Shloka 25
Ruci and the Pitṛs: On Marriage, Debts (Ṛṇa), and Desireless Karma
रुचिरुवाच / वृद्धो ऽहं साम्प्रतं को मे पितरः सम्प्रिदास्यति / भार्यान्तथा दरिद्रस्य दुष्करो दारसंग्रहः
ruciruvāca / vṛddho 'haṃ sāmprataṃ ko me pitaraḥ sampridāsyati / bhāryāntathā daridrasya duṣkaro dārasaṃgrahaḥ
روچِر نے کہا: میں اب بوڑھا ہوں؛ میرے پِتروں کو کون راضی کرے گا اور سہارا دے گا؟ اور غریب آدمی کے لیے بیوی کو اختیار کرنا اور اس کی پرورش کرنا یقیناً دشوار ہے۔
Rucira
Concept: Material limitation and old age create fear about sustaining household life; the verse frames the tension between dharmic injunction and practical capacity.
Vedantic Theme: Recognition of anitya (impermanence) and dependence; prompts reflection on dharma supported by right means and community.
Application: Plan life-stage duties with foresight—economic responsibility, community support, and ethical provisioning; seek guidance for dharmic living within one’s means.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: dialogue setting
Related Themes: Garuda Purana narratives where household duties intersect with pitṛ-obligations and personal limitations (general thematic parallel)
FAQs
This verse highlights that marriage is not merely a social act but a responsibility—supporting dependents and sustaining a household requires capacity and duty-consciousness.
Indirectly, it frames human life as shaped by dharma and practical duties; such choices and responsibilities form the ethical ground that later connects to karmic outcomes described elsewhere in the Purana.
Take on major life commitments—marriage, dependents, and caregiving—with realistic planning and a sense of duty, ensuring you can provide stability rather than hardship.