Shloka 16
Rukmāṅgada–Vāmadeva Saṃvāda: Ahimsa, Hunting, and the Fruit of Dvādaśī-Bhakti
आत्मनावाथ पुत्रेण गोपनीयाः प्रजा शुभे । प्रजा अरक्षन्नृपतिः सधर्म्मोऽपि व्रजत्यधः ॥ १६ ॥
ātmanāvātha putreṇa gopanīyāḥ prajā śubhe | prajā arakṣannṛpatiḥ sadharmmo'pi vrajatyadhaḥ || 16 ||
Oh, auspiciosa, el pueblo debe ser protegido—por el propio rey o por su hijo. El soberano que no salvaguarda a sus súbditos, aunque sea justo en lo demás, desciende igualmente.
Narada
Vrata: none
Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"vira","secondary_rasa":"shanta","emotional_journey":"A strong imperative about safeguarding subjects is stated, then culminates in a stark warning of downfall for neglect—turning duty into moral consequence."}
FAQs
It teaches that dharma is proven through responsibility: safeguarding one’s dependents is a core measure of righteousness, and neglect of protection brings spiritual and karmic decline.
While not directly naming bhakti, it aligns with bhakti-ethics: service, protection, and compassion toward others are expressions of devotion in action, not merely private piety.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana or Jyotisha) is taught here; the practical takeaway is Raja-dharma—administration and protection as an applied discipline of dharma.