Shloka 47
प्रपतेद् यशसो दीप्तात् स च लोकान् न चाप्नुयात् धर्मकामार्थकार्याणि शुश्रूषा कुलसंतति:
prapated yaśaso dīptāt sa ca lokān na cāpnuyāt dharmakāmārthakāryāṇi śuśrūṣā kulasaṃtatiḥ
He would fall away from his shining fame, and he would not attain the worlds (of blessed reward). The proper undertakings of dharma, kāma, and artha are sustained by devoted service and by the continuance of one’s lineage.
नकुल उवाच
Educational Q&A
Nakula links ethical success to two supports: śuśrūṣā (disciplined, respectful service) and kula-saṃtati (the responsible continuation of the family line). Without these, one’s fame declines and one fails to attain higher worlds; the aims of life—dharma, kāma, and artha—do not properly flourish.
Nakula is speaking as a moral counselor, warning that neglect of proper conduct—especially faithful service/obedience and duties connected with family continuity—leads to loss of reputation and spiritual/moral attainment, undermining the pursuit of the puruṣārthas.