Shloka 63
Chapter 2: Sudarśana Upākhyāna — Atithi-Dharma and the Conquest of Mṛtyu
Gṛhastha-Vrata
पतिव्रता सत्यशीला नित्यं चैवार्जवे रता । कथ्थ॑ न प्रत्युदेत्यद्य स्मपमाना यथा पुरा
pativratā satyaśīlā nityaṃ caivārjave ratā | kathaṃ na pratyudety adya smayamānā yathā purā ||
Bhishma dit : «Mon épouse—ferme dans la fidélité d’épouse, vouée à la vérité et se plaisant toujours dans la droiture—comment se fait-il qu’aujourd’hui elle ne vienne pas à ma rencontre, souriante comme autrefois ? Quel devoir plus lourd que celui de me servir s’est soudain imposé à elle ?»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises ethical virtues in domestic life—fidelity (pativratā), truthfulness (satya), and straightforward sincerity (ārjava)—presented as marks of exemplary character and dharma.
Sudarsana, returning and expecting his wife’s customary smiling welcome, is distressed that she does not come out to greet him; he wonders what urgent duty could have kept her away.