Shloka 91
ये धर्ममेव प्रथमं चरन्ति धर्मेण लब्ध्वा च धनानि काले | दारानवाप्य क्रतुभिर्यजन्ते तेषामयं चैव परश्षच लोक:,जो लोग कर्तव्य-बुद्धिसे पहले धर्मका ही आचरण करते हैं और उस धर्मसे ही (न्याययुक्त) धनका उपार्जन कर यथासमय स्त्रीसे विवाह करके उसके साथ यज्ञ-याग और ईश्वरभक्ति आदिका अनुष्ठान करते हैं, उनके लिये इहलोक और परलोक दोनों ही सुखद हैं
ye dharmam eva prathamaṁ caranti dharmeṇa labdhvā ca dhanāni kāle | dārān avāpya kratubhir yajante teṣām ayaṁ caiva paraś ca lokaḥ ||
Markandeya said: Those who place dharma first in their conduct, who in due time acquire wealth by righteous means, and who, having taken a wife, perform sacrifices and acts of worship through the prescribed rites—for them both this world and the next become auspicious and happy.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma must be the first priority: earn wealth through righteous means, enter household life at the proper time, and sustain society and spirituality through sacrifice and worship; such a life brings well-being both here and hereafter.
Mārkaṇḍeya is instructing his listeners by describing the ideal dhārmic life-pattern—ethical conduct, just acquisition of wealth, marriage, and performance of Vedic rites—linking these to prosperity in both worlds.