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ATTRIBUTES OF KINGSHIP
169 proclaim him. “Be it so” (the people reply). Him the king-makers proclaim saying: -
"Him do ye proclaim, O men (janāl) as king and father of kings.... The sovereign lord of all beings (Visvasya bhūtasya adhipati) hath been born, the eater of the folk (Viśāmattā) hath been born, the destroyer of enemies (Amitrāņām hantā) hath been born, the protector of the Brāhmaṇas (Brāhmaṇānāṁ goptā) hath been born, the guardian of the law (Dharmasya goptā) hath been born."
Here we have the important attributes of king ship. In the words Visvasya bhūtasya adhipati (supreme lord of all beings) we have a reference to the king's sovereignty and imperium. The expression Viśāmattā, devourer of the folk, alludes to his power of taxation. As Amitrānāṁ hantā he exercises supreme command to weed out enemies. The epithet Brāhmaṇānām goptā gives expression to his special relations with the hierarchy, while the style Dharmasya goptā points to his duties in connection with the preservation of the laws and their proper administration for the promotion of the common weal (Yoga-kshemo).
When the king has been proclaimed there is an address with the formula, abhimantrana.'
Varuna the Wise One Hath set him down, preserving order,
............for kingship............ Then comes the anointment fábhishechana)
The following kings are said to have been consecrated with the Aindra Mahābhisheka ; Janamejaya Pārikshita, Śāryāta Mānava, Śatānika Sātrājita, Ambāshthya, Yudhāmśraushți Augrasainya, Viśyakarmā Bhauvana, Sudās Paijavana, Marutta Āvikshita, Anga Vairochana and Bharata Dauḥshyanti. 2 The first-mentioned king,
1 Ibid., VIII. 18.
2 Ibid., VIII, 21-23. O. P. 90-22.
