13.124
Dialogue between Śāṇḍilī and Sumanā.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O best among all upholders of dharma, I desire to hear from you about the complete conduct of virtuous women; please tell me that, O grandsire. (13-124-1)
Bhīṣma said.
Kaikeyi asked Śāṇḍilī, the wise, all-knowing, knower of all dharmas, and Sumanā by name, in the world of the gods. (13-124-2)
O auspicious one, by what conduct or practice have you, having purified yourself of all sins, attained the world of the gods? (13-124-3)
You, shining with your own brilliance like a flame of fire, have come to heaven radiant, like the daughter of the moon. (13-124-4)
O beautiful one, wearing dustless clothes, free from fatigue, standing in the aerial chariot, you shine with a thousandfold splendor. (13-124-5)
You have not attained this world by little austerity, charity, or discipline; therefore, speak the truth to me. (13-124-6)
Thus, when questioned by Sumanā, the charming-smiling Śāṇḍilī softly spoke these sweet words to Sumanā. (13-124-7)
I am not one who wears ochre robes, nor one clad in bark; nor am I shaven-headed, nor with matted hair—having become such, I have not attained divinity. (13-124-8)
I, being attentive, never spoke any unwholesome or harsh words to my husband. (13-124-9)
One who is not heedless, always engaged in the worship of deities, ancestors, and brāhmaṇas, and serves her mother-in-law and father-in-law. (13-124-10)
I do not engage in tale-bearing, neither does such thought occur in my mind; I do not stay at improper places, nor do I speak for a long time. (13-124-11)
I never engage in untruthful words, