Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 23
Manu Offers Devahūti to Kardama; The Sage Accepts with a Devotional Vow
शतरूपा महाराज्ञी पारिबर्हान्महाधनान् । दम्पत्यो: पर्यदात्प्रीत्या भूषावास: परिच्छदान् ॥ २३ ॥
śatarūpā mahā-rājñī pāribarhān mahā-dhanān dampatyoḥ paryadāt prītyā bhūṣā-vāsaḥ paricchadān
மகாராணி சதரூபா அன்புடன் மணமகன்-மணமகளுக்கு நிகழ்வுக்கேற்ற மிக மதிப்புமிக்க பரிசுகளை—ஆபரணங்கள், ஆடைகள், இல்லப் பயன்பாட்டு பொருட்கள் முதலியவற்றை—சீராக வழங்கினாள்.
The custom of giving one’s daughter in charity with a dowry is still current in India. The gifts are given according to the position of the father of the bride. Pāribarhān mahā-dhanān means the dowry which must be awarded to the bridegroom at the time of marriage. Here mahā-dhanān means greatly valuable gifts befitting the dowry of an empress. The words bhūṣā-vāsaḥ paricchadān also appear here. Bhūṣā means “ornaments,” vāsaḥ means “clothing,” and paricchadān means “various household articles.” All things befitting the marriage ceremony of an emperor’s daughter were awarded to Kardama Muni, who was until now observing celibacy as a brahmacārī. The bride, Devahūti, was very richly dressed with ornaments and clothing.
FAQs
This verse describes Queen Śatarūpā affectionately giving the couple rich, auspicious gifts—ornaments, garments, and household articles—portraying a dharmic, celebratory offering meant to support righteous household life.
As part of traditional marriage rites and maternal affection, she blessed and materially supported the couple so they could begin gṛhastha life with dignity and proper arrangements.
Begin major life transitions with goodwill and support—offer help that is respectful, uplifting, and free from exploitation, strengthening family bonds and dharmic responsibility.