Shloka 35
Vāmadeva’s Rājadharma: Norm-Setting, Counsel, and the Prevention of Rāṣṭra-Vināśa (वामदेव-प्रोक्तं राजधर्मम्)
जो राजा हृदयको प्रिय लगनेवाले न होनेपर भी गुणवान् पुरुषोंको प्रीतिजनक बर्तावद्वारा अपने वशमें कर लेता है, वह दीर्घकालतक यशस्वी बना रहता है ।।
yo rājā hṛdayako priya laganevāle na honepar bhī guṇavān puruṣoṃko prītijanaka bartāvad dvārā apane vaśa meṃ kara letā hai, sa dīrghakāla tak yaśasvī banā rahatā hai. nākāle praṇayed arthān nāpriye jātu sañjvaret. priye nātibhṛśaṃ tuṣyed yujyetārogyakarmaṇi.
Vāmadeva teaches that a king who, even without being personally lovable, wins over worthy and virtuous men through conduct that pleases and reassures them remains renowned for a long time. He further advises royal self-discipline: the king should not seek revenue at the wrong time, should never burn with anxiety when something unpleasant occurs, should not become excessively elated when something pleasant happens, and should apply himself to practices that preserve his health.
वामदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s lasting fame depends on winning the cooperation of virtuous people through pleasing, confidence-building conduct, and on personal discipline: levy revenues only at appropriate times, remain steady in adversity and prosperity, and actively maintain health.
In the Śānti Parva’s rājadharma instruction, the sage Vāmadeva is speaking, offering practical counsel on how a king should manage people, revenue, emotions, and bodily well-being to sustain stable rule and enduring reputation.