Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 48
Kṛṣṇa Teases Rukmiṇī; Her Devotional Reply and the Lord’s Assurance
व्यूढायाश्चापि पुंश्चल्या मनोऽभ्येति नवं नवम् । बुधोऽसतीं न बिभृयात् तां बिभ्रदुभयच्युत: ॥ ४८ ॥
vyūḍhāyāś cāpi puṁścalyā mano ’bhyeti navaṁ navam budho ’satīṁ na bibhṛyāt tāṁ bibhrad ubhaya-cyutaḥ
The mind of a promiscuous woman always hankers for new lovers, even if she is married. An intelligent man should not keep such an unchaste wife, for if he does he will lose his good fortune both in this life and the next.
FAQs
In this verse (10.60.48), Kṛṣṇa states that an unfaithful nature tends to seek “ever-new” partners even after marriage, and advises the wise not to accept or maintain such unfaithfulness, since it leads to a fall from dharma and honor.
Kṛṣṇa is responding to Rukmiṇī’s anxious humility and love; in this chapter He speaks in a teasing, instructive way that simultaneously tests and deepens her devotion while also expressing principles of dharma.
It highlights the importance of integrity and trust in relationships: cultivate fidelity and character, and avoid enabling patterns that undermine dharma, responsibility, and mutual respect.