Shloka 27
उतथ्योपदेशः—राजधर्मः, दर्पनिग्रहः, प्रजारक्षणम्
Utathya’s Instruction: Royal Dharma, Restraint of Pride, Protection of Subjects
दर्पो नाम श्रिय: पुत्रो जज्ञेडधर्मादिति श्रुति: । तेन देवासुरा राजन् नीता: सुबहवो व्ययम्
darpo nāma śriyaḥ putro jajñe ’dharmād iti śrutiḥ | tena devāsurā rājan nītāḥ subahavo vyayam ||
قال أوتاثيا (Utathya): «إنّ الكِبْر، المسمّى دارپا (Darpa)، تذكره السنّة المقدّسة أنّه ابنُ الثراء والبهاء (شري Śrī)، مولودٌ من أدهرما (Adharma). وبهذا الكِبْر، أيها الملك، سِيق كثيرٌ من الآلهة والأسورا إلى الهلاك والدمار. فكن يقظًا الآن، أيها الحاكم: من قهر الكِبْر كان ملكًا حقًّا، ومن قُهِر به صار عبدًا.»
उतथ्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Pride (darpa) is portrayed as a destructive force rooted in adharma: it ruins even the mighty (gods and asuras). True kingship is defined ethically as mastery over pride; failure to master it turns a ruler into a slave of his own passions.
Utathya instructs a king, personifying Pride as Darpa—born from Prosperity (Śrī) yet originating in Adharma—and warns that this Pride has caused widespread downfall. He urges the king to remain alert and to conquer pride to preserve rightful rule.