Shloka 80
The Supremacy of Food-Charity and the Rāma–Śambūka Episode
Child Revived through Rājadharma
अथवा नैतदेवं हि सर्वेषां नृपतिः पिता । सत्वमर्च्योऽसि भो राजन्वयं ते विषये तपः
athavā naitadevaṃ hi sarveṣāṃ nṛpatiḥ pitā | satvamarcyo'si bho rājanvayaṃ te viṣaye tapaḥ
بل لعلّ الأمر ليس كذلك: فالملك ليس أبًا للجميع. ومع ذلك، أيها الملك، أنت جديرٌ بالتبجيل؛ ونحن نقيم الزهد والتقشّف في سلطانك.
Unspecified (a respectful speaker addressing a king; context needed to identify the exact narrator/dialogue pair)
Concept: Kingship is honorable but not ontologically paternal to all; true authority is bounded by dharma, and sages honor the ruler while remaining devoted to tapas.
Application: Respect leaders and institutions without absolutizing them; keep spiritual practice independent of status and power dynamics.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A forest-edge hermitage lies within a well-ruled kingdom: ascetics sit on kuśa grass, hands folded in respectful salutation toward a king who has approached on foot. The king’s posture is humble, acknowledging that honor is due, yet the sages’ true refuge is their tapas and the unseen presence of Nārāyaṇa.","primary_figures":["a dharmic king","forest ascetics (tāpasa)","a subtle, symbolic presence of Vishnu (chakra/lotus aura)"],"setting":"Hermitage at the boundary of a royal realm—sal trees, a small yajña-kuṇḍa, deer nearby, a simple royal retinue kept at distance.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["earth ochre","leaf green","saffron","smoke gray","golden amber"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a righteous king in ornate yet restrained regalia offers añjali to seated sages near a small fire altar; Vishnu’s lotus-and-chakra halo faintly behind them; heavy gold leaf on crowns and ornaments, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, gem-studded borders, temple-like symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate hermitage scene with slender trees and distant hills; the king stands respectfully with folded hands, sages calm and luminous; cool greens and soft browns, refined faces, lyrical naturalism, thin ink outlines and gentle washes.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, flat natural pigments; king and sages in frontal clarity near a stylized forest shrine; Vishnu’s symbols (śaṅkha-cakra) as a radiant backdrop; dominant red, yellow, green with rhythmic ornamentation.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional border of lotus vines and tulasi motifs framing a central scene of sages honoring a king; subtle Vishnu iconography above; deep indigo background with gold highlights, intricate floral filigree, peacocks at corners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["forest birds","gentle wind in leaves","soft temple bell in distance","crackling sacrificial fire"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: naitad = na + etat; arcyo'si = arcyaḥ + asi; rājanvayam = rājan + vayam.
FAQs
No. It explicitly rejects the idea that the king is the father of everyone, while still affirming that the king deserves honor in his proper role.
It corrects an exaggerated claim about royal status, yet maintains courteous reverence—showing that ethical speech can be both truthful and respectful.
Rulers should not be flattered with false absolutes, and ascetics should acknowledge and respect lawful authority when living and practicing within a king’s domain.