Shloka 15
Guṇa-vibhāga and Prāṇa–Agni–Yoga Upadeśa (गुणविभाग तथा प्राण-अग्नि-योगोपदेश)
रक्षितव्या: प्रजा राज्ञा तास्त्व॑ रक्षितुमहसि । निरुद्धिग्नस्तपश्चर्तु न हि शक्नोमि पार्थिव
rakṣitavyāḥ prajā rājñā tāstvāṁ rakṣitum arhasi | niruddhignaḥ tapaś cartuṁ na hi śaknomi pārthiva ||
Uttanka said: “A king must protect his subjects; therefore you are bound to protect them. With my way blocked and my mind distressed, I cannot proceed to my austerities, O sovereign.”
उत्तड़क उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse asserts rājadharma: a king’s foremost obligation is the protection of his subjects. When that duty is neglected, it obstructs social order and even impedes the spiritual pursuits of others.
Uttanka confronts a ruler, reminding him that safeguarding the people is the king’s responsibility. Because conditions are unsafe or obstructive, Uttanka says he cannot continue his ascetic observances until the king fulfills his protective duty.