Shloka 11
The Priyavrata Dynasty Continues: Sumati’s Line and the Glorification of Mahārāja Gaya
छन्दांस्यकामस्य च यस्य कामान्दुदूहुराजह्रुरथो बलिं नृपा: । प्रत्यञ्चिता युधि धर्मेण विप्रायदाशिषां षष्ठमंशं परेत्य ॥ ११ ॥
chandāṁsy akāmasya ca yasya kāmān dudūhur ājahrur atho baliṁ nṛpāḥ pratyañcitā yudhi dharmeṇa viprā yadāśiṣāṁ ṣaṣṭham aṁśaṁ paretya
Although Mahārāja Gaya had no personal desire, by the power of Vedic chandas and the performance of yajñas the fruits came to him of their own accord. The kings who fought him were compelled to battle on dharmic principles and, satisfied, offered tribute and gifts. Likewise the brāhmaṇas of his realm were pleased by his generous charity; therefore, for his benefit in the next life, they bestowed upon him a sixth share of the merit of their pious blessings.
As a kṣatriya or emperor, Mahārāja Gaya sometimes had to fight with subordinate kings to maintain his government, but the subordinate kings were not dissatisfied with him because they knew that he fought for religious principles. Consequently they accepted their subordination and offered all kinds of gifts to him. Similarly, the brāhmaṇas who performed Vedic rituals were so satisfied with the King that they very readily agreed to part with a sixth of their pious activities for his benefit in the next life. Thus the brāhmaṇas and kṣatriyas were all satisfied with Mahārāja Gaya because of his proper administration. In other words, Mahārāja Gaya satisfied the kṣatriya kings by his fighting and satisfied the brāhmaṇas by his charities. The vaiśyas were also encouraged by kind words and affectionate dealings, and due to Mahārāja Gaya’s constant sacrifices, the śūdras were satisfied by sumptuous food and charity. In this way Mahārāja Gaya kept all the citizens very satisfied. When brāhmaṇas and saintly persons are honored, they part with their pious activities, giving them to those who honor them and render them service. Therefore, as stated in Bhagavad-gītā (4.34) , tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā: one should try to approach a spiritual master submissively and render service unto him.
FAQs
This verse teaches that even though the Supreme (or the ideal divine-centered ruler) is free from personal desire, all auspicious results sought through Vedic hymns ultimately come from Him; He remains the source of fulfillment without being motivated by selfish want.
It highlights dharmic governance: rulers maintained order and protection, received tribute as part of social duty, and ensured sacred welfare by directing a lawful share toward brāhmaṇas and religious works.
Act from duty and integrity rather than personal craving; when leadership (or personal responsibility) is grounded in dharma, resources are naturally directed toward the common good and spiritual upliftment.