Shloka 19
Yamarāja Instructs the Yamadūtas: Supreme Authority, Mahājanas, and the Glory of the Holy Name
धर्मं तु साक्षाद्भगवत्प्रणीतं न वै विदुऋर्षयो नापि देवा: । न सिद्धमुख्या असुरा मनुष्या: कुतो नु विद्याधरचारणादय: ॥ १९ ॥
dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītaṁ na vai vidur ṛṣayo nāpi devāḥ na siddha-mukhyā asurā manuṣyāḥ kuto nu vidyādhara-cāraṇādayaḥ
إن مبادئ الدَّرما الحقيقية قد سنَّها بهَغَفان بنفسه. فلا الرِّشيّون العظام يدركونها على التمام ولا الدِّيوات؛ فكيف بسادة سِدَّهالوك، والأسُر، والبشر العاديين، والڤِديادهارا والچارَنا وغيرهم؟
When challenged by the Viṣṇudūtas to describe the principles of religion, the Yamadūtas said, veda-praṇihito dharmaḥ: the religious principles are the principles enacted in the Vedic literature. They did not know, however, that the Vedic literature contains ritualistic ceremonies that are not transcendental, but are meant to keep peace and order among materialistic persons in the material world. Real religious principles are nistraiguṇya, above the three modes of material nature, or transcendental. The Yamadūtas did not know these transcendental religious principles, and therefore when prevented from arresting Ajāmila they were surprised. Materialistic persons who attach all their faith to the Vedic rituals are described in Bhagavad-gītā (2.42), wherein Kṛṣṇa says, veda-vāda-ratāḥ pārtha nānyad astīti vādinaḥ: the supposed followers of the Vedas say that there is nothing beyond the Vedic ceremonies. Indeed, there is a group of men in India who are very fond of the Vedic rituals, not understanding the meaning of these rituals, which are intended to elevate one gradually to the transcendental platform of knowing Kṛṣṇa ( vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyaḥ ). Those who do not know this principle but who simply attach their faith to the Vedic rituals are called veda-vāda-ratāḥ.
FAQs
This verse states that dharma is directly ordained by Bhagavān Himself, not manufactured by humans, sages, or even demigods.
In his instruction to his messengers, Yamarāja emphasizes that dharma is subtle and ultimately defined by the Lord’s will, so ordinary speculation—even by exalted beings—cannot be the final authority.
Rely on authentic śāstra and bona fide spiritual guidance rather than personal opinion, and align daily conduct with devotion and the Lord’s instructions.