Shloka 59
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
धर्मराडिव शिक्षायामाश्चर्ये हिमवानिव । कुवेर इव कोशाढ्यो गुप्तार्थो वरुणो यथा ॥ ५९ ॥
dharma-rāḍ iva śikṣāyām āścarye himavān iva kuvera iva kośāḍhyo guptārtho varuṇo yathā
كانت فطنة مهاراجا بريثو وتعليمه عجيبة كيماراجا، المشرف على الدارما. وكانت ثروته كالهيمالايا المكدّسة بالجواهر والمعادن. وكان غنيًّا ككوبيرا، وأسراره مستورة كأسرار فارونا، فلا أحد يستطيع كشفها.
Yamarāja, or Dharmarāja, as the superintendent of death, has to judge the criminal living entities who have committed sinful activities throughout their lives. Consequently Yamarāja is expected to be most expert in judicial matters. Pṛthu Mahārāja was also highly learned and exceedingly exact in delivering his judgment upon the citizens. No one could excel him in opulence any more than estimate the stock of minerals and jewels in the Himālaya Mountains; therefore he is compared to Kuvera, the treasurer of the heavenly planets. Nor could anyone discover the secrets of his life any more than learn the secrets of Varuṇa, the demigod presiding over the water, the night, and the western sky. Varuṇa is omniscient, and since he punishes sins, he is prayed to for forgiveness. He is also the sender of disease and is often associated with Mitra and Indra.
FAQs
The verse praises a ruler who can instruct and discipline like Dharmarāja, possess awe-inspiring greatness like Himavān, manage abundant treasury like Kuvera, and keep confidential counsel like Varuṇa.
These deities symbolize key pillars of governance—justice and discipline (Dharmarāja), prosperity and treasury management (Kuvera), and discreet, orderly administration (Varuṇa)—showing the king’s balanced excellence.
It encourages disciplined teaching, steady character that inspires respect, responsible handling of resources, and discretion with sensitive matters—qualities useful for leadership in family, work, or community.