Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 91
Pāpa-bheda, Naraka-yātanā, Mahāpātaka-vicāra, Atonement Limits, Daśa-vidhā Bhakti, and Gaṅgā as Final Remedy
ग्रामेषु भूपालवरो यः कुर्यादधिकं करम् । स सहस्त्रकुलो भुङ्क्तेनरकं कल्पपञ्चसु ॥ ९१ ॥
grāmeṣu bhūpālavaro yaḥ kuryādadhikaṃ karam | sa sahastrakulo bhuṅktenarakaṃ kalpapañcasu || 91 ||
Vị vua đứng đầu nào đánh thuế quá mức lên các làng mạc—người ấy cùng một ngàn đời dòng tộc phải chịu địa ngục trong năm kiếp (kalpa).
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It frames taxation as a moral act under Rajadharma: exploiting subjects through excessive levies becomes a grave adharma that yields long-term karmic suffering, extending even to one’s lineage.
By implication, devotion is not separate from ethics: a ruler devoted to Dharma (and thus fit for Vishnu-bhakti) must protect subjects and avoid oppression; cruelty and greed obstruct purity needed for devotional life.
It highlights Dharma-shastra style applied governance (Rajadharma) rather than a specific Vedanga; the practical takeaway is calibrated, lawful revenue collection aligned with social welfare and ritual-economic balance.