Mahābhārata · Adhyāya 13.208
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13.208.1
हन्त ते कथयिष्यामि यत्ते देवि मनःप्रियम् ।
शृणु तत्सर्वमखिलं धर्मं वर्णाश्रमाश्रितम् ॥ १३.२०८.१ ॥
Well then, I will tell you what is dear to your mind. Listen, O goddess, to the whole dharma that rests upon the varṇas and āśramas.
13.208.2
ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्याः शुद्राश्चेति चतुर्विधम् ।
ब्राह्मणा विहिताः पूर्वं लोकतन्त्रमभीप्सता।
कर्माणि च तदर्हाणि शास्त्रेषु विहितानि वै ॥ १३.२०८.२ ॥
There are four kinds: brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas and śūdras. He who desired the ordering of the world first appointed the brāhmaṇas, and the duties fitting them are prescribed in the scriptures.
13.208.3
यदीदमेकवर्णं स्याज्जगत्सर्वं विनश्यति ।
सहैव देवि वर्णानि चत्वारि विहितान्यतः ॥ १३.२०८.३ ॥
If this entire world were of a single varṇa, it would perish. Therefore, O goddess, the four varṇas have been ordained together.
13.208.4
मुखतो ब्राह्मणाः सृष्टस्तस्मात्ते वाग्विशारदाः ।
बाहुभ्यां क्षत्रियाः सृष्टास्तस्मात्ते बाहुगर्विताः ॥ १३.२०८.४ ॥
The brāhmaṇas were created from the mouth, and therefore they are skilled in speech. The kṣatriyas were created from the arms, and therefore they are proud of their arms.
13.208.5
ऊरुभ्यामुद्गता वैश्यास्तस्माद्वार्तोपजीविनः ।
शूद्राश्च पादतः सृष्टास्तस्मात्ते परिचाकाः ॥ १३.२०८.५ ॥
The vaiśyas sprang from the thighs, and therefore they live by trade and husbandry. The śūdras were created from the feet, and therefore they are servants.
13.208.6
तेषां धर्मांश्च कर्माणि शृणु देवि समाहिता ।
विप्राः कृता भूमिदेवा लोकानां धारणे कृताः।
ते कैश्चिन्नावमन्तव्या ब्राह्मणा हितमिच्छुभिः ॥ १३.२०८.६ ॥
Goddess, listen attentively to their duties and actions. Brahmins have been made earthly gods, appointed to sustain the worlds. Those who desire welfare must never disrespect the brahmins.
13.208.7
यदि ते ब्राह्मणा न स्युर्दानयोगवहाः सदा ।
उभयोर्लोकयोर्देवि स्थितिर्न स्यात्समासतः ॥ १३.२०८.७ ॥
If brahmins were not always bearers of the practice of giving, goddess, then in brief the stability of both worlds would not endure.
13.208.8
लोकेषु दुर्लभं किंतु ब्राह्मणत्वमिति स्मृतम् ।
अबुधो वा दरिद्रो वा पूजनीयः सदैव सः ॥ १३.२०८.८ ॥
In the world, brahminhood is declared rare indeed. Whether he is unlearned or poor, he is always to be honoured.
13.208.9
ब्राह्मणान्योऽवमन्येत निन्देच्च क्रोधयेच्च वा ।
प्रहरेत हरेद्वाऽपि धनं तेषां नराधमः ॥ १३.२०८.९ ॥
The lowest of men is he who disrespects brahmins, reviles them, angers them, strikes them, or even takes away their wealth.
13.208.10
कारयेद्धीनकर्मणि कामलोभविमोहनात् ।
स च मामवमन्येत मां क्रोधयति निन्दति ॥ १३.२०८.१० ॥
He who causes a brahmin to perform base deeds through desire, greed and delusion disrespects me, angers me and reviles me.
13.208.11
मामेव प्रहरेन्मूढो मद्धनस्यापहारकः ।
मामेव प्रेषणं कृत्वा निदन्ते मूढचेतनः ॥ १३.२०८.११ ॥
The fool who steals my wealth strikes me myself. The one whose mind is deluded sends me away and reviles me myself.
