Shloka 28
आस्तीक-उपाख्यान-प्रस्तावः | Introduction to the Āstīka Narrative
समयेन च कर्ताहमनेन विधिपूर्वकम् | तथा यद्युपलप्स्यामि करिष्ये नान्यथा हाहम्,किंतु एक शर्तके साथ मुझे विधिपूर्वक विवाह करना है। यदि उस शर्तके अनुसार किसी कुमारी कन्याको पाऊँगा, तभी उससे विवाह करूँगा, अन्यथा विवाह करूँगा ही नहीं
samayena ca kartāham anena vidhipūrvakam | tathā yady upalapsyāmi kariṣye nānyathā hāham |
I shall perform the marriage at the proper time and strictly according to the prescribed rites. Yet I will do so only if I obtain a maiden who meets this stipulated condition; otherwise, I will not marry at all—never in any other way.
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic resolve: one should act at the proper time and according to prescribed rites, and maintain integrity by not compromising a stated condition or vow for personal convenience.
The speaker declares a firm intention regarding marriage: it will be performed ritually and in due time, but only if a maiden fulfilling a specific condition is found; otherwise, the speaker will refrain from marrying.