Shloka 16
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali: Dharma (Bull) and Bhūmi (Cow) at the Dawn of Kali-yuga
राज्ञो हि परमो धर्म: स्वधर्मस्थानुपालनम् । शासतोऽन्यान् यथाशास्त्रमनापद्युत्पथानिह ॥ १६ ॥
rājño hi paramo dharmaḥ sva-dharma-sthānupālanam śāsato ’nyān yathā-śāstram anāpady utpathān iha
Die höchste Pflicht des regierenden Königs ist es, gesetzestreuen Personen vollen Schutz zu gewähren und diejenigen zu züchtigen, die in normalen Zeiten von den Anordnungen der Schriften abweichen.
In the scriptures there is mention of āpad-dharma, or occupational duty at times of extraordinary happenings. It is said that sometimes the great sage Viśvāmitra had to live on the flesh of dogs in some extraordinary dangerous position. In cases of emergency, one may be allowed to live on the flesh of animals of all description, but that does not mean that there should be regular slaughterhouses to feed the animal-eaters and that this system should be encouraged by the state. No one should try to live on flesh in ordinary times simply for the sake of the palate. If anyone does so, the king or the executive head should punish him for gross enjoyment.
FAQs
Bhagavatam 1.17.16 states that a king’s highest duty is to uphold everyone in their prescribed duties and to correct wrongdoing strictly according to śāstra, so society does not deviate into irreligion.
In the context of Kali entering society, scriptural justice is stressed so that correction remains dharmic—not arbitrary—and people are restrained from drifting into sinful, destructive habits.
Leaders and administrators should enforce fair, principled rules grounded in ethical standards, protect people’s rightful occupations and responsibilities, and prevent social systems from rewarding harmful or adharmic behavior.