Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 12
Dhruva’s Benediction from Kuvera and His Ascension to Viṣṇuloka
Dhruvaloka
तमेवं शीलसम्पन्नं ब्रह्मण्यं दीनवत्सलम् । गोप्तारं धर्मसेतूनां मेनिरे पितरं प्रजा: ॥ १२ ॥
tam evaṁ śīla-sampannaṁ brahmaṇyaṁ dīna-vatsalam goptāraṁ dharma-setūnāṁ menire pitaraṁ prajāḥ
ธรุวะมหาราชทรงเพียบพร้อมด้วยคุณธรรมอันประเสริฐ เคารพผู้ภักดีต่อพระผู้เป็นเจ้า เมตตาต่อผู้ยากไร้และผู้บริสุทธิ์ และทรงพิทักษ์หลักธรรม ด้วยคุณสมบัติเหล่านี้ ประชาชนจึงนับถือพระองค์ดุจบิดาโดยตรง
The personal qualities of Dhruva Mahārāja described herein are the exemplary qualities of a saintly king. Not only a king but also the leaders of a modern democratic or impersonal government must be qualified with all these godly characteristics. Then the citizens of the state can be happy. It is clearly stated here that the citizens thought of Dhruva Mahārāja as their father. As a child, depending on the able father, is completely satisfied, so the citizens of the state, being protected by the state or the king, should remain satisfied in every respect. At the present moment, however, there is no guarantee by the government of even the primary necessities of life in the state, namely, the protection of the lives and property of the citizens.
FAQs
This verse highlights noble character, respect for brāhmaṇas and Vedic principles (brahmaṇya), compassion for the distressed (dīna-vatsala), and active protection of dharma (goptā dharma-setūnām).
Dharma-setu literally means the “bridge/embankment of dharma”—the supports that uphold moral and spiritual order; the king is praised as one who protects these foundations so society remains guided by righteousness.
By actively protecting and uplifting vulnerable people—through charity, fair leadership, ethical conduct, and service—while maintaining integrity and supporting spiritual education and values.