Shloka 79
Adhyāya 90: Babhruvāhana’s Reception and the Commencement of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Aśvamedha
श्षशुर उवाच अनेन नित्यं साध्वी त्वं शीलवृत्तेन शोभसे । या त्वं धर्मव्रतोपेता गुरुवृत्तिमवेक्षसे,श्वशुरने कहा--बेटी! तुम सती-साथ्वी नारी हो और सदा ऐसे ही शील एवं सदाचारका पालन करनेसे तुम्हारी शोभा है। तुम धर्म तथा व्रतके आचरणमें संलग्न होकर सर्वदा गुरुजनोंकी सेवापर ही दृष्टि रखती हो; इसलिये बहू! मैं तुम्हें पुण्यसे वंचित न होने दूँगा। धर्मात्माओंमें श्रेष्ठ महाभागे! पुण्यात्माओंमें तुम्हारी गिनती करके मैं तुम्हारा दिया हुआ सत्तू अवश्य स्वीकार करूँगा
śvaśura uvāca: anena nityaṁ sādhvī tvaṁ śīla-vṛttena śobhase | yā tvaṁ dharma-vrata-upetā guru-vṛttim avekṣase ||
The father-in-law said: “By this conduct, you shine always as a virtuous woman, adorned with good character and right behavior. Since you are devoted to dharma and to sacred observances, and you keep your attention fixed on the proper service and regard due to elders and teachers, I will not allow you to be deprived of merit. O fortunate one, counted among the righteous, I will certainly accept the sattu you have offered.”
श्षशुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises steadfast ethical conduct: a virtuous life is shown through consistent good character (śīla) and behavior (vṛtta), devotion to dharma and vows (vrata), and attentive service/respect toward elders and teachers (guru-vṛtti). Such conduct is affirmed as a source of puṇya (spiritual merit), which the elder vows to protect and acknowledge.
A father-in-law addresses his daughter-in-law, commending her virtuous, disciplined life and her respectful attention to elders. He assures her that he will not let her lose the merit of her pious act and declares that he will accept the sattu (a simple food offering) she has presented, thereby honoring her devotion and preserving the religious value of her offering.