Shloka 23
An exposition of varṇa-dharma as taught by Yājñavalkya
सेह कीर्तिमवाप्नोति मोदते चोमया सह / शुद्धां त्यजंस्तृतीयांशं दद्यादामरणं स्त्रियाः
seha kīrtimavāpnoti modate comayā saha / śuddhāṃ tyajaṃstṛtīyāṃśaṃ dadyādāmaraṇaṃ striyāḥ
इहैव स कीर्तिं शुभामवाप्नोति, उमया सह च मोदते। यदि शुद्धां धर्मपत्नीं त्यजेत्, तर्हि तस्यै जीवनपर्यन्तं तृतीयांशं दद्यात्।
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda)
Concept: Dharmic conduct in marriage: renown through right action; if abandoning a rightful wife, provide lifelong support (one-third).
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as purifier of conduct (ācāra-śuddhi) supporting sattva and social harmony.
Application: If separation occurs, ensure just maintenance and avoid exploitation; treat marriage as a duty-bound partnership affecting one’s reputation and merit.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.95 (gṛhastha/strī-dharma and family regulation context)
FAQs
This verse frames lifelong maintenance as a dharmic duty: abandoning a rightful, chaste wife requires providing her a fixed share (one-third), implying moral accountability even after separation.
It links righteous conduct to visible merit—good reputation in this world—and to auspicious spiritual reward symbolized by rejoicing with Umā, suggesting dharmic household behavior produces both social and spiritual fruits.
Treat family responsibilities as binding ethical duties: if separation occurs, ensure fair, dignified, and sustained support for dependents rather than abandonment.