Shloka 45
स्वाध्याय-योगोपदेशः तथा केशिध्वज-खाण्डिक्य-उपाख्यानम्
Yoga through Study and Restraint; The Keśidhvaja–Khāṇḍikya Narrative Frame
प्रहस्य तान् आह नृपः स खाण्डिक्यो महामतिः स्वल्पकालं महीराज्यं मादृशैः प्रार्थ्यते कथम्
prahasya tān āha nṛpaḥ sa khāṇḍikyo mahāmatiḥ svalpakālaṃ mahīrājyaṃ mādṛśaiḥ prārthyate katham
प्रहस्य स खाण्डिक्यो महामतिः नृपस्तानाह—“स्वल्पकालं महीराज्यं मादृशैः कथं प्रार्थ्यते? क्षणभङ्गुरं हि राज्यम्।”
King Khāṇḍikya
FAQs
This verse frames earthly rule as short-lived and therefore unworthy of being begged for, using royal dialogue to teach detachment and dharmic perspective amid dynasty narratives.
Through Khāṇḍikya’s response, the text depicts a ruler who recognizes the impermanence of sovereignty and refuses to treat dominion as an object of personal craving or supplication.
Even when Vishnu is not named, the Purana’s worldview assumes a higher, enduring sovereignty beyond worldly thrones—encouraging rulers to align with dharma under the Supreme Reality rather than cling to temporary power.