Shloka 37
धर्मनिन्दा–धर्मोपासनाफलम् तथा साध्वाचारलक्षणम्
Fruits of Disparaging vs. Observing Dharma; Marks of Good Conduct
आर्तहस्तप्रदो नित्यं प्रजा धर्मेण पालयन् । सत्य: सत्यानि कुरुते नित्यं यः सुखदर्शन:
ārtahastaprado nityaṁ prajā dharmeṇa pālayan | satyaḥ satyāni kurute nityaṁ yaḥ sukhadarśanaḥ ||
Siya’y laging handang mag-abot ng tulong sa mga nagdurusa; pinangangalagaan niya ang mga nasasakupan ayon sa dharma; matatag sa katotohanan, palagi siyang nagsasalita at kumikilos nang tapat; at sa pagtanaw pa lamang sa kanya, nagiging ginhawa na siya sa lahat. Ang ganitong asal ang tanda ng huwarang kṣatriya—karapat-dapat maghari.
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines righteous kingship: a ruler should actively aid the distressed, protect the people through dharma, remain unwaveringly truthful in conduct and speech, and be so well-disposed that his very presence brings reassurance and happiness.
Śrī Maheśvara is describing the ethical marks of an exemplary kṣatriya/king, emphasizing public welfare, dharmic governance, and satya as the foundation of legitimate rule.