Kardama Muni’s Penance, Viṣṇu’s Darśana, and the Arrangement of Devahūti’s Marriage
स चेह विप्र राजर्षिर्महिष्या शतरूपया । आयास्यति दिदृक्षुस्त्वां परश्वो धर्मकोविद: ॥ २६ ॥
sa ceha vipra rājarṣir mahiṣyā śatarūpayā āyāsyati didṛkṣus tvāṁ paraśvo dharma-kovidaḥ
O brāhmaṇa, that renowned royal sage, expert in dharma, will come here the day after tomorrow with his queen Śatarūpā, desiring to see you.
This verse describes Manu as dharmakovida—one who deeply knows and applies dharma—showing that ideal rulers in the Bhagavatam govern with spiritual and scriptural understanding.
In this narrative, Manu and Śatarūpā approach Kardama Muni respectfully to meet him and proceed with their dharmic purpose—arranging matters connected to their daughter Devahūti and Kardama’s household life.
The verse highlights planning, humility, and seeking counsel from the wise—principles that translate today into ethical decision-making and consulting qualified mentors before major life choices.