Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 13
Diti’s Untimely Desire and the Birth-Cause of the Asura Line
Prelude to Hiranyākṣa–Varāha
पुरा पिता नो भगवान्दक्षो दुहितृवत्सल: । कं वृणीत वरं वत्सा इत्यपृच्छत न: पृथक् ॥ १३ ॥
purā pitā no bhagavān dakṣo duhitṛ-vatsalaḥ kaṁ vṛṇīta varaṁ vatsā ity apṛcchata naḥ pṛthak
遠い昔、娘たちを深く慈しむ我らの父、威徳あるバガヴァーン・ダクシャは、私たち一人ひとりに別々に問われた。「わが子よ、誰を夫として選ぶのか」と。
It appears from this verse that free selection of a husband was allowed by the father, but not by free association. The daughters were asked separately to submit their selection of a husband who was famous for his acts and personality. The ultimate selection depended on the choice of the father.
FAQs
This verse shows Dakṣa respectfully asking his daughters individually whom they wished to accept, indicating that marriage should be approached with care, consent, and dharmic intention.
Dakṣa was deeply affectionate to his daughters and therefore consulted each one personally, allowing an individual choice rather than treating the decision as merely political or social.
Important life decisions—especially marriage—should be made thoughtfully, with personal clarity and respectful consultation, aligning one’s choice with values and long-term spiritual well-being.