Shloka 15
लुब्धक-कपोत-कपोती-आख्यानम्
The Hunter and the Pigeon Couple: Expiation and Refuge-Ethics
तथा रोगाभि भूतस्य नित्यं कृच्छूगतस्य च । नास्ति भार्यासमं किंचिन्नरस्यार्तस्य भेषजम्
tathā rogābhibhūtasya nityaṃ kṛcchrūgatasya ca | nāsti bhāryāsamaṃ kiñcin narasyārtasya bheṣajam ||
Bhishma berkata: “Bagi seorang pria yang ditindih penyakit dan yang terus-menerus jatuh dalam kesukaran, tiada obat bagi orang yang menderita yang sebanding dengan seorang istri.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that in prolonged suffering—whether illness or enduring adversity—the presence of a wife is the most effective 'remedy' for a man, emphasizing the ethical ideal of mutual support and care within household life.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma continues advising on dharma and social well-being, highlighting the stabilizing, healing role of the wife within the household, especially during times of distress.