Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 20
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Homecoming, Sacrificial Assembly, and Instruction on Devotional Kingship
चारु चित्रपदं श्लक्ष्णं मृष्टं गूढमविक्लवम् । सर्वेषामुपकारार्थं तदा अनुवदन्निव ॥ २० ॥
cāru citra-padaṁ ślakṣṇaṁ mṛṣṭaṁ gūḍham aviklavam sarveṣām upakārārthaṁ tadā anuvadann iva
Mahārāja Pṛthu’s speech was very beautiful, full of metaphorical language, clearly understandable and very pleasing to hear. His words were all grave and certain. It appears that when he spoke, he expressed his personal realization of the Absolute Truth in order to benefit all who were present.
Mahārāja Pṛthu was beautiful in his external bodily features, and his speech was also very glorious in all respects. His words, which were nicely composed in highly metaphorical ornamental language, were pleasing to hear and were not only mellow but also very clearly understandable and without doubt or ambiguity.
FAQs
The verse praises speech that is charming, well-expressed, gentle, refined, profound, and steady—delivered for the welfare of all.
Because he is presented as an ideal ruler whose words are not self-serving but meant to uplift and benefit all citizens through dharmic instruction.
By speaking truthfully and calmly, choosing refined and helpful words, and aiming for others’ welfare rather than argument or personal victory.