Shloka 28
यमसभावर्णनम् (Yamasabhā-varṇanam) — Nārada’s Description of Dharmarāja’s Assembly
एते राजर्षय: पुण्या: कीर्तिमन्तो बहुश्रुता: । तस्यां सभायां राजेन्द्र वैवस्चतमुपासते
ete rājarṣayaḥ puṇyāḥ kīrtimanto bahuśrutāḥ | tasyāṃ sabhāyāṃ rājendra vaivasvatam upāsate ||
Nārada said: “These are the holy royal sages—renowned and widely learned—who, O best of kings, attend upon Vaivasvata (Yama) in that assembly. Their presence proclaims that true sovereignty is measured not merely by power, but by merit, learning, and righteous conduct.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical ideal of kingship: the truly great rulers are those who become rājarṣis—virtuous, learned, and renowned for dharma—and such merit aligns them with the cosmic order of justice represented by Vaivasvata (Yama).
Nārada is describing a particular assembly (sabhā) and points out that many holy, famous, and learned royal sages are present there, respectfully attending upon Vaivasvata (Yama), indicating the stature and sanctity of that gathering.