Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 15
Lord Viṣṇu Instructs Pṛthu: Forgiveness, Ātmā-Deha Viveka, and the Bhakti Ideal of Kingship
एवं द्विजाग्र्यानुमतानुवृत्त धर्मप्रधानोऽन्यतमोऽवितास्या: । ह्रस्वेन कालेन गृहोपयातान् द्रष्टासि सिद्धाननुरक्तलोक: ॥ १५ ॥
evaṁ dvijāgryānumatānuvṛtta- dharma-pradhāno ’nyatamo ’vitāsyāḥ hrasvena kālena gṛhopayātān draṣṭāsi siddhān anurakta-lokaḥ
Śrī Viṣṇu bersabda—Wahai Raja Pṛthu! Jika engkau melindungi rakyat menurut petunjuk para brāhmaṇa utama yang diterima melalui paramparā (mendengar dari guru ke murid), serta mengikuti dharma yang mereka tetapkan tanpa terikat pada rekaan pikiran, maka seluruh rakyatmu akan berbahagia dan mencintaimu; dan dalam waktu singkat engkau akan dapat melihat para siddha yang telah bebas, seperti empat Kumāra (Sanaka dan lainnya).
Lord Viṣṇu advised King Pṛthu that everyone should follow the principles of varṇāśrama-dharma; then, in whatever capacity one remains within this material world, his salvation is guaranteed after death. In this age, however, since the system of varṇāśrama-dharma is topsy-turvy, it is very difficult to strictly follow all the principles. The only method for becoming perfect in life is to develop Kṛṣṇa consciousness. As varṇāśrama-dharma is executed from different positions by different men, so the Kṛṣṇa consciousness principles can be followed by everyone in every part of the world.
FAQs
This verse praises the king as an avitā (protector) who makes dharma foremost and follows the guidance of foremost brāhmaṇas—showing that righteous protection and humility before saintly counsel define ideal rule.
After being honored by Pṛthu, the Kumāras acknowledge his dharma-centered leadership and assure him that soon he will return home and again meet perfected sages—affirming divine support for his righteous reign.
Make principled conduct your priority, seek guidance from spiritually grounded teachers, and lead your responsibilities as service—then relationships and community naturally become harmonious and supportive.