Shloka 1
Umā’s Inquiry and the Manifestation of the Third Eye (उमा–प्रश्नः तृतीयनेत्रोत्पत्तिः)
(दाक्षिणात्य अधिक पाठके ४ श्लोक मिलाकर २४ श्लोक हैं) पा गा त्रयोविशर्त्याधिकशततमो< ध्याय: शाण्डिली और सुमनाका संवाद--पतिव्रता स्त्रियोंके कर्तव्यका वर्णन युधिछिर उवाच सत्स्त्रीणां समुदाचारं सर्वधर्मविदां वर । श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं त्वत्तस्तन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह
Yudhiṣṭhira uvāca: sat-strīṇāṁ samudācāraṁ sarva-dharma-vidāṁ vara | śrotum icchāmy ahaṁ tvattas tan me brūhi pitāmaha ||
Yudhiṣṭhira dit : « Ô Pitāmaha, le meilleur de tous ceux qui connaissent le dharma dans sa plénitude, je souhaite entendre de ta bouche la conduite convenable des femmes vertueuses. Je t’en prie, dis-le-moi. »
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames dharma as something learned through authoritative instruction and lived conduct (ācāra). Yudhiṣṭhira seeks a normative account of sat-strīṇāṁ samudācāra—exemplary ethical practice—indicating that virtue is understood not only as abstract rule but as embodied, socially recognized discipline.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s didactic setting, Yudhiṣṭhira addresses Bhīṣma (Pitāmaha), renowned as a master of dharma, and requests a teaching on the proper conduct of virtuous women. This question introduces the ensuing instruction/dialogue on pativratā ideals and women’s ethical duties.