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 ||
Utathya sprach: „Der Hochmut, Darpa genannt, gilt nach heiliger Überlieferung als Sohn des Wohlstands (Śrī), geboren aus Adharma. Durch diesen Hochmut, o König, sind viele unter Göttern und Asuras in Verderben und Untergang getrieben worden. Darum, o Herrscher, sei auch jetzt wachsam: Wer den Hochmut besiegt, ist wahrhaft König; wer von ihm besiegt wird, wird zum Sklaven.“
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.