Shloka 9
Śrāddha-dvija-parīkṣā: Paṅkti-dūṣa and Paṅkti-pāvana (श्राद्धे द्विजपरीक्षा—पङ्क्तिदूष-पङ्क्तिपावन)
पितृनर्च्य प्रतिपदि प्राप्तुयात् सुगृहे स्त्रियः । अभिरूपप्रजायिन्यो दर्शनीया बहुप्रजा:
pitṝn arcya pratipadi prāptuyāt su-gṛhe striyaḥ | abhirūpa-prajāyinyo darśanīyā bahu-prajāḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “Having duly worshipped the Pitṛs (ancestral spirits) at each rite and occasion, one should obtain wives from good households—women of pleasing form, capable of bearing worthy offspring, attractive in appearance, and blessed with many children.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma links household prosperity and continuity of lineage to two duties: honoring the ancestors through proper rites, and choosing a spouse from a reputable family who can sustain the household and produce offspring—framing marriage as a dharmic responsibility rather than mere personal preference.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhīṣma continues advising Yudhiṣṭhira on household conduct. Here he recommends regular Pitṛ-worship and counsels on the qualities sought in a wife for a stable, dharmic household and continuation of the family line.