Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 19
Parīkṣit’s Inquiry into Vṛtrāsura’s Bhakti and the Beginning of Citraketu’s Trial
अपि दारा: प्रजामात्या भृत्या: श्रेण्योऽथ मन्त्रिण: । पौरा जानपदा भूपा आत्मजा वशवर्तिन: ॥ १९ ॥
api dārāḥ prajāmātyā bhṛtyāḥ śreṇyo ’tha mantriṇaḥ paurā jānapadā bhūpā ātmajā vaśa-vartinaḥ
O hari, nasa ilalim ba ng iyong kapangyarihan ang iyong mga asawa, mamamayan, mga kalihim at lingkod, at ang mga samahan ng mangangalakal na nagtitinda ng langis at pampalasa? Nasa ganap mo rin bang kontrol ang mga ministro, mga tao sa palasyo, mga pinunong panlalawigan, ang iyong mga anak, at iba pang umaasa sa iyo?
The master or king and his subordinates should be interdependent. Through cooperation, both of them can be happy.
FAQs
This verse shows the king’s dharma: he must ensure the welfare of wives, subjects, administrators, servants, guild leaders, counselors, and both townspeople and villagers—protecting and maintaining social order.
Receiving great sages, Citraketu first inquires about the well-being of all dependent groups in his realm, reflecting royal etiquette and responsibility even amid his inner grief.
Leaders—at home or work—should actively check on the well-being of those they are responsible for: family, teams, advisors, and community, rather than focusing only on personal concerns.