Shloka 6
स्वाध्याय-योगोपदेशः तथा केशिध्वज-खाण्डिक्य-उपाख्यानम्
Yoga through Study and Restraint; The Keśidhvaja–Khāṇḍikya Narrative Frame
खाण्डिक्यः को ऽभवद् ब्रह्मन् को वा केशिध्वजो ऽभवत् कथं तयोश् च संवादो योगसंबन्धवान् अभूत्
khāṇḍikyaḥ ko 'bhavad brahman ko vā keśidhvajo 'bhavat kathaṃ tayoś ca saṃvādo yogasaṃbandhavān abhūt
O revered Brahman, who indeed was Khāṇḍikya, and who was Keśidhvaja? And how did a dialogue arise between them that was truly connected with Yoga?
Maitreya (asking Sage Parāśara)
Speaker: Maitreya
Topic: Identity of Khāṇḍikya and Keśidhvaja and the origin of their yoga-instruction dialogue.
Teaching: Historical
Quality: curious, probing
Key Kings: Khāṇḍikya, Keśidhvaja
FAQs
This verse introduces the inquiry that leads into a royal-sage narrative where a historically framed lineage account becomes the vehicle for transmitting authentic yogic instruction aimed at liberation.
Maitreya’s question sets up Parāśara’s teaching method: he answers by recounting who the figures were and then unfolds their conversation, using story and genealogy as the framework for precise yogic and spiritual doctrine.
Even when the verse is about kings and Yoga, the Vishnu Purana’s larger intent is Vishnu as the Supreme Reality and final refuge; yogic knowledge is ultimately oriented toward liberation under Vishnu’s sovereignty.