Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 54
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
एवमस्त्विति चोक््त्वा तामापृच्छ त्रिदिवं गत: । एवं स्त्रिया महाराज अधिका प्रीतिरुच्यते
evam astv iti coktvā tām āpṛcchya tridivaṁ gataḥ | evaṁ striyā mahārāja adhikā prītir ucyate ||
Bhishma said: Having said, “So be it,” Indra took leave of that ascetic woman and departed for Tridiva (heaven). Thus, O king, it is stated that in matters of sensual enjoyment a woman is said to experience a greater measure of pleasure than a man.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse closes an illustrative episode by noting a traditional claim about comparative sensual pleasure: it is said that women experience a greater degree of prīti (pleasure) in sexual enjoyment than men. In context, it functions as a descriptive assertion within a broader ethical discussion on human nature, desire, and conduct.
Indra, after agreeing (“evam astu”) and taking leave of the ascetic woman, returns to heaven (Tridiva). Bhishma then summarizes the point drawn from the episode for the king.