Shloka 33
अध्याय ७२ — राजधर्मः: प्रजारक्षण, कर-नीति, दण्ड-नीति, अमात्य-नियोजन
Chapter 72 — Royal Duty: protection of subjects, taxation, punishment, and appointments
तस्माद् राजैव नान्यो<स्ति यो धर्मफलमाप्नुयात् । स राज्यं धृतिमान् प्राप्य धर्मेण परिपालय । इन्द्र तर्पप सोमेन कामैश्न सुहदो जनान्
tasmād rājāiva nānyo 'sti yo dharmaphalam āpnuyāt | sa rājyaṁ dhṛtimān prāpya dharmeṇa paripālaya | indraṁ tarpay somena kāmaiś ca suhṛdo janān ||
Bhīṣma said: “Therefore, it is the king alone—and no one else—who truly attains the fruit of dharma through the exercise of rule. Steadfast in resolve, having obtained the kingdom, protect and govern the people in accordance with righteousness. Satisfy Indra with Soma in sacrifice, and gladden your well-wishers and allies by granting them the desired benefits.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that the king uniquely gains the fruit of dharma because his role directly sustains society. Therefore, sovereignty must be exercised with fortitude and strict adherence to dharma—protecting subjects, maintaining order, and fulfilling both sacred (yajña/offerings) and social obligations (supporting allies and well-wishers).
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on statecraft and ethics, Bhishma addresses the ruler (traditionally Yudhiṣṭhira) and urges him to govern righteously after attaining the kingdom: protect the people, perform sacrifices that honor the gods (Indra with Soma), and keep allies content by granting appropriate rewards.