Shloka 6
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Homecoming, Sacrificial Assembly, and Instruction on Devotional Kingship
पूजित: पूजयामास तत्र तत्र महायशा: । पौराञ्जानपदांस्तांस्तान्प्रीत: प्रियवरप्रद: ॥ ६ ॥
pūjitaḥ pūjayām āsa tatra tatra mahā-yaśāḥ paurāñ jānapadāṁs tāṁs tān prītaḥ priya-vara-pradaḥ
Though he himself was being honored, the illustrious King honored others wherever he went. Pleased at heart, he bestowed upon the townspeople and the villagers the blessings and boons they most desired.
A responsible king was always approachable by his citizens. Generally the citizens, great and common, all had an aspiration to see the king and take benediction from him. The king knew this, and therefore whenever he met the citizens he immediately fulfilled their desires or mitigated their grievances. In such dealings, a responsible monarchy is better than a so-called democratic government in which no one is responsible to mitigate the grievances of the citizens, who are unable to personally meet the supreme executive head. In a responsible monarchy the citizens had no grievances against the government, and even if they did, they could approach the king directly for immediate satisfaction.
FAQs
This verse shows Pṛthu Mahārāja reciprocating honor—when the people respected him, he in turn respected and cared for both townspeople and villagers, exemplifying rajadharma grounded in gratitude and benevolence.
Because he was pleased with his subjects and was disposed to grant what was truly beneficial and cherished—acting as a protector and benefactor rather than a self-serving ruler.
Leaders and managers can practice dharmic leadership by reciprocating respect, recognizing people in their own contexts, and actively working for the welfare of both “city” and “rural” stakeholders.