Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 6
Dhruva-vaṁśa Continuation: Utkala’s Renunciation, Aṅga’s Sacrifice, and the Birth of Vena
Prelude to Pṛthu
मैत्रेय उवाच ध्रुवस्य चोत्कल: पुत्र: पितरि प्रस्थिते वनम् । सार्वभौमश्रियं नैच्छदधिराजासनं पितु: ॥ ६ ॥
maitreya uvāca dhruvasya cotkalaḥ putraḥ pitari prasthite vanam sārvabhauma-śriyaṁ naicchad adhirājāsanaṁ pituḥ
マイトレーヤ仙は答えた――親愛なるヴィドゥラよ、マハーラージャ・ドゥルヴァが森へ旅立ったとき、その子ウトカラは、この地上の諸国を統べる者のための父の栄華ある王座を受け取ろうとはしなかった。
FAQs
This verse states that Utkala, though eligible for Dhruva’s imperial throne, did not desire universal sovereignty, showing detachment from worldly dominion.
Because Utkala was not attracted to political power or the splendor of rulership; his disposition was renounced, so he declined the imperial seat.
It teaches prioritizing spiritual goals over status—doing one’s duty without obsession for promotion, prestige, or control, and cultivating inner contentment.