Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 25
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Homecoming, Sacrificial Assembly, and Instruction on Devotional Kingship
तत् प्रजा भर्तृपिण्डार्थं स्वार्थमेवानसूयव: । कुरुताधोक्षजधियस्तर्हि मेऽनुग्रह: कृत: ॥ २५ ॥
tat prajā bhartṛ-piṇḍārthaṁ svārtham evānasūyavaḥ kurutādhokṣaja-dhiyas tarhi me ’nugrahaḥ kṛtaḥ
Pṛthu Mahārāja continued: Therefore, my dear citizens, for the welfare of your king after his death, you should execute your duties properly in terms of your positions of varṇa and āśrama and should always think of the Supreme Personality of Godhead within your hearts. By doing so, you will protect your own interests, and you will bestow mercy upon your king for his welfare after death.
The words adhokṣaja-dhiyaḥ, meaning “Kṛṣṇa consciousness,” are very important in this verse. The king and citizens should both be Kṛṣṇa conscious; otherwise both of them will be doomed to lower species of life after death. A responsible government must teach Kṛṣṇa consciousness very vigorously for the benefit of all. Without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, neither the state nor the citizens of the state can be responsible. Pṛthu Mahārāja therefore specifically requested the citizens to act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and he was also very anxious to teach them how to become Kṛṣṇa conscious. A summary of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is given in Bhagavad-gītā (9.27) :
FAQs
This verse teaches that one should perform one’s duties—such as maintaining dependents—while keeping the mind and intelligence fixed on Adhokṣaja (the Supreme Lord).
Because envy disrupts social harmony and spiritual progress; Pṛthu urges a cooperative, non-malicious attitude so their work becomes purified by devotion.
Do your responsibilities sincerely, but consciously dedicate the results to the Lord—remembering Him, acting ethically, and keeping spiritual purpose at the center of daily life.