13.208.12
स्वाध्यायो यजनं दानं तस्य धर्म इति स्थितिः ।
कर्मण्यध्यापनं चैव याजनं च प्रतिग्रहः।
सत्यं शान्तिस्तपः शौचं तस्य धर्मः सनातनः ॥ १३.२०८.१२ ॥
Recitation of the Veda, sacrifice, and giving: this is his dharma, so it is established. In action, teaching, officiating at sacrifice, and accepting gifts; truth, calm, austerity, and purity — this is his eternal dharma.
13.208.13
विक्रयो रसधान्यानां ब्राह्मणस्य विगर्हितः ।
अनापदि च शूद्रान्नं वृषलीसङ्ग्रहस्तथा ॥ १३.२०८.१३ ॥
Selling liquids and grains is condemned for a brahmin. Except in distress, food from a shudra, and keeping a low-caste woman, are likewise forbidden.
13.208.14
तप एव सदा धर्मो ब्राह्मणस्य न संशयः ।
स तु धर्मार्थमुत्पन्नः पूर्वं धात्रा तपोबलात् ॥ १३.२०८.१४ ॥
Austerity alone is always the dharma of a brahmin, without doubt. He was produced for the sake of dharma, long ago, by the creator, through the power of austerity.
13.208.15
तस्योपनयनं धर्मो नित्यं चोदकधारणम् ।
शास्त्रस्य श्रवणं धर्मो देवव्रतनिषेवणम् ॥ १३.२०८.१५ ॥
His initiation is his dharma, and constant carrying of the staff; hearing the scripture is dharma, and serving the vow of the gods.
13.208.16
अग्निकार्यं परो धर्मो नित्ययज्ञोपवीतिता ।
शूद्रान्नवर्जनं धर्मो धर्मः सत्पथसेवनम्।
धर्मो नित्योपवासित्वं ब्रह्मचर्यं परं तथा ॥ १३.२०८.१६ ॥
The fire-ritual is the supreme dharma, and constantly wearing the sacred thread. Abstaining from a shudra's food is dharma; following the good path is dharma. Constant fasting is dharma, and supreme celibacy likewise.
13.208.17
गृहस्थस्य परो धर्मो गृहस्थाश्रमिणस्तथा ।
गृहसम्मार्जनं धर्म आलेपनविधिस्तथा ॥ १३.२०८.१७ ॥
The supreme dharma of a householder, and likewise of one in the householder stage. Sweeping the house is dharma, and the rule of anointing it likewise.
13.208.18
अतिथिप्रियता धर्मो धर्मस्त्रेताग्निधारणम् ।
इष्टिर्वा पशुबन्धाश्च विधिपूर्वं परंतप ॥ १३.२०८.१८ ॥
Fondness for guests is dharma; maintaining the three sacred fires is dharma; the iṣṭi or the animal-sacrifices, performed according to rule, are dharma, O scorcher of foes.
13.208.19
दम्पत्योः समशीलत्वं धर्मो वै गृहमेधिनाम् ।
एवं द्विजन्मनो धर्मो गार्हस्थ्ये धर्मधारणम् ॥ १३.२०८.१९ ॥
Harmony of character between husband and wife is indeed the dharma of householders; likewise the dharma of the twice-born is the upholding of dharma in the householder's state.
13.208.20
यस्तु क्षत्रगतो धर्मस्त्वया देवि प्रयोदितः ।
तमहं ते प्रवक्ष्यामि शृणु देवि समाहिता ॥ १३.२०८.२० ॥
The dharma of the warrior class, which you have asked about, O goddess, I will now declare to you; listen, O goddess, with composed attention.
13.208.21
क्षत्रियास्तु ततो देवि द्विजानां पालने स्मृताः ।
यदि निःक्षत्रियो लोको जगत्स्यादधरोत्तरम् ॥ १३.२०८.२१ ॥
Then, O goddess, the warriors are ordained for the protection of the twice-born; if the world were without warriors, the universe would be turned upside down.
13.208.22
रक्षणात्क्षत्रियैरेव जगद्भवति शाश्वतम् ।
तस्याप्यध्ययनं दानं यजनं धर्मतः स्मृतम् ॥ १३.२०८.२२ ॥
Through the protection of the warriors alone the world endures forever; for them too, study, giving and sacrifice are prescribed according to dharma.
