Shloka 57
Trita in the Well (Udapāna-kathā) — Balarāma’s Tīrtha Observances
तासां तदू् वचन श्रुत्वा दक्ष: सोममथाब्रवीत् । सम॑ वर्तस्व भार्यासु मा त्वां शप्स्ये विरोचन
tāsāṁ tad vacanaṁ śrutvā dakṣaḥ somam athābravīt | samaṁ vartasva bhāryāsu mā tvāṁ śapsye virocanā ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Als Dakṣa die Worte jener Gattinnen vernommen hatte, wandte er sich erneut an Soma: „O strahlender Mondgott, begegne all deinen Frauen mit gleicher Achtung; sonst werde ich dich verfluchen.“
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches impartiality and self-restraint in relationships: one should treat all dependents or partners fairly, and favoritism—especially by one in a position of power—invites ethical fault and consequences.
After Soma’s wives complain about unequal treatment, Dakṣa confronts Soma and warns him to behave equally toward all his wives; otherwise Dakṣa will impose a curse.