Shloka 5
Daṇḍotpatti-kathana (Origin and Function of Daṇḍa) — वसुहोम–मान्धातृ संवाद
को दण्ड: कीदृशो दण्ड: किंरूप: किंपरायण: । किमात्मक: कथंभूत: कथंमूर्ति: कथ॑ं प्रभो
ko daṇḍaḥ kīdṛśo daṇḍaḥ kiṃrūpaḥ kiṃparāyaṇaḥ | kimātmakaḥ kathaṃbhūtaḥ kathaṃmūrtiḥ kathaṃ prabho ||
尤提士提罗问道：“檀陀是什么？其性相如何？它呈现何种形态，又依止于何等究竟根基？主宰啊，它由何所成，如何生起，并具何种形状或体现？”
युधिछ्िर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames daṇḍa as a profound ethical and metaphysical principle, not merely physical punishment: Yudhiṣṭhira seeks to understand its nature, rightful basis, and proper embodiment so that royal power can be aligned with dharma rather than arbitrary force.
In the Śānti Parva’s discourse on kingship and peace, Yudhiṣṭhira questions a revered authority about daṇḍa—its definition, form, foundation, and origin—preparing for a systematic teaching on just governance and the disciplined use of power.