Shloka 40
सत्यं पालयति प्रीत्या नित्यं भूमिं प्रयच्छति । पूजयेदतिथीन् भृत्यान् स राज्ञो धर्म उच्यते,राजा जो प्रेमपूर्वक सत्यका पालन करता है, प्रतिदिन भूदान देता है और अतिथियों तथा भरण-पोषणके योग्य व्यक्तियोंका सत्कार करता है, वह राजाका धर्म कहलाता है
satyaṁ pālayati prītyā nityaṁ bhūmiṁ prayacchati | pūjayed atithīn bhṛtyān sa rājño dharma ucyate ||
Utathya declares that a king’s true dharma is this: with goodwill he upholds truth, he gives land in charity day after day, and he honors guests and those who depend on him for support. Such conduct—truthfulness, generosity, and respectful care for others—is what is called the righteous duty of a ruler.
उतथ्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s dharma is defined by ethical governance: steadfast truthfulness, continual generosity (especially land-gifts), and respectful hospitality and care for guests and dependents.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on royal conduct, the sage Utathya states a concise standard for kingship, describing the behaviors by which a king is recognized as righteous.