Shloka 25
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
तां दृष्टवा विनिवृत्तस्त्वं ततः पार्णिं ग्रहीष्यसि । यद्येष समय: सर्व: साध्यतां तत्र गम्यताम्,उसे देखकर लौटनेपर ही तुम मेरी पुत्रीका पाणिग्रहण कर सकोगे। यदि यह सारी शर्त स्वीकार हो तो इसे पूरी करनेमें लग जाओ और अभी वहाँकी यात्रा आरम्भ कर दो
tāṃ dṛṣṭvā vinivṛttas tvaṃ tataḥ pārṇiṃ grahīṣyasi | yadyeṣa samayaḥ sarvaḥ sādhyatāṃ tatra gamyatām ||
“Only after you have seen her and then returned may you take my daughter’s hand in marriage. If you accept this entire condition, then set about fulfilling it and begin the journey there at once.”
वदान्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic accountability in commitments: marriage is treated as a solemn rite governed by agreed conditions (samaya), and ethical conduct requires fulfilling stipulated duties before claiming the promised reward.
Vadānya sets a clear prerequisite for marriage: the suitor may marry the daughter only after going to see her (or the designated objective) and returning. Upon accepting the full condition, he is urged to begin the journey immediately.