6
नराधिपो ऽत्र कतमः कतमश् चेतरो जनः कथ्यतां मे द्विजश्रेष्ठ त्वम् अभिज्ञो मतो मम
narādhipo 'tra katamaḥ katamaś cetaro janaḥ kathyatāṃ me dvijaśreṣṭha tvam abhijño mato mama
Which one here is the sovereign king, and which is the other man? Tell me, O best of the twice-born; for in my judgment you are the one who truly knows.
Maitreya (addressing Sage Parāśara in inquiry)
Concept: External appearances can conceal true status; one must seek a knower to distinguish reality from seeming.
Vedantic Theme: Atman
Application: Practice viveka: pause before judging by status-symbols; consult competent teachers and verify by reasoned inquiry.
Vishishtadvaita: Implied need for right knowledge (tattva-jñāna) to perceive the true ‘lord’ beyond mere upādhis (limiting adjuncts).
FAQs
It signals a transition into precise genealogical narration, where identifying the rightful sovereign anchors the lineage and its dharmic legitimacy.
Through a teacher–disciple dialogue, Parāśara clarifies identities and succession so the dynasty account remains unambiguous and historically continuous.
Even in royal genealogies, sovereignty is implicitly framed under cosmic order (dharma) sustained by Vishnu, the ultimate ground of lawful kingship and worldly hierarchy.