Shloka 2.117.22

अत्र्याश्रमगमनम् तथा अनसूयोपदेशः (Arrival at Atri’s Hermitage and Anasuya’s Counsel)

Devanagari script

नगरस्थो वनस्थो वा पापो वा यदि वा शुभः।यासां स्त्रीणां प्रियो भर्ता तासां लोका महोदयाः।।।।

Transliteration

nagarastho vanastho vā pāpo vā yadi vā śubhaḥ |

yāsāṃ strīṇāṃ priyo bhartā tāsāṃ lokā mahodayāḥ ||

Translation

“Whether the husband lives in the city or in the forest, whether he is sinful or virtuous—those women for whom the husband remains dear attain worlds of great reward.”

Context

One who is devoted to her husband, whether he be in the city or in the forest, whether he is sinful or virtuous, will attain the most prosperous worlds.

Characters & Entities

• Anasūyā
• Sītā
• Husband (bhartṛ)
• City (nagara)
• Forest (vana)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse asserts a traditional ideal: steadfast devotion within marriage is treated as a dharmic path bearing spiritual फल (results).

What is the narrative situation?

Anasūyā instructs Sītā, explaining the religious merit traditionally attributed to fidelity and loving commitment to one’s husband across circumstances.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Niṣṭhā (steadfastness) and prema (loyal love) maintained through changing external conditions.