अनुशासनिक पर्व — साध्वी और पतिव्रता स्त्रियों का आचरण

Yudhishthira said O you who know all duties, I wish to hcar in full, what forms the excellent conduct of good and chaste women. Do you, O grandfather, describe this to me.!

Bhishma said Once on a time in the celestial region, a lady named Sumana of Kaikeya's race, addressing Shandili, gifted with great energy and conversant with the truth regarding everything and gifted with omniscience, said, By what conduct, O auspicious lady, by what course of deeds have you succeeded in acquiring the celestial region, purged off of every sin? You shine with your own energy like a flame of fire, You appear to be a daughter of the Lord of stars, come to Heaven in your own effulgence.

You put on dresses of pure white, and as quite cheerful and at your case. Scated on that celestial car, you shine, O auspicious dame, with energy multiplied a thousand fold.

You have not, I understand, attained to this region of happiness by great penances and gifts and vows. Do you tell me the truth!

Thus questioned swectly by Sumana, Stiandili of sweet smiles, addressing her fair interrogatrix, thus answered her silently. I did not wear yellow robes; nor barks of trees. I did not shave my head; nor did I keep matted locks on my head. It is not on account of these deeds that I have acquired the status of a celestial. I never carelessly addressed any harsh words to my husband.

I was always devoted to the adoration of the celestials the departed Manes, and the Brahmanas. Always careful I waited upon and served my motherin law and father-in-law.

This was my resolution that I should never act deceitfully. I never used of stay at the door of our house nor did I speak long with anybody.

I never did any evil deed. I never laughed aloud; I never did any injury; I never gave out any secret. Thus did I myself act.

When my husband, having left home upon any business, used to return, I always served him by giving him a seat, and adored him with respect.

I never ate food of any kind which was unknown to my husband and with which my husband was not pleased.

Rising early in the morning I did and caused to be done whatever was brought about and required to be done for the sake of relatives and kinsmen.

When my husband leaves home for going to a distant place on any errand, I remained at home engaged in various kinds of auspicious deeds for blessing his enterprise.

During the absence of my husband I never use collyrium or ornaments; I never wash myself properly or use garlands and unguents or adorn my feet with lacdye or body with ornaments.

When my husband sleeps in peace I never awake him even if important business wanted his attention. I was happy to sit by him lying asleep.

I never urged my husband to work hard for acquiring riches to support his family and relatives. I always kept secrets without giving them out to others. I used to always keep our premises clean.

That woman who with rapt attention, follows her duty, receives profuse honors in the celestial region like a second Arundhati.

Bhishma said The illustrious and highly blessed Shandili, of pious conduct having said these words to Sumana on the subject of woman's duties towards her husband, disappeared there and then.

That man, O son of Pandu, who reads this discourse at every full moon and new moon, succeeds in acquiring the celestial region and enjoying great happiness in the bowers of Nandana.