Shloka 17
Lord Viṣṇu Instructs Pṛthu: Forgiveness, Ātmā-Deha Viveka, and the Bhakti Ideal of Kingship
मैत्रेय उवाच स इत्थं लोकगुरुणा विष्वक्सेनेन विश्वजित् । अनुशासित आदेशं शिरसा जगृहे हरे: ॥ १७ ॥
maitreya uvāca sa itthaṁ loka-guruṇā viṣvaksenena viśva-jit anuśāsita ādeśaṁ śirasā jagṛhe hareḥ
The great sage Maitreya said: Dear Vidura, thus Mahārāja Pṛthu, conqueror of the whole world, having been instructed by the Lord—the universal teacher, Viṣvaksena Hari—accepted the Lord’s command by placing it upon his head in reverence.
One should accept the instructions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead by bowing down at the lotus feet of the Lord. This means that anything spoken by the Personality of Godhead should be taken as it is, with great care and attention and with great respect. It is not our business to amend the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead or make additions or alterations, as it has become a custom for many so-called scholars and svāmīs who comment on the words of Bhagavad-gītā. Here the practical example of how to accept the instruction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is shown by Pṛthu Mahārāja. This is the way to receive knowledge through the paramparā system.
FAQs
It shows that true devotion includes accepting the Lord’s instruction as supreme and responding with humility—symbolized by bowing the head and receiving His आदेश (command).
Because the Supreme Lord is the ultimate teacher for all beings (loka-guru) and the commander of all divine forces (Viṣvaksena), whose guidance is flawless and authoritative.
Practice humility and disciplined obedience to divine guidance—by following śāstra, honoring genuine spiritual teachers, and accepting corrective instruction without ego.