Shloka 1.33.3

कुशनाभकन्याशतविवाहः — The Marriage of Kuśanābha’s Hundred Daughters (and the Birth of Brahmadatta)

Devanagari script

पितृमत्यस्स्म भद्रं ते स्वच्छन्दे न वयं स्थिता:।पितरं नो वृणीष्व त्वं यदि नो दास्यते तव।।1.33.3।।

Transliteration

pitṛmatyaḥ sma bhadraṁ te svacchande na vayaṁ sthitāḥ | pitaraṁ no vṛṇīṣva tvaṁ yadi no dāsyate tava || 1.33.3 ||

Translation

“We have a father—blessings upon you—so we are not free to choose as we please. Ask our father; if he grants us to you, then so it may be.”

Context

We have our father who is dear to us. Hence we do not have freedom to choose. You may ask our father if he is willing to give us (in marriage).

Characters & Entities

• Kūśanābha (implied as their father)
• Vāyu (implied by surrounding narrative)
• the daughters (kanyāḥ)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights social-ethical dharma (maryādā) around marriage: the daughters assert that choice is not exercised independently but through the father’s lawful consent, reflecting the norm of guardianship and propriety.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāyu approaches and pressures the king’s daughters; they respond by refusing coercion and directing him to seek their father’s consent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-restraint and adherence to propriety—maintaining dignity and lawful procedure even under pressure.