Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 16
The Sūtas Foretell the Glories and Future Deeds of King Pṛthu
दृढव्रत: सत्यसन्धो ब्रह्मण्यो वृद्धसेवक: । शरण्य: सर्वभूतानां मानदो दीनवत्सल: ॥ १६ ॥
dṛḍha-vrataḥ satya-sandho brahmaṇyo vṛddha-sevakaḥ śaraṇyaḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ mānado dīna-vatsalaḥ
พระราชาจะทรงมั่นคงในปณิธาน ตั้งอยู่ในสัจจะ รักและคุ้มครองวัฒนธรรมพราหมณ์ ทรงปรนนิบัติผู้เฒ่า เป็นที่พึ่งแก่ผู้มอบตน ทรงให้เกียรติแก่ทุกคน และทรงเมตตาต่อผู้ยากไร้และผู้บริสุทธิ์เสมอ
The word vṛddha-sevakaḥ is very significant. Vṛddha means “old men.” There are two kinds of old men: one is old by age, and another is old by knowledge. This Sanskrit word indicates that one can be older by the advancement of knowledge. King Pṛthu was very respectful to the brāhmaṇas, and he protected them. He also protected persons advanced in age. Whatever the King would decide to do, no one would be able to stop. That is called dṛḍha-saṅkalpa, or dṛḍha-vrata.
FAQs
This verse highlights firmness in vows, truthfulness, devotion to brāhmaṇas and dharma, service to elders, giving shelter to all beings, honoring others, and special compassion for the poor—traits embodied by Pṛthu Mahārāja.
In Canto 4, Chapter 16, Śukadeva describes Pṛthu’s virtues to establish him as a righteous, God-centered king whose leadership protects citizens and supports Vedic principles.
Keep clear, ethical commitments and follow through consistently—especially in truthfulness, responsibility, and compassion—while showing respect to elders and extending practical help to those in difficulty.