13.208.23
दीनानां रक्षणं चैव पापनामनुशासनम् ।
सतां सम्पोषणं चैव कर्मषण्मार्गजीवनम् ॥ १३.२०८.२३ ॥
To protect the helpless, to restrain the wicked, to nourish the good, and to live by the six paths of action, is the dharma of the warrior.
13.208.24
उत्साहः शस्त्रजीवित्वं तस्य धर्मः सनातनः ।
भृत्यानां भरणं धर्मः कृते कर्मण्यमोघता ॥ १३.२०८.२४ ॥
Zeal and a livelihood by weapons are his eternal dharma. Supporting one's servants is dharma, and unfailing success in action is dharma.
13.208.25
सम्यग्गुणयुतो धर्मो धर्मः पौरहितक्रिया ।
व्यवहारस्थितिर्नित्यं गुणयुक्तो महीपतिः ॥ १३.२०८.२५ ॥
Dharma endowed with the proper qualities, and the office of the household priest, are dharma. Constantly upholding the order of law, and a king endowed with virtue, are dharma.
13.208.26
आर्तवित्तप्रदो राजा धर्मं प्राप्नोत्यनुत्तमम् ।
एवं तैर्विहितः पूर्वैर्धर्मः कर्मविधानतः ॥ १३.२०८.२६ ॥
A king who gives wealth to the distressed attains the supreme dharma. Thus dharma, prescribed by the ancients, accords with the ordinance of action.
13.208.27
तथैव देवि वैश्याश्च लोकयात्राहिताः स्मृताः ।
अन्ये तानुपजीवन्ति प्रत्यक्षफलदा हि ते ॥ १३.२०८.२७ ॥
Likewise, O goddess, the merchants are held to be beneficial to the course of worldly life. Others live off them, for they yield visible fruit.
13.208.28
यदि न स्युस्तथा वैश्या न भवेयुस्तथा परे ।
तेषामध्ययनं दानं गजनं धर्म उच्यते ॥ १३.२०८.२८ ॥
If there were no merchants, neither would others be as they are. Their study, giving, and sacrifice are called dharma.
13.208.29
वैश्यस्य सततं धर्मः पाशुपाल्यं कृषिस्तथा ।
अग्निहोत्रपरिस्पन्दास्त्रयो वर्णा द्विजातयः ॥ १३.२०८.२९ ॥
The constant dharma of the merchant is cattle-keeping and agriculture. The three classes engaged in the Agnihotra rite are called twice-born.
13.208.30
वाणिज्यं सत्पथे स्थानमातिथेयत्वमेव च ।
विप्राणां स्वागतन्यायो वैश्यधर्मः सनातनः ॥ १३.२०८.३० ॥
Trade, standing on the righteous path, and hospitality as well; welcoming the brahmins well is the rule — this is the eternal duty of the vaiśya.
13.208.31
तिलगन्धरसाश्चैव न विक्रेयाः कथञ्चन ।
वणिक्पथमुपासद्भिर्वैश्यैर्वैश्यपथि स्थितैः ॥ १३.२०८.३१ ॥
Sesame, fragrances and juices must never be sold in any way by vaiśyas who follow the merchant's path and stand on the vaiśya's way.
13.208.32
सर्वातिथ्यं त्रिवर्गस्य यथाशक्ति दिवानिशम् ।
एवं ते विहिता देवि लोकयात्रा स्वयंभुवा ॥ १३.२०८.३२ ॥
Hospitality to all, for the sake of the threefold aim, according to one's means, day and night. Thus, O goddess, has the Self-existent one ordained the course of the world for you.
13.208.33
तथैव शूद्रा विहिताः सर्वधर्मप्रसाधकाः ।
शूद्राश्च यदि ते न स्युः कर्मकर्ता न विद्यते ॥ १३.२०८.३३ ॥
In the same way the shudras are ordained as accomplishers of every duty; and if there were no shudras, there would be no one to do the work.
