Shloka 15
Kapila’s Advent: Brahmā’s Confirmation, the Marriage of the Nine Daughters, and Kardama’s Renunciation
अतस्त्वमृषिमुख्येभ्यो यथाशीलं यथारुचि । आत्मजा: परिदेह्यद्य विस्तृणीहि यशो भुवि ॥ १५ ॥
atas tvam ṛṣi-mukhyebhyo yathā-śīlaṁ yathā-ruci ātmajāḥ paridehy adya vistṛṇīhi yaśo bhuvi
Therefore, today give your daughters to the foremost sages, according to each girl’s nature and preference, and thus spread your fame throughout the universe.
The nine principal ṛṣis, or sages, are Marīci, Atri, Aṅgirā, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhṛgu, Vasiṣṭha and Atharvā. All these ṛṣis are most important, and Brahmā desired that the nine daughters already born of Kardama Muni be handed over to them. Here two words are used very significantly — yathā-śīlam and yathā-ruci. The daughters should be handed over to the respective ṛṣis, not blindly, but according to the combination of character and taste. That is the art of combining a man and woman. Man and woman should not be united simply on the consideration of sex life. There are many other considerations, especially character and taste. If the taste and character differ between the man and woman, their combination will be unhappy. Even about forty years ago, in Indian marriages, the taste and character of the boy and girl were first of all matched, and then they were allowed to marry. This was done under the direction of the respective parents. The parents used to astrologically determine the character and tastes of the boy and girl, and when they corresponded, the match was selected: “This girl and this boy are just suitable, and they should be married.” Other considerations were less important. The same system was also advised in the beginning of the creation by Brahmā: “Your daughters should be handed over to the ṛṣis according to taste and character.”
FAQs
This verse advises that marriages should be arranged considering each person’s disposition (śīla) and preference (ruci), indicating harmony and dharma-based suitability rather than mere social formality.
Kapila instructs Kardama to marry his daughters to eminent ṛṣis in a fitting way, fulfilling household duty and strengthening dharmic society, which also brings honorable reputation.
Make major life partnerships thoughtfully—matching values, temperament, and spiritual goals—so relationships support dharma and create lasting, positive influence in the community.