Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 51
Dāyavibhāga (Inheritance Apportionment) and Household Precedence — Dialogue of Yudhiṣṭhira and Bhīṣma
यत्रेष्ट तत्र देया स्याज्नात्र कार्या विचारणा । कुर्वते जीवतो<प्येवं मृते नैवास्ति संशय:
yatreṣṭa tatra deyā syāj jñātrā kāryā vicāraṇā | kurvate jīvato 'py evaṁ mṛte naivāsti saṁśayaḥ ||
Sabi ni Bhīṣma: “Ang isang anak na babae ay dapat ipakasal kung saan matatagpuan ang isang mahusay at karapat-dapat na lalaki; huwag magtanim ng salungat na pag-iisip. Kahit buhay pa ang nag-aalok ng dote o anumang kabayaran, ang mararangal ay ipinapakasal ang dalaga sa karapat-dapat na lalaki kapag siya’y naroon; at kung namatay na ang taong iyon, lalong walang dapat pagdudahan sa pagpapakasal sa kanya sa iba.”
भीष्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Guardians should prioritize the girl’s welfare and dharmic suitability of the groom: when a worthy match is available, the marriage should be concluded without being bound by contrary considerations such as prior claims or payments.
In Bhishma’s instruction on dharma (especially household and social duties), he gives a practical rule about arranging a daughter’s marriage: choose the best eligible groom available, and do not hesitate even if someone else has offered consideration; if that person has died, the permissibility is even clearer.