Shloka 4
Babhruvāhana Meets a Preta: Vṛṣotsarga, Heirless Death, and the Signs of Preta-Affliction
न पापकृत्कश्चिदासीत्तस्मिन्राज्यं प्रशासति / नासीच्चौरभयं तार्क्ष्य न क्षुद्रभयमेव हि
na pāpakṛtkaścidāsīttasminrājyaṃ praśāsati / nāsīccaurabhayaṃ tārkṣya na kṣudrabhayameva hi
اے تارکشیہ (گرُڑ)! جب وہ اس راجیہ پر حکومت کرتا تھا تو کوئی بھی گناہ کرنے والا نہ تھا۔ نہ چوروں کا خوف تھا، اور حقیقتاً ذرّہ بھر بھی خوف نہ تھا۔
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda)
Concept: Dharmic kingship removes causes of sin and fear; social peace arises when adharma is restrained at the root.
Vedantic Theme: Loka-saṅgraha (maintenance of social order) as an expression of sattva and dharma; fearlessness (abhaya) as a fruit of righteousness.
Application: Cultivate ethical leadership and just institutions; reduce fear by preventing wrongdoing and ensuring fair protection for all.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: kingdom/realm of governance
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (dharma/raja-dharma passages where righteous rule yields prosperity and safety)
FAQs
This verse links fearlessness to dharmic governance and moral conduct: when Dharma prevails, sinful actions and social threats like theft naturally subside, creating a life free from even minor fears.
By stating that no pāpakṛt (sinner) existed under righteous rule, the verse implies that a Dharma-aligned environment discourages karmically harmful actions, reducing causes that lead to suffering and fear.
Cultivate Dharma in daily life—truthfulness, non-harming, and fair conduct—because ethical behavior reduces conflict and anxiety, producing a more secure home and community.