The Royal Expedition of Varahamihira with Utpala's Commentary

Yogayātrā Commentary 15

When a minister or a high official commits an offense or a harmful act 29 at a later time, and if that person is a prominent or chief figure among the people, the King original: "Mantriṇeśvareṇa" - the lord of ministers/the King should wait for the proper time. When a suitable opportunity arises or a different pretext is found, the King should then impose the great punishment. At that time, his removal or downfall is justified 29. To demonstrate that this is the advice given to a patient and forgiving King, it is said: An elephant deprived of its rut, a serpent deprived of its venom, or a treasury that is empty—these fall into contempt. A lord of men should not fail to exercise punishment. 30

A lord of men, the King, when an offense is witnessed, if he does not act with punishment, he falls into a state of defeat or humiliation. Just as an elephant without its temporal juice rut or 'mada', a sign of strength and virility in war elephants, a snake without its poison, or a king whose treasury and inner circle original: "kośa" are depleted, he becomes someone whom others disregard. 30

Now, the praise of punishment Danda: the rod of power or criminal justice is stated: Why do mortals, who possess the same bellies, hands, and feet, bow down to a single man? It is because they are convinced of his power to punish. This administration of justice, when free from cruelty and applied to the offense, leads to welfare. 31

Mortals—men who have similar bellies, hands, and feet—why do they bow and offer respect to one who is physically the same? It is because they fear punishment; out of that fear, many bow to one King. As Kamandaka A famous ancient author on statecraft says:

By whose grace the world remains on the eternal path, that King is a god who bears the fortune of Great Indra upon the earth.

If a King is excessively cruel in his punishments, he is not fit for the village or the office; the people become agitated and call it unrighteousness. Therefore, punishment that is proportionate to the offense leads to welfare and prosperity. It means there should be neither excessive harshness nor total leniency. As the Lord Vyasa The legendary sage and author of the Mahabharata said:

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A King should not overlook offenses, but should devise punishments according to the fault. 31

Now, the King's performance of the five sacrifices Pancha-yajna: here adapted as the five royal duties is described: The punishment of the wicked, the honoring of the good, the increase of the treasury by lawful means, impartiality toward those who seek justice, and the protection of the kingdom—these are said to be the five sacrifices of Kings. 32

These are called the five "sacrifices" for Kings. What are they? The punishment of the wicked; the honoring and respect of the virtuous; the proper growth of the treasury original: "kosa" through just means; maintaining an even hand and righteous deliberation when petitioners come to court; and the thorough protection of the subjects in the kingdom. 32

Showing that the King should maintain peace while overseeing legal affairs: In the morning, having attended to the sacred fires, the King should divide his time between the science of war and other duties. He should perform all tasks in their proper order every day, remaining self-controlled. 33

The King, while overseeing legal affairs, should avoid obstacles and follow the scriptures. Every day, he should carry out all tasks in sequence. He should be diligent in the morning, dividing his time for the study of military science, bathing, worship of gods, sages, and ancestors, feeding guests, and attending to the assembly original: "gosthi". 33

Now, the rules for the ritual of shaving Kshaurakarma: the ceremonial cutting of hair and beard are given: The King's shaving should be done every fifth day. It should be avoided on inauspicious stars, during travel, or during war. 34

For the King, the shaving of the head and beard should be performed every fifth day. If it is not done on the fifth day, it may be done at the rising of a favorable omen. This should not be performed during a journey or in the midst of a battle.