Shloka 1
Umā’s Inquiry and the Manifestation of the Third Eye (उमा–प्रश्नः तृतीयनेत्रोत्पत्तिः)
(दाक्षिणात्य अधिक पाठके ४ श्लोक मिलाकर २४ श्लोक हैं) पा गा त्रयोविशर्त्याधिकशततमो< ध्याय: शाण्डिली और सुमनाका संवाद--पतिव्रता स्त्रियोंके कर्तव्यका वर्णन युधिछिर उवाच सत्स्त्रीणां समुदाचारं सर्वधर्मविदां वर । श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं त्वत्तस्तन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह
Yudhiṣṭhira uvāca: sat-strīṇāṁ samudācāraṁ sarva-dharma-vidāṁ vara | śrotum icchāmy ahaṁ tvattas tan me brūhi pitāmaha ||
由提施提罗说道：“噢，毗多摩诃！在一切通晓圆满法（dharma）者之中，你最为卓越。我愿从你口中听闻贤德妇女应守之正行。请为我宣说。”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames dharma as something learned through authoritative instruction and lived conduct (ācāra). Yudhiṣṭhira seeks a normative account of sat-strīṇāṁ samudācāra—exemplary ethical practice—indicating that virtue is understood not only as abstract rule but as embodied, socially recognized discipline.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s didactic setting, Yudhiṣṭhira addresses Bhīṣma (Pitāmaha), renowned as a master of dharma, and requests a teaching on the proper conduct of virtuous women. This question introduces the ensuing instruction/dialogue on pativratā ideals and women’s ethical duties.