Shloka 31

Characteristics of the King and His Servants

Rāja-dharma, Nīti, and Ethical Revenue

Devanagari script

सुखप्रवृत्तैः साध्यन्तै शत्रवो विग्रहे स्थितैः

Transliteration

sukhapravṛttaiḥ sādhyantai śatravo vigrahe sthitaiḥ

Translation

Quand on s’adonne aux plaisirs, les ennemis—toujours appliqués à accomplir leurs desseins—se tiennent prêts au conflit.

Word by Word

• सुखप्रवृत्तैः: by those engaged in pleasure
• सुखप्रवृत्तैः: Karana/Hetu (Instrument/Cause/करण/हेतु)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सुख + प्रवृत्त (प्रातिपदिक; √वृत्/√वृत्त् से)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया-विभक्ति, बहुवचन; instrumental plural; विशेषण (qualifying ‘शत्रवः’); ‘सुखे प्रवृत्ताः’ (सप्तमी/अधिकरण-तत्पुरुष)

• साध्यन्तैः: by those who are to be subdued/overcome
• साध्यन्तैः: Karana/Hetu (Instrument/Cause/करण/हेतु)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: साध्यन्त (प्रातिपदिक; √साध् से)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया-विभक्ति, बहुवचन; instrumental plural; विशेषण (qualifying ‘शत्रवः’)

• शत्रवः: enemies
• शत्रवः: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शत्रु (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (कर्ता), बहुवचन; nominative plural

• विग्रहे: in conflict/war
• विग्रहे: Adhikarana (Locative/अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: विग्रह (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, सप्तमी-विभक्ति (अधिकरण), एकवचन; locative singular

• स्थितैः: by those who are stationed/standing
• स्थितैः: Karana/Hetu (Instrument/Cause/करण/हेतु)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: स्थित (प्रातिपदिक; √स्था से)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया-विभक्ति, बहुवचन; instrumental plural; विशेषण (qualifying ‘शत्रवः’)

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinatā-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: सुखासक्तेः प्रमादः; प्रमादे शत्रवः अवसरं लभन्ते—राजा/गृहस्थः अपि सततं सावधानः स्यात्।

Vedantic Theme: प्रमादः पतनहेतुः; इन्द्रियासक्ति-निग्रह as supportive to dharma

Application: Maintain situational awareness; balance recreation with preparedness; in organizations, monitor risks while pursuing comfort or growth.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: bhayanaka

Secondary Rasa: vira

Geographic Context

Type: kingdom/strategic arena

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Dharma/rajanīti passages): प्रमाद-निन्दा and vigilance themes (general parallel)

FAQs

What is the importance of self-control in the Garuda Purana?

This verse warns that indulgence in pleasure makes a person vulnerable, while adversaries remain focused and prepared—so restraint and alertness are essential for dharmic stability.

How does this verse relate to the Garuda Purana’s broader moral instruction?

It reinforces the Purana’s recurring theme that attachment to सुख (sensual ease) weakens discernment, inviting harm—whether from external opponents or one’s own destructive tendencies.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Limit distractions and overindulgence, maintain disciplined routines, and stay alert to risks—so goals and duties are not undermined by complacency.