Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 17
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Homecoming, Sacrificial Assembly, and Instruction on Devotional Kingship
सूक्ष्मवक्रासितस्निग्धमूर्धज: कम्बुकन्धर: । महाधने दुकूलाग्र्ये परिधायोपवीय च ॥ १७ ॥
sūkṣma-vakrāsita-snigdha- mūrdhajaḥ kambu-kandharaḥ mahā-dhane dukūlāgrye paridhāyopavīya ca
The black, slick hair on his head was very fine and curly, and his neck, like a conchshell, was decorated with auspicious lines. He wore a very valuable dhotī, and there was a nice wrapper on the upper part of his body.
FAQs
This verse describes Pṛthu Mahārāja’s auspicious, refined features and royal elegance—glossy dark hair, conch-like neck, and costly fine garments—indicating his extraordinary, divinely empowered kingship.
In the narrative, Śukadeva Gosvāmī highlights Pṛthu’s auspicious marks and dignified bearing to show that he is no ordinary ruler, but an exemplary king whose external splendor reflects inner virtue and divine purpose.
Devotees can learn that true leadership combines refinement and responsibility—outer conduct and presentation should support dharma and service, not ego, and should inspire others toward virtue.