Shloka 23
राजा-दैवतत्वम् — The King as a Stabilizing ‘Daivata’ (Divine Function) in Social Order
भीष्म उवाच तमन्लुवन् प्रजा मा भे: कर्त्नेनो गमिष्यति । पशूनामधिपज्चाशद्धिरण्यस्य तथैव च
bhīṣma uvāca tam anluvan prajā mā bheḥ kṛtsnena gamīṣyati | paśūnām adhipaś cāśad dhiraṇyasya tathaiva ca ||
भीष्म बोले—हे प्रजाजनो! भय मत करो। इनके पीछे चलकर तुम सब अभीष्ट फल को पूर्ण रूप से प्राप्त करोगे। यह पशुओं का भी स्वामी होगा और उसी प्रकार सुवर्ण का भी।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A righteous leader should calm public fear and guide society toward stability and prosperity; good governance is marked by the ability to secure welfare and wealth (symbolized by cattle and gold) for the community.
Bhīṣma addresses the people/subjects, reassuring them not to be afraid and indicating that by following a certain person (a prospective ruler/leader), they will attain complete welfare, including material prosperity represented by cattle and gold.