Shloka 45
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali: Dharma (Bull) and Bhūmi (Cow) at the Dawn of Kali-yuga
इत्थम्भूतानुभावोऽयमभिमन्युसुतो नृप: । यस्य पालयत: क्षौणीं यूयं सत्राय दीक्षिता: ॥ ४५ ॥
ittham-bhūtānubhāvo ’yam abhimanyu-suto nṛpaḥ yasya pālayataḥ kṣauṇīṁ yūyaṁ satrāya dīkṣitāḥ
Maharaja Parīkṣit, putera Abhimanyu, begitu berpengalaman dan berwibawa; berkat pentadbiran yang mahir serta naungannya, kamu semua dapat menerima dīkṣā untuk melaksanakan satra-yajña seperti ini.
The brāhmaṇas and the sannyāsīs are expert in the spiritual advancement of society, whereas the kṣatriyas or the administrators are expert in the material peace and prosperity of human society. Both of them are the pillars of all happiness, and therefore they are meant for full cooperation for common welfare. Mahārāja Parīkṣit was experienced enough to drive away Kali from his field of activities and thereby make the state receptive to spiritual enlightenment. If the common people are not receptive, it is very difficult to impress upon them the necessity of spiritual enlightenment. Austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness, the basic principles of religion, prepare the ground for the reception of advancement in spiritual knowledge, and Mahārāja Parīkṣit made this favorable condition possible. Thus the ṛṣis of Naimiṣāraṇya were able to perform the sacrifices for a thousand years. In other words, without state support, no doctrines of philosophy or religious principles can progressively advance. There should be complete cooperation between the brāhmaṇas and the kṣatriyas for this common good. Even up to Mahārāja Aśoka, the same spirit was prevailing. Lord Buddha was sufficiently supported by King Aśoka, and thus his particular cult of knowledge was spread all over the world.
FAQs
This verse highlights that a dharmic ruler like Mahārāja Parīkṣit has powerful influence: by protecting the earth, he creates social stability so devotees and sages can perform yajña and spiritual vows without disruption.
In the context of Parīkṣit confronting Kali and witnessing the suffering of Dharma, Sūta emphasizes Parīkṣit’s exceptional potency as a protector, showing how his rule restrains irreligion and supports Vedic religious life.
By upholding dharma in leadership and daily life—protecting truthfulness, cleanliness, mercy, and austerity—we reduce disturbance and create an environment where sādhana, study, and congregational devotion can flourish.