Shloka 14
Guṇa-vibhāga and Prāṇa–Agni–Yoga Upadeśa (गुणविभाग तथा प्राण-अग्नि-योगोपदेश)
ईदृशो न हि राजेन्द्र धर्म: क्वचन दृश्यते । प्रजानां पालने यो वै पुरा राजर्षिभि: कृत:,राजेन्द्र! पूर्वकालके राजर्षियोंने जिस धर्मका पालन किया है, वह प्रजाजनोंके पालनमें ही सुलभ है। ऐसा धर्म और किसी कार्यमें नहीं दिखायी देता
īdṛśo na hi rājendra dharmaḥ kvacana dṛśyate | prajānāṃ pālane yo vai purā rājarṣibhiḥ kṛtaḥ |
“O king of kings, such a dharma is not seen anywhere else: the dharma established long ago by the royal sages is found most clearly in the protection and care of the people. In safeguarding subjects—ensuring their welfare and security—this ancient royal duty becomes visible in its truest form.”
उत्तड़क उवाच
Educational Q&A
True royal dharma is most authentically expressed in prajā-pālana—protecting, sustaining, and ensuring the welfare of the people. Other acts may appear righteous, but the king’s distinctive moral duty is governance oriented toward public good.
Uttaṅka addresses a king (rājendra) and emphasizes an ancient standard of kingship: the tradition of rājarṣis who made the protection of subjects the central measure of dharma. The statement functions as counsel and moral pressure on the ruler to act for the people’s welfare.