Shloka 12
Manu Offers Devahūti to Kardama; The Sage Accepts with a Devotional Vow
उद्यतस्य हि कामस्य प्रतिवादो न शस्यते । अपि निर्मुक्तसङ्गस्य कामरक्तस्य किं पुन: ॥ १२ ॥
udyatasya hi kāmasya prativādo na śasyate api nirmukta-saṅgasya kāma-raktasya kiṁ punaḥ
स्वतः उपस्थित हुए प्रस्ताव का निषेध करना उचित नहीं—यह तो आसक्ति-रहित के लिए भी नहीं; फिर जो काम-राग से युक्त हो, उसके लिए तो कहना ही क्या।
In material life everyone is desirous of sense gratification; therefore, a person who gets an object of sense gratification without endeavor should not refuse to accept it. Kardama Muni was not meant for sense gratification, yet he aspired to marry and prayed to the Lord for a suitable wife. This was known to Svāyambhuva Manu. He indirectly convinced Kardama Muni: “You desire a suitable wife like my daughter, and she is now present before you. You should not reject the fulfillment of your prayer; you should accept my daughter.”
FAQs
This verse warns that when lust is already aroused, direct opposition is often unwise; it highlights how powerful desire can become, even affecting those otherwise detached.
In the context of their conversation leading toward marriage, Devahuti acknowledges the force of awakened desire and speaks with practical realism about human psychology and restraint.
Recognize desire early and regulate it through discipline and dharmic boundaries; once passion escalates, it becomes harder to reason with—so prevention and self-control are key.