Adhyāya 152 — Bhīṣma’s Authorization for Yudhiṣṭhira’s Return to the Capital (नगरप्रवेशानुज्ञा)
न कामेषु न भोगेषु नैश्वर्ये न सुखे तथा । स्पृहा यस्या यथा पत्यौ सा नारी धर्मभागिनी
na kāmeṣu na bhogeṣu naiśvarye na sukhe tathā | spṛhā yasyā yathā patyau sā nārī dharmabhāginī ||
Wika ni Śrī Maheśvara: Ang babaeng ang pananabik ay nakatuon nang matatag sa kaniyang asawa—na anupa’t wala siyang kapantay na pagnanasa sa mga pita ng laman, sa mga layaw, sa kapangyarihang makamundo, ni maging sa kaginhawaan—ang gayong babae ay tunay na kabahagi ng dharma, katuwang sa katuwiran sa pamamagitan ng di-matitinag na katapatan sa pag-aasawa.
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच
The verse praises single-minded marital fidelity: a woman is called a ‘sharer in dharma’ when her primary longing is for her husband and she is not driven by cravings for sensual pleasure, enjoyment, power, or comfort. The ethical emphasis is on restraint (spṛhā-nirodha) and prioritizing duty and commitment within the household order.
In Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction-oriented setting, Śrī Maheśvara speaks as an authoritative teacher, defining the qualities of a pativratā and explaining how such steadfast devotion is regarded as participation in dharma and a source of religious merit.