Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 45
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
सर्वा: समुद्धरेद् राजा पितेव व्यसनात् प्रजा: । आत्मानमात्मना धीरो यथा गजपतिर्गजान् ॥ ४५ ॥
sarvāḥ samuddhared rājā piteva vyasanāt prajāḥ ātmānam ātmanā dhīro yathā gaja-patir gajān
Sebagaimana seorang ayah menyelamatkan anak-anaknya dari kesusahan, demikian pula raja harus menyelamatkan seluruh rakyat dari penderitaan. Dan sebagaimana gajah jantan pemimpin melindungi kawanan gajah serta melindungi dirinya sendiri, demikian pula raja yang teguh dan tak gentar harus melindungi warga dan juga menjaga dirinya.
Lord Kṛṣṇa, having concluded His discussion of brahminical duties, now describes the character and activities of a king. Protecting all of the citizens from difficulty is an essential duty for the king.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a king must rescue and protect all citizens from calamities, caring for them like a father cares for his children.
In the Uddhava-gītā section, Kṛṣṇa explains varṇāśrama-dharma and right conduct; here He outlines rāja-dharma—protection of subjects and personal self-mastery as the basis of righteous rule.
Leaders should prioritize the welfare of those under their care and practice self-governance—discipline, restraint, and steadiness—before attempting to guide others.