Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 24
Manu Offers Devahūti to Kardama; The Sage Accepts with a Devotional Vow
प्रत्तां दुहितरं सम्राट् सदृक्षाय गतव्यथ: । उपगुह्य च बाहुभ्यामौत्कण्ठ्योन्मथिताशय: ॥ २४ ॥
prattāṁ duhitaraṁ samrāṭ sadṛkṣāya gata-vyathaḥ upaguhya ca bāhubhyām autkaṇṭhyonmathitāśayaḥ
Ainsi, après avoir confié sa fille à un époux digne, l’empereur Svāyambhuva Manu fut soulagé de son devoir; mais, l’esprit bouleversé par la séparation, il l’étreignit tendrement de ses deux bras.
A father always remains in anxiety until he can hand over his grownup daughter to a suitable boy. A father and mother’s responsibility for children continues until they marry them to suitable spouses; when the father is able to perform that duty, he is relieved of his responsibility.
FAQs
This verse shows Manu fulfilling dharma by giving Devahūti to a worthy husband, yet still feeling natural parental longing—illustrating that devotion and duty can coexist with human affection.
Although relieved that she was entrusted to a suitable husband, Manu’s heart was stirred by separation; the embrace expresses a father’s love at the moment of farewell.
Do your responsibilities carefully (like ensuring proper guidance and support for loved ones), while acknowledging emotions without letting attachment obstruct dharma and spiritual growth.