Shloka 9
Durgātitaraṇa—Conduct for Crossing Difficulties (दुर्गातितरणम्)
स्वेषु दारेषु वर्तन्ते न्यायवृत्तिमृतावृतौ । अग्निहोत्रपरा: सन््तो दुर्गाण्यतितरन्ति ते,जो गृहस्थ प्रतिदिन अग्निहोत्र करते और ऋतुकालमें अपनी ही स्त्रीके साथ धर्मानुकूल समागम करते हैं, वे दुःखोंसे छूट जाते हैं
bhīṣma uvāca | sveṣu dāreṣu vartante nyāyavṛttim ṛtāv ṛtau | agnihotraparāḥ santaḥ durgāṇy atitaranti te ||
Dijo Bhishma: Quienes viven rectamente con sus propias esposas—uniéndose con ellas en la estación debida conforme al dharma—y, como devotos cabezas de familia, realizan a diario el Agnihotra, cruzan más allá de las penalidades y atraviesan con seguridad los tiempos de aflicción.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that a disciplined householder life—faithfully performing daily Vedic duties like Agnihotra and observing marital conduct according to dharma (including union at the proper time with one’s lawful spouse)—builds merit and stability that helps one overcome life’s dangers and sufferings.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhishma is advising Yudhiṣṭhira about the duties and fruits of the householder stage of life, highlighting how regular ritual observance and ethical marital restraint/support are protective and spiritually beneficial.