Shloka 11
द्रोणेन दुर्योधनस्य कवचबन्धनम् — Drona’s Mantra-Bound Armor for Duryodhana
पितरश्न॒ सुखासीनमभिगम्येदमन्रुवन् । सम्राडसि क्षत्रियोडसि राजा गोप्ता पितासि न:,एक दिन सुखपूर्वक बैठे हुए राजा पृथुके पास वनस्पति, पर्वत, देवता, असुर, मनुष्य, सर्प, सप्तर्षि, पुण्यजन (यक्ष), गन्धर्व, अप्सरा तथा पितरोंने आकर इस प्रकार कहा --“महाराज! तुम हमारे सम्राट हो, क्षत्रिय हो तथा राजा, रक्षक और पिता हो। तुम हमें अभीष्ट वर दो, जिससे हमलोग अनन्त कालतक तृप्ति और सुखका अनुभव करें। तुम ऐसा करनेमें समर्थ हो”
pitaraḥ sma sukhāsīnam abhigamya idam abruvan | samrāḍ asi kṣatriyo 'si rājā goptā pitāsi naḥ ||
Nārada said: The Pitṛs approached King Pṛthu as he sat at ease and addressed him thus: “You are our sovereign; you are a kṣatriya; you are our king—our protector and our father. Grant us the boon we desire, by which we may experience lasting satisfaction and well-being. You are capable of doing this.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames ideal kingship as dharmic guardianship: a ruler is not merely a political authority but a protector and paternal caretaker responsible for the welfare and satisfaction of dependents—including revered ancestral beings. Power is justified by the capacity and duty to grant protection and well-being.
Nārada narrates that the Pitṛs (ancestors) approach King Pṛthu while he is seated comfortably and praise his status as sovereign and protector. They then request a desired boon, asserting that he has the ability to fulfill it for their lasting contentment.