Shloka 49
Rudra-Śiva: Names, Two Natures, and the Logic of Epithets (रुद्रनाम-बहुरूपत्व-प्रकरणम्)
तस्य राज्ञ: परो धर्मो दम: स्वाध्याय एव च | अग्निहोत्रपरिस्पन्दो दानाध्ययनमेव च
tasya rājñaḥ paro dharmo damaḥ svādhyāya eva ca | agnihotra-parispando dānādhyayanam eva ca ||
For that king, the highest dharma is self-restraint and the regular study of sacred teaching; likewise, the diligent performance of the Agnihotra, along with giving in charity and engaging in study. In this way, Maheshvara frames royal righteousness not as mere power, but as disciplined conduct sustained by Vedic practice, learning, and generosity.
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s supreme dharma is inner discipline (dama) supported by sacred learning (svādhyāya/adhyayana), sustained ritual responsibility (Agnihotra), and outward generosity (dāna). Kingship is validated by restraint, learning, and beneficence rather than force alone.
Śrīmaheśvara is instructing about the standards of righteous conduct for a king, listing the principal practices that uphold royal dharma: self-control, scriptural study, faithful performance of the Agnihotra rite, and charity.