Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 14
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
मुनय ऊचु: नृपवर्य निबोधैतद्यत्ते विज्ञापयाम भो: । आयु:श्रीबलकीर्तीनां तव तात विवर्धनम् ॥ १४ ॥
munaya ūcuḥ nṛpa-varya nibodhaitad yat te vijñāpayāma bhoḥ āyuḥ-śrī-bala-kīrtīnāṁ tava tāta vivardhanam
Para resi agung berkata: Wahai raja terbaik, dengarkan nasihat suci kami dengan saksama. Dengan demikian, wahai putra, umurmu, kemakmuran, kekuatan, dan kemasyhuran akan bertambah.
According to Vedic civilization, in a monarchy the king is advised by saintly persons and sages. By taking their advice, he can become the greatest executive power, and everyone in his kingdom will be happy, peaceful and prosperous. The great kings were very responsible in taking the instructions given by great saintly personalities. The kings used to accept the instructions given by great sages like Parāśara, Vyāsadeva, Nārada, Devala and Asita. In other words, they would first accept the authority of saintly persons and then execute their monarchical power. Unfortunately, in the present Age of Kali, the head of government does not follow the instructions given by the saintly persons; therefore neither the citizens nor the men of government are very happy. Their duration of life is shortened, and almost everyone is wretched and bereft of bodily strength and spiritual power. If citizens want to be happy and prosperous in this democratic age, they should not elect rascals and fools who have no respect for saintly persons.
FAQs
This verse shows that saintly sages give counsel meant for a ruler’s true welfare—enhancing life, prosperity, strength, and good reputation when the king humbly listens.
In the context of Pṛthu’s rise as an ideal ruler, the sages prepare him to hear beneficial instruction, assuring him that their message will increase his auspicious qualities and success in kingship.
Seek advice from wise, principled mentors and receive it with humility—good counsel strengthens character, improves outcomes, and builds lasting respect.