Shloka 15
लुब्धक-कपोत-कपोती-आख्यानम्
The Hunter and the Pigeon Couple: Expiation and Refuge-Ethics
तथा रोगाभि भूतस्य नित्यं कृच्छूगतस्य च । नास्ति भार्यासमं किंचिन्नरस्यार्तस्य भेषजम्
tathā rogābhibhūtasya nityaṃ kṛcchrūgatasya ca | nāsti bhāryāsamaṃ kiñcin narasyārtasya bheṣajam ||
Bhishma sprach: „Ebenso gibt es für den Mann, den Krankheit überwältigt hat, und für den, der lange in Not geraten ist, kein Heilmittel für den Leidenden, das einer Ehefrau gleichkäme.“
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that in prolonged suffering—whether illness or enduring adversity—the presence of a wife is the most effective 'remedy' for a man, emphasizing the ethical ideal of mutual support and care within household life.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma continues advising on dharma and social well-being, highlighting the stabilizing, healing role of the wife within the household, especially during times of distress.