Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 61
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
कन्दर्प इव सौन्दर्ये मनस्वी मृगराडिव । वात्सल्ये मनुवन्नृणां प्रभुत्वे भगवानज: ॥ ६१ ॥
kandarpa iva saundarye manasvī mṛga-rāḍ iva vātsalye manuvan nṛṇāṁ prabhutve bhagavān ajaḥ
Dalam keelokan jasmani ia bagaikan Kandarpa; dalam keteguhan batin ia seperti singa. Dalam kasih sayang ia laksana Svāyambhuva Manu, dan dalam kewibawaan mengendalikan ia seperti Bhagavān Brahmā.
FAQs
This verse praises Pṛthu Mahārāja as embodying beauty (like Kandarpa), valor (like a lion), parental affection for citizens (like Manu), and commanding sovereignty (like Brahmā), presenting a model of dharmic leadership.
Śukadeva uses well-known exemplars to highlight distinct royal virtues in Pṛthu—attractiveness, fearless strength, fatherly care for subjects, and authoritative rule—so listeners understand the completeness of his saintly kingship.
Lead with integrity and responsibility: be personally exemplary, protect those under your care, act with courage in difficult decisions, and govern (family, workplace, community) with affectionate concern rather than exploitation.