Shloka 7
Gṛdhra–Jambuka Saṃvāda (Dialogue of the Vulture and the Jackal) — On Grief, Kāla, and Resolve
अमितस्य हि दातारं भर्तारं का न पूजयेत् । 'प्राणनाथ! पहले मैं जिस प्रकार आपके साथ आनन्दपूर्वक रमण करती थी, अब उन सब सुखोंमेंसे कुछ भी मेरे लिये शेष नहीं रह गया है। पिता, भ्राता और पुत्र--ये सब लोग नारीको परिमित सुख देते हैं, केवल पति ही उसे अपरिमित या असीम सुख प्रदान करता है। ऐसे पतिकी कौन स्त्री पूजा नहीं करेगी? ।। नास्ति भर्तसमो नाथो नास्ति भर्त्समं सुखम्
amitasya hi dātāraṁ bhartāraṁ kā na pūjayet | nāsti bhartṛsamo nātho nāsti bhartṛsamaṁ sukham ||
Bhishma said: “Who would not honor a husband who is an inexhaustible giver and sustainer? There is no protector equal to one’s husband, and no happiness equal to that which comes through the husband.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that within the householder ideal, the husband is viewed as an incomparable source of protection and well-being; therefore, honoring the husband is presented as a central duty and expression of gratitude in marital dharma.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhishma is giving normative guidance about household life, emphasizing the husband’s role as sustainer and protector and the corresponding reverence expected within marriage.