Shloka 5
Babhruvāhana Meets a Preta: Vṛṣotsarga, Heirless Death, and the Signs of Preta-Affliction
नासीद्व्याधिभयञ्चापि तस्मिञ्जनपदेश्वरे / स्वधर्मे रेमिरे चासीत्तेजसा भास्करोपमः
nāsīdvyādhibhayañcāpi tasmiñjanapadeśvare / svadharme remire cāsīttejasā bhāskaropamaḥ
அந்த அரசாட்சியுள்ள நாட்டில் நோய் பயமும் இல்லை. மக்கள் தம் தம் ஸ்வதர்மத்தில் மகிழ்ந்தனர்; அந்நாட்டு அரசன் சூரியனைப் போலத் தேஜஸால் ஒளிர்ந்தான்.
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: When people delight in svadharma and leadership is tejas-filled, social and bodily wellbeing flourish; dharma sustains ārogya.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva and tejas as harmonizing forces; alignment with one’s ordained duty reduces inner conflict and supports order (ṛta/dharma).
Application: Encourage role-ethics (responsibility matched to capacity), public health, and leadership accountability; cultivate disciplined living that supports health.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: country/province (janapada)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana sections praising dharma as the root of wellbeing and prosperity
FAQs
The verse links social harmony and fearlessness (even from disease) with people abiding in sva-dharma, implying that collective righteousness sustains wellbeing.
While the Preta Kanda often describes post-death consequences, this verse highlights the opposite principle: when dharma prevails under a radiant, just ruler, worldly distress diminishes.
Practice sva-dharma—ethical living, honest work, and responsibility—while supporting just leadership and community discipline, as these are presented as foundations for public wellbeing.