Shloka 9
Śrāddha-dvija-parīkṣā: Paṅkti-dūṣa and Paṅkti-pāvana (श्राद्धे द्विजपरीक्षा—पङ्क्तिदूष-पङ्क्तिपावन)
पितृनर्च्य प्रतिपदि प्राप्तुयात् सुगृहे स्त्रियः । अभिरूपप्रजायिन्यो दर्शनीया बहुप्रजा:
pitṝn arcya pratipadi prāptuyāt su-gṛhe striyaḥ | abhirūpa-prajāyinyo darśanīyā bahu-prajāḥ ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Après avoir honoré comme il se doit les Pitṛs (esprits ancestraux) à chaque rite et en chaque occasion, on obtient des épouses issues de bonnes maisons : des femmes d’agréable beauté, capables d’enfanter une digne descendance, charmantes à voir et bénies de nombreux enfants.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma links household prosperity and continuity of lineage to two duties: honoring the ancestors through proper rites, and choosing a spouse from a reputable family who can sustain the household and produce offspring—framing marriage as a dharmic responsibility rather than mere personal preference.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhīṣma continues advising Yudhiṣṭhira on household conduct. Here he recommends regular Pitṛ-worship and counsels on the qualities sought in a wife for a stable, dharmic household and continuation of the family line.