Shloka 56
एकेनापि सुपुत्रेण विद्यायुक्तेन धीमता / कुलं पुरुषसिंहेन चन्द्रेण गगनं यथा
ekenāpi suputreṇa vidyāyuktena dhīmatā / kulaṃ puruṣasiṃhena candreṇa gaganaṃ yathā
Even a single good son—endowed with learning and wisdom—can uplift and illumine the whole family, just as the moon, a lion among men, lights up the sky.
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa)
Concept: One learned, wise, virtuous son can elevate an entire lineage; quality surpasses quantity.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva-guṇa and viveka (discernment) as luminous forces; one realized/wise person benefits many (satsaṅga principle).
Application: Cultivate depth of character and learning in at least one successor/student; mentor sincerely; value excellence and wisdom over numbers.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: cosmic
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.114.57–58 reinforce the ‘one excellent entity transforms the whole’ motif (tree/forest; moon/darkness).
FAQs
This verse teaches that one truly wise and well-educated child can bring honor, stability, and positive influence to the entire family lineage.
It does not describe after-death travel here; instead, it emphasizes dharmic living in this life—especially the power of knowledge and virtue to elevate one’s kula.
Prioritize education with character-building: cultivate wisdom, self-discipline, and ethical conduct—because one exemplary person can transform a whole household.