Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 16

The Sūtas Foretell the Glories and Future Deeds of King Pṛthu

Devanagari script

द‍ृढव्रत: सत्यसन्धो ब्रह्मण्यो वृद्धसेवक: । शरण्य: सर्वभूतानां मानदो दीनवत्सल: ॥ १६ ॥

Transliteration

dṛḍha-vrataḥ satya-sandho brahmaṇyo vṛddha-sevakaḥ śaraṇyaḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ mānado dīna-vatsalaḥ

Translation

Nhà vua sẽ kiên định trong lời nguyện, vững trú nơi chân thật, yêu kính văn hóa Bà-la-môn và phụng sự bậc trưởng lão. Ngài là nơi nương tựa cho mọi chúng sinh quy phục, tôn trọng tất cả, và luôn thương xót người nghèo cùng kẻ vô tội.

Synonyms

• दृढव्रतः: firm in vows
• दृढव्रतः: विशेषण (Viśeṣaṇa/Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: दृढ + व्रत (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुल्लिङ्ग (masculine), प्रथमा विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (singular); कर्मधारय: दृढं व्रतं यस्य (firm-vowed)

• सत्यसन्धः: true to his word
• सत्यसन्धः: विशेषण (Viśeṣaṇa/Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सत्य + सन्ध (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुल्लिङ्ग (masculine), प्रथमा विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (singular); कर्मधारय: सत्ये सन्धिः/प्रतिज्ञा यस्य (true to his promise)

• ब्रह्मण्यः: devoted to Brahmins/vedic dharma
• ब्रह्मण्यः: विशेषण (Viśeṣaṇa/Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: ब्रह्मण्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुल्लिङ्ग (masculine), प्रथमा विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (singular)

• वृद्धसेवकः: servant of the elders
• वृद्धसेवकः: विशेषण (Viśeṣaṇa/Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: वृद्ध + सेवक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुल्लिङ्ग (masculine), प्रथमा विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (singular); तत्पुरुष: वृद्धानां सेवकः = servant of elders

• शरण्यः: a refuge, protector
• शरण्यः: विशेषण (Viśeṣaṇa/Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: शरण्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुल्लिङ्ग (masculine), प्रथमा विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (singular)

• सर्वभूतानाम्: of all beings
• सर्वभूतानाम्: सम्बन्ध (Ṣaṣṭhī/Relation)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सर्व + भूत (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग (neuter), षष्ठी विभक्ति (Genitive/6th), बहुवचन (plural); तत्पुरुष: सर्वेषां भूतानाम् = of all beings

• मानदः: giver of honor
• मानदः: विशेषण (Viśeṣaṇa/Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: मान + द (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुल्लिङ्ग (masculine), प्रथमा विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (singular); उपपद-तत्पुरुष: मानं ददाति = giver of honor

• दीनवत्सलः: compassionate to the needy
• दीनवत्सलः: विशेषण (Viśeṣaṇa/Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: दीन + वत्सल (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुल्लिङ्ग (masculine), प्रथमा विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (singular); तत्पुरुष: दीनान् प्रति वत्सलः = affectionate to the poor

Purport

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.

Characters & Entities

• Pṛthu Mahārāja

FAQs

What are the qualities of an ideal ruler described in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 4?

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.

Why does Śukadeva Gosvāmī praise Pṛthu Mahārāja’s character in this chapter?

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.

How can I apply “dṛḍha-vrata” and “satya-sandha” in modern life?

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.