Shloka 5
कण्वोपदेशः—नश्वरबलविवेकः तथा मातलिगुणकेश्याः आख्यानारम्भः
Kaṇva’s Counsel on Impermanent Power; Opening of the Mātali–Guṇakeśī Narrative
2 परम्कतर राजा दम्भोद्धवो नाम सार्वभौम: पुराभवत् | अखिलां बुभुजे सर्वा पृथिवीमिति न: श्रुतम्
Paramatara rājā Dambhoddhavo nāma sārvabhaumaḥ purābhavat | Akhilāṃ bubhuje sarvāṃ pṛthivīm iti naḥ śrutam ||
毗湿摩波耶那说：“往昔有一位最卓越的国王，名为檀婆欧陀婆（Dambhoddhava），乃转轮圣王。我们听闻他尽享并统御了整个大地，圆满无缺。”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical-political exemplum: supreme worldly sovereignty is presented as a remembered tradition, setting up reflection on the nature of power, enjoyment, and the responsibilities of universal rule.
Vaiśampāyana introduces an ancient story by naming a past universal emperor, Dambhoddhava, and stating that he ruled/enjoyed the whole earth—an opening that prepares the listener for a consequential episode about kingship.