Shloka 132
अध्याय ७४: अक्रोध–क्षमा–निवासनीति
Chapter 74: Non-anger, Forbearance, and the Ethics of Residence
भरतस्यान्ववाये हि देवकल्पा महौजस: । बभूवुर्ब्रह्म कल्पा श्व बहवो राजसत्तमा:,भरतके कुलमें देवताओंके समान महापराक्रमी तथा ब्रह्माजीके समान तेजस्वी बहुत- से राजर्षि हो गये हैं; जिनके सम्पूर्ण नामोंकी गणना असम्भव है। जनमेजय! इनमें जो मुख्य हैं, उन्हींके नामोंका तुमसे वर्णन करूँगा। वे सभी महाभाग नरेश देवताओंके समान तेजस्वी तथा सत्य, सरलता आदि धर्मामें तत्पर रहनेवाले थे
bharatasyānvavāye hi devakalpā mahaujasaḥ | babhūvur brahmakalpāś ca bahavo rājasattamāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: In Bharata’s lineage there arose many kings of the highest order—mighty in prowess like the gods and radiant like Brahmā. Their names in full cannot be exhaustively counted. O Janamejaya, I shall therefore recount to you only the foremost among them. Those fortunate rulers were godlike in splendor and steadfast in dharma—devoted to truthfulness, straightforwardness, and other virtues.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Excellence in kingship is measured not only by power and splendor but by steadfast commitment to dharma—truthfulness, simplicity, and moral discipline—presented as the defining virtues of exemplary rulers.
Vaiśampāyana, addressing King Janamejaya, introduces the greatness of Bharata’s descendants, noting that they are too numerous to list fully and announcing that he will name only the principal kings renowned for their divine-like prowess and ethical conduct.