Shloka 2.118.4

अनसूयोपदेशः तथा सीताया स्वयंवरकथा (Anasuya’s Counsel and Sita’s Swayamvara Narrative)

Devanagari script

किं पुनर्यो गुणश्लाघ्य स्सानुक्रोशो जितेन्द्रियः।स्थिरानुरागो धर्मात्मा मातृवत्पितृवत्प्रियः।।2.118.4।।

Transliteration

kiṁ punar yo guṇa-ślāghyaḥ sānukrośo jitendriyaḥ | sthirānurāgo dharmātmā mātṛvat pitṛvat priyaḥ || 2.118.4 ||

Translation

How much more so if the husband is praiseworthy in virtue—compassionate, self-controlled, steadfast in affection, righteous by nature, and dear like a mother and a father.

Context

What to speak of a husband if he is worthy of applause for his virtues, is compassionate, a subduer of the senses, righteous and ever affectionate like a mother and a father?

Characters & Entities

• ideal husband (conceptual)
• dharma (principle)

FAQs

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

Dharma in household life is grounded in character: compassion, self-mastery, steadfast love, and protective care that mirrors parental responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā articulates the virtues that make a spouse truly worthy, framing marriage as an ethical partnership.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jitendriyatva (self-control) and dayā (compassion), integrated with dharmic steadiness in relationships.