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
जसा पिता आपल्या संततीसारख्या प्रजेला संकटातून वाचवतो, तसा राजा सर्व नागरिकांना दुःखातून सोडवील. आणि जसा गजपती आपल्या कळपातील हत्तींचे रक्षण करतो व स्वतःचेही करतो, तसा धीर व निर्भय राजा प्रजेचे रक्षण करील आणि स्वतःचेही संरक्षण करील.
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.