Shloka 15
पुत्रात् पुण्यतरस्तुभ्यं मा पुत्रमनुतप्यथा: । अयज्वानमदाक्षिण्य- मभ्ि श॥वैत्येत्युदाहरत्
putrāt puṇyataras tubhyaṃ mā putram anutapyathāḥ | ayajvān amadākṣiṇyam abhiśaṅkvaity ety udāharat ||
Nārada said: “For you, one who is more virtuous than a (mere) son is preferable; therefore do not grieve over your son. People cite the maxim, ‘An un-sacrificing man, one who gives no priestly fee, is to be suspected/condemned,’ and thus they speak.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Nārada urges restraint in grief: the worth of a person is measured by dharma and merit, not merely by biological relationship. He reinforces that ritual responsibility and generosity (yajña and dakṣiṇā) are markers of ethical standing, and their absence draws social and moral censure.
Nārada addresses someone mourning a son and counsels them not to lament. He supports his advice by invoking a commonly quoted saying that criticizes those who neglect sacrificial duty and the giving of dakṣiṇā, implying that virtue and right conduct are the true grounds for esteem.