Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 20
The Appearance and Coronation of King Pṛthu (Pṛthu-avatāra) and His Humble Refusal of Premature Praise
सिन्धव: पर्वता नद्यो रथवीथीर्महात्मन: । सूतोऽथ मागधो वन्दी तं स्तोतुमुपतस्थिरे ॥ २० ॥
sindhavaḥ parvatā nadyo ratha-vīthīr mahātmanaḥ sūto ’tha māgadho vandī taṁ stotum upatasthire
Les mers, les montagnes et les rivières lui accordèrent l’espace nécessaire pour mener son char sans obstacle. Puis un sūta, un māgadha et un vandī se présentèrent pour élever prières et louanges. Tous se tinrent devant lui afin d’accomplir leurs fonctions respectives.
FAQs
This verse depicts nature itself honoring a divinely empowered, righteous ruler—showing that when leadership is dharmic and devoted, the world order (including nature) supports and glorifies such a king.
They are traditional court eulogists and heralds—professional bards who recite genealogies, announce virtues, and compose praises for kings—here assembled to glorify Pṛthu Mahārāja.
It teaches that integrity, service-minded leadership, and devotion invite harmony and support—when one lives responsibly and righteously, even one’s environment and community tend to cooperate and uplift that person’s work.