Shloka 14
Dhaumya-varaṇa (Appointment of Dhaumya as Purohita) | धौम्यवरणम्
क्षत्रियेणाभिजातेन पृथिवीं जेतुमिच्छता । पूर्व पुरोहित: कार्य: पार्थ राज्याभिवृद्धये,पार्थ! पृथ्वीको जीतनेकी इच्छा रखनेवाले कुलीन क्षत्रियको अपने राज्यकी वृद्धिके लिये पहले (किसी श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मणको) पुरोहित नियुक्त कर लेना चाहिये
kṣatriyeṇābhijātena pṛthivīṃ jetum icchatā | pūrvaṃ purohitaḥ kāryaḥ pārtha rājābhivṛddhaye ||
The Gandharva said: “O Pārtha, a well-born kṣatriya who aspires to conquer the earth should first appoint a purohita (royal priest). For the increase and stability of the kingdom, the guidance of a worthy Brāhmaṇa is to be secured before undertaking expansion and conquest.”
गन्धर्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
Before pursuing conquest and political expansion, a ruler should first establish righteous guidance—symbolized by appointing a qualified purohita—so that power is exercised within dharma and the kingdom’s prosperity is secured.
A Gandharva addresses Pārtha (Arjuna) with counsel on proper royal conduct, stating that a noble kṣatriya intent on conquering should first appoint a purohita to support the kingdom’s growth and ensure actions are aligned with dharma.