Shloka 31
राजा-दैवतत्वम् — The King as a Stabilizing ‘Daivata’ (Divine Function) in Social Order
तस्य दृष्टवा महत्त्वं ते महेन्द्रस्येव देवता: । अपतत्रसिरे सर्वे स्वधर्मे च ददुर्मन:,जैसे देवता देवराज इन्द्रका प्रभाव देखकर प्रभावित हो जाते हैं, उसी प्रकार सब लोग महाराज मनुका महत्त्व देखकर आतंकित हो उठे और अपने-अपने धर्ममें मन लगाने लगे
tasya dṛṣṭvā mahattvaṃ te mahendrasyeva devatāḥ | apatatrāsire sarve svadharme ca dadur manaḥ ||
Beholding his greatness, they—like the gods awed by the majesty of Mahendra (Indra)—were all struck with fear and reverence, and each turned his mind back to his own proper duty (svadharma).
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True greatness in a ruler or exemplary person inspires awe that re-establishes moral order: people become restrained and redirect themselves toward svadharma, their rightful duties.
Bhishma describes how, upon witnessing a person’s extraordinary eminence, everyone reacts as the gods do before Indra—overawed and fearful—and consequently becomes attentive to proper conduct and duty.