Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 4
Yayāti, Devayānī, Śarmiṣṭhā, and the Exchange of Youth: The Unsatisfied Nature of Desire
चतसृष्वादिशद् दिक्षु भ्रातृन् भ्राता यवीयस: । कृतदारो जुगोपोर्वीं काव्यस्य वृषपर्वण: ॥ ४ ॥
catasṛṣv ādiśad dikṣu bhrātṝn bhrātā yavīyasaḥ kṛta-dāro jugoporvīṁ kāvyasya vṛṣaparvaṇaḥ
King Yayāti had four younger brothers, whom he allowed to rule the four directions. Yayāti himself married Devayānī, the daughter of Śukrācārya, and Śarmiṣṭhā, the daughter of Vṛṣaparvā, and ruled the entire earth.
FAQs
This verse highlights rāja-dharma as organized leadership—assigning responsibility and protecting the earth—showing that governance is meant for protection and order, not exploitation.
Kāvya refers to Śukrācārya, the preceptor of the Daityas. He is mentioned because the ruler in this verse protects the earth under the authority or interest of Śukrācārya and King Vṛṣaparvā.
Delegate duties responsibly, respect qualified guidance, and see leadership as protection and service—whether in family, work, or community.