Shloka 38
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
अत ऊर्ध्वं स तत्याज स्त्रीसुखं कर्मणाप्रजा: । वसिष्ठस्तदनुज्ञातो मदयन्त्यां प्रजामधात् ॥ ३८ ॥
ata ūrdhvaṁ sa tatyāja strī-sukhaṁ karmaṇāprajāḥ vasiṣṭhas tad-anujñāto madayantyāṁ prajām adhāt
After being thus instructed, the King gave up the future happiness of sexual intercourse and by destiny remained sonless. Later, with the King’s permission, the great saint Vasiṣṭha begot a child in the womb of Madayantī.
FAQs
This verse shows that after a turning point, the king gave up conjugal enjoyment and focused on duty, indicating that personal pleasure is subordinate to dharma and higher responsibility.
Because he was expressly permitted (anujñāta) to do so; the begetting of progeny occurred under rightful authorization, preserving dharma and the continuity of lineage.
Place responsibility, integrity, and long-term welfare above short-term pleasure, and make major family decisions with clear consent and ethical boundaries.