Shloka 47
Adhyāya 90: Babhruvāhana’s Reception and the Commencement of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Aśvamedha
प्रपतेद् यशसो दीप्तात् स च लोकान् न चाप्नुयात् धर्मकामार्थकार्याणि शुश्रूषा कुलसंतति:
prapated yaśaso dīptāt sa ca lokān na cāpnuyāt dharmakāmārthakāryāṇi śuśrūṣā kulasaṃtatiḥ
Caería de su fama resplandeciente y no alcanzaría los mundos (de la recompensa bienaventurada). Las empresas debidas de dharma, kāma y artha se sostienen por el servicio devoto y por la continuidad del linaje.
नकुल उवाच
Educational Q&A
Nakula links ethical success to two supports: śuśrūṣā (disciplined, respectful service) and kula-saṃtati (the responsible continuation of the family line). Without these, one’s fame declines and one fails to attain higher worlds; the aims of life—dharma, kāma, and artha—do not properly flourish.
Nakula is speaking as a moral counselor, warning that neglect of proper conduct—especially faithful service/obedience and duties connected with family continuity—leads to loss of reputation and spiritual/moral attainment, undermining the pursuit of the puruṣārthas.