Shloka 5
Babhruvāhana Meets a Preta: Vṛṣotsarga, Heirless Death, and the Signs of Preta-Affliction
नासीद्व्याधिभयञ्चापि तस्मिञ्जनपदेश्वरे / स्वधर्मे रेमिरे चासीत्तेजसा भास्करोपमः
nāsīdvyādhibhayañcāpi tasmiñjanapadeśvare / svadharme remire cāsīttejasā bhāskaropamaḥ
وفي تلك البلاد ذات السيادة لم يكن هناك خوفٌ من المرض أيضًا؛ وكان الناس يهنؤون بدارماهم. وكان الملك يتلألأ بتجاسه، كالشمس في بهائها.
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: When people delight in svadharma and leadership is tejas-filled, social and bodily wellbeing flourish; dharma sustains ārogya.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva and tejas as harmonizing forces; alignment with one’s ordained duty reduces inner conflict and supports order (ṛta/dharma).
Application: Encourage role-ethics (responsibility matched to capacity), public health, and leadership accountability; cultivate disciplined living that supports health.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: country/province (janapada)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana sections praising dharma as the root of wellbeing and prosperity
FAQs
The verse links social harmony and fearlessness (even from disease) with people abiding in sva-dharma, implying that collective righteousness sustains wellbeing.
While the Preta Kanda often describes post-death consequences, this verse highlights the opposite principle: when dharma prevails under a radiant, just ruler, worldly distress diminishes.
Practice sva-dharma—ethical living, honest work, and responsibility—while supporting just leadership and community discipline, as these are presented as foundations for public wellbeing.