Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 13
पुरा पिता नो भगवान्दक्षो दुहितृवत्सल: । कं वृणीत वरं वत्सा इत्यपृच्छत न: पृथक् ॥ १३ ॥
purā pitā no bhagavān dakṣo duhitṛ-vatsalaḥ kaṁ vṛṇīta varaṁ vatsā ity apṛcchata naḥ pṛthak
En tiempos antiguos, nuestro padre, el glorioso Bhagavān Dakṣa, muy afectuoso con sus hijas, nos preguntó a cada una por separado: “Hija mía, ¿a quién elegirás como esposo?”
It appears from this verse that free selection of a husband was allowed by the father, but not by free association. The daughters were asked separately to submit their selection of a husband who was famous for his acts and personality. The ultimate selection depended on the choice of the father.
FAQs
This verse shows Dakṣa respectfully asking his daughters individually whom they wished to accept, indicating that marriage should be approached with care, consent, and dharmic intention.
Dakṣa was deeply affectionate to his daughters and therefore consulted each one personally, allowing an individual choice rather than treating the decision as merely political or social.
Important life decisions—especially marriage—should be made thoughtfully, with personal clarity and respectful consultation, aligning one’s choice with values and long-term spiritual well-being.