13.208.34
त्रयः पूर्वे शूद्रमूलाः सर्वे कर्मकराः स्मृताः ।
ब्राह्मणादिषु शुश्रूषा दासधर्म इति स्मृतः ॥ १३.२०८.३४ ॥
The three former classes, having the shudra as their root, are all remembered as workers; service to brahmins and others is remembered as the duty of a servant.
13.208.35
वार्ता च कारुकर्माणि शिल्यं नाट्यं तथैव च ।
अहिंसकः शुभाचारो देवतद्विजवन्दकः ॥ १३.२०८.३५ ॥
Livelihood and the work of craftsmen, crafts and drama likewise; one who is non-violent, of good conduct, and who honours gods and the twice-born.
13.208.36
शूद्रो धर्मफलैरिष्टैः स्वधर्मेणोपपद्यते ।
एवमादि तथाऽन्यच्च शूद्रधर्म इति स्मृतः ॥ १३.२०८.३६ ॥
The śūdra attains the desired fruits of dharma through his own duty. Thus and so forth, and other things as well, are remembered as the duty of the śūdra.
13.208.37
तेऽप्येवं विहिता लोके कर्मयोग्याः शुभानने ॥ १३.२०८.३७ ॥
They too are thus prescribed in the world, fit for action, O fair-faced one.
13.208.38
एवं चतुर्णां वर्णानां वर्णलोकाः परत्र च ।
विहिताश्च तथा दृष्टा यथावद्धर्मचारिणि ॥ १३.२०८.३८ ॥
Thus the worlds of the four varṇas are prescribed and seen as they should be, both in this world and the next, O follower of dharma.
13.208.39
एष वर्णाश्रयो धर्मः कर्म चैव तदर्पणम् ।
कथितं श्रोतुकामायाः किं भूयः श्रोतुमिच्छसि ॥ १३.२०८.३९ ॥
This is the dharma based on varṇa, along with action and its dedication. It has been told to you who wished to hear. What more do you wish to hear?
13.208.40
भगवन्देवदेवेश नमस्ते वृषभध्वज ।
श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं देव धर्ममाश्रमिणां विभो ॥ १३.२०८.४० ॥
O blessed one, lord of the gods, O bull-bannered one, homage to you. O god, O mighty one, I wish to hear the dharma of those who dwell in the stages of life.
13.208.41
तथाऽऽश्रमगतं धर्मं शृणु देवि समाहिता ।
आश्रमाणां तु यो धर्मः क्रियते ब्रह्मवादिभिः ॥ १३.२०८.४१ ॥
Then hear, O goddess, with a composed mind the dharma pertaining to the stages of life, the dharma of the stages of life as practised by the knowers of Brahman.
13.208.42
गृहस्थः प्रवरस्तेषां गार्हस्थ्यं धर्ममाश्रितः ।
पञ्चयज्ञक्रियाशौचं दारतुष्टिरतन्द्रिता ॥ १३.२०८.४२ ॥
Among them the householder is the best, who has taken up the duty of the householder's state: purity through performing the five sacrifices, contentment with his wife, and tirelessness.
13.208.43
ऋतुकालाभिगमनं दानयज्ञतपांसि च ।
अविप्रवासस्तस्येष्टः स्वाध्यायश्वाग्निपूर्वकम् ॥ १३.२०८.४३ ॥
Approaching one's wife in the proper season, gifts, sacrifices and austerities; for him, not to be away from home is prescribed, and the study of the Vedas with fire as the first offering.
13.208.44
अतिथीनामाभिमुख्यं शक्त्या चेष्टनिमन्त्रणम् ।
अनुग्रहश्च सर्वेषां मनोवाक्कायकर्मभिः ॥ १३.२०८.४४ ॥
Welcoming guests with a face turned towards them, inviting them to a desired meal according to one's ability, and showing kindness to all by deeds of mind, speech and body.
13.208.45
एवमादि शुभं चान्यत्कुर्यात्तद्वृत्तिमान्गृही ।
एवं सञ्चरतस्तस्य पुण्यलोका न संशयः। ॥ १३.२०८.४५ ॥
Such and other good deeds should the householder who lives by that conduct perform. For one who thus moves about, there are worlds of merit, without doubt.
