Shloka 6
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
मरुत्तेन हि राज्ञा वै गीत: श्लोक: पुरातन: । राजाधिकारे राजेन्द्र बृहस्पतिमते पुरा,राजेन्द्र! पूर्वकालमें राजा मरुत्तने एक प्राचीन श्लोकका गान किया था, जो बृहस्पतिके मतानुसार राजाके अधिकारके विषयमें प्रकाश डालता है
maruttena hi rājñā vai gītaḥ ślokaḥ purātanaḥ | rājādhikāre rājendra bṛhaspatimate purā ||
Bhīṣma said: “O king, in former times King Marutta sang an ancient verse—one that, in accordance with Bṛhaspati’s counsel, illuminates the rightful scope and limits of royal authority.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Royal power is not arbitrary; it is to be understood through established nīti and dharma—here framed as an ancient, authoritative verse aligned with Bṛhaspati’s counsel on the proper bounds of kingship.
Bhīṣma, instructing the king on rājadharma in Śānti Parva, introduces an old verse once recited by King Marutta, presenting it as a traditional and respected statement about the king’s rightful authority.