Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 15
Lord Viṣṇu Instructs Pṛthu: Forgiveness, Ātmā-Deha Viveka, and the Bhakti Ideal of Kingship
एवं द्विजाग्र्यानुमतानुवृत्त धर्मप्रधानोऽन्यतमोऽवितास्या: । ह्रस्वेन कालेन गृहोपयातान् द्रष्टासि सिद्धाननुरक्तलोक: ॥ १५ ॥
evaṁ dvijāgryānumatānuvṛtta- dharma-pradhāno ’nyatamo ’vitāsyāḥ hrasvena kālena gṛhopayātān draṣṭāsi siddhān anurakta-lokaḥ
O Senhor Viṣṇu prosseguiu: Meu querido rei Pṛthu, se continuares a proteger os cidadãos segundo as instruções dos brāhmaṇas eruditos, recebidas pela sucessão discipular por meio da audição, e se seguires os princípios de dharma por eles estabelecidos, sem apego a ideias fabricadas pela mente, então todos os teus súditos serão felizes e te amarão; e em pouco tempo poderás ver personalidades já libertas, como os quatro Kumāras (Sanaka, Sanātana, Sanandana e Sanat-kumāra).
Lord Viṣṇu advised King Pṛthu that everyone should follow the principles of varṇāśrama-dharma; then, in whatever capacity one remains within this material world, his salvation is guaranteed after death. In this age, however, since the system of varṇāśrama-dharma is topsy-turvy, it is very difficult to strictly follow all the principles. The only method for becoming perfect in life is to develop Kṛṣṇa consciousness. As varṇāśrama-dharma is executed from different positions by different men, so the Kṛṣṇa consciousness principles can be followed by everyone in every part of the world.
FAQs
This verse praises the king as an avitā (protector) who makes dharma foremost and follows the guidance of foremost brāhmaṇas—showing that righteous protection and humility before saintly counsel define ideal rule.
After being honored by Pṛthu, the Kumāras acknowledge his dharma-centered leadership and assure him that soon he will return home and again meet perfected sages—affirming divine support for his righteous reign.
Make principled conduct your priority, seek guidance from spiritually grounded teachers, and lead your responsibilities as service—then relationships and community naturally become harmonious and supportive.