Shloka 37
धर्मनिन्दा–धर्मोपासनाफलम् तथा साध्वाचारलक्षणम्
Fruits of Disparaging vs. Observing Dharma; Marks of Good Conduct
आर्तहस्तप्रदो नित्यं प्रजा धर्मेण पालयन् । सत्य: सत्यानि कुरुते नित्यं यः सुखदर्शन:
ārtahastaprado nityaṁ prajā dharmeṇa pālayan | satyaḥ satyāni kurute nityaṁ yaḥ sukhadarśanaḥ ||
Il est toujours prêt à tendre la main aux affligés ; il protège ses sujets selon le dharma ; ferme dans la vérité, il agit et parle sans cesse avec véracité ; et par sa seule présence il devient un réconfort pour tous ceux qui le voient. Une telle conduite marque le kṣatriya idéal, digne de régner.
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines righteous kingship: a ruler should actively aid the distressed, protect the people through dharma, remain unwaveringly truthful in conduct and speech, and be so well-disposed that his very presence brings reassurance and happiness.
Śrī Maheśvara is describing the ethical marks of an exemplary kṣatriya/king, emphasizing public welfare, dharmic governance, and satya as the foundation of legitimate rule.