Shloka 45
Adhyāya 33 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Post-Conflict Remorse and Inquiry on Āśrama Discipline (शोक-विमर्शः, आश्रम-जिज्ञासा)
कुमारो नास्ति येषां च कन्यास्तत्राभिषेचय । कामाशयो हि स्त्रीवर्ग: शोकमेवं प्रहास्यसि
kumāro nāsti yeṣāṃ ca kanyās tatrābhiṣecaya | kāmāśayo hi strīvargaḥ śokam evaṃ prahāsyasi ||
Vyāsa said: “For those kings who have no son, install their daughters upon the throne. In this way the women of their households—whose hopes are set upon the continuity and security of the line—will have their wishes fulfilled, and you will cause their grief to subside.”
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
When a kingdom lacks a male heir, dharma can be upheld by legitimizing succession through a daughter’s consecration, prioritizing stability, continuity of rule, and the alleviation of household suffering.
Vyāsa offers counsel on resolving dynastic crisis: if certain kings have no sons, their daughters should be formally anointed to rule, thereby fulfilling the expectations of the royal women and easing their grief.