13.208.46
तथैव वानप्रस्थस्य धर्माः प्रोक्ताः सनातनाः ॥ १३.२०८.४६ ॥
Likewise, the eternal duties of the forest-dweller have been declared.
13.208.47
गृहवासं समुत्सृकज्य निश्चित्यैकमनाः शुभैः ।
वन्यैरेव तदाहारैः वर्तयेदिति च स्थितिः ॥ १३.२०८.४७ ॥
Having abandoned life in the house, having resolved with single mind, one should live only on those good forest foods; such is the rule.
13.208.48
भूमिशय्या जटाश्मश्रुचर्मवल्कलधारणम् ।
देवतातिथिसत्कारो महाकृच्छ्राभिपूजनम् ॥ १३.२०८.४८ ॥
Sleeping on the ground, wearing matted hair, beard, skin and bark garments, honoring gods and guests, and worshipping through the great kṛcchra vow.
13.208.49
अग्निहोत्रं त्रिषवणं नित्यं तस्य विधीयते ।
ब्रह्मचर्यं क्षमा शौचं तस्य धर्मः सनातनः।
एवं स विगते प्राणे देवलोके महीयते ॥ १३.२०८.४९ ॥
For him the daily fire offering at the three twilights is prescribed. Celibacy, forbearance and purity are his eternal dharma. Thus, when life has departed, he is honored in the world of the gods.
13.208.50
यतिधर्मास्तथा देवि गृहांस्त्यक्त्वा यतस्ततः ।
आकिञ्चन्यमनारम्भः सर्वतः शौचमार्जवम् ॥ १३.२०८.५० ॥
O goddess, likewise the duties of an ascetic are these: leaving houses and wandering from place to place, having nothing, not undertaking action, purity in every way, and uprightness.
13.208.51
सर्वत्र भैक्षचर्या च सर्वत्रैव विवासनम् ।
सदा ध्यानपरत्वं च देहशुद्धिः क्षमा दया।
तत्वानुगतबुद्धित्वं तस्य धर्मविधिर्भवेत् ॥ १३.२०८.५१ ॥
Begging for alms everywhere and dwelling everywhere without a fixed home, always being devoted to meditation, purity of body, forbearance and compassion, and a mind attuned to the truth — this should be the rule of his dharma.
13.208.52
ब्रह्मचारी च यो देवि जन्मप्रभृति भिक्षितः ।
ब्रह्मचर्यपरो भूत्वा साधयेद्गुरुमात्मनः।
सर्वकालेषु सर्वत्र गुरुपूजां समाचरेत् ॥ १३.२०८.५२ ॥
O goddess, the celibate student who from birth onward lives on alms should, devoted to celibate discipline, accomplish his teacher for his own sake, and perform worship of the teacher at all times and everywhere.
13.208.53
भैक्षचर्याग्निकार्यं च सदा जलनिषेवणम् ।
स्वाध्यायः सततं तस्य एष धर्मः सनातनः ॥ १३.२०८.५३ ॥
Living on alms, the fire rites, bathing in water at all times, and constant recitation of scripture — this is his eternal dharma.
13.208.54
तस्य चेष्टा तु गुर्वर्थमाप्राणान्तमिति स्थितिः ।
गुरोरभावे तत्पुत्रे गुरुवद्वृत्तिमाचरेत् ॥ १३.२०८.५४ ॥
His conduct should be for the good of the teacher, as long as life lasts; this is the rule. In the teacher's absence, he should behave toward the teacher's son as toward the teacher.
13.208.55
एवं सोप्यमलाँल्लोकान्ब्राह्मणः प्रतिपद्यते ।
एष ते कथितो देवि धर्मश्चाश्रमवासिनाम् ॥ १३.२०८.५५ ॥
Thus that brahmin also attains stainless worlds. O goddess, this is the duty of those who dwell in the stages of life, which I have declared to you.
13.208.56
चतुर्णामाश्रमो युक्तो लोक इत्येव विद्यते ।
कथितं ते समासेन किं भूयः श्रोतुमिच्छसि ॥ १३.२०८.५६ ॥
The four stages of life are known to be united in a single world. It has been told to you in brief; what more do you wish to hear?