Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 56
Jarāsandha’s Siege of Mathurā, Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma’s Victory, and the Founding of Dvārakā amid Kālayavana’s Threat
यद् यद् भगवता दत्तमाधिपत्यं स्वसिद्धये । सर्वं प्रत्यर्पयामासुर्हरौ भूमिगते नृप ॥ ५६ ॥
yad yad bhagavatā dattam ādhipatyaṁ sva-siddhaye sarvaṁ pratyarpayām āsur harau bhūmi-gate nṛpa
O King, when the Supreme Lord Hari came down to the earth, the demigods returned to Him all the powers of rule that He had formerly delegated to them for the exercise of their respective authority.
FAQs
This verse says that whatever dominion is granted by the Lord for His purpose should ultimately be returned to Hari—recognizing God as the real owner and oneself as a trustee.
Śukadeva speaks directly to Parīkṣit to apply the teaching to a ruler: kingship is meaningful when aligned with the Lord’s will and surrendered back to Him.
Treat your abilities, position, and achievements as entrusted by God; use them in service and humility, and mentally ‘offer back’ the results rather than claiming absolute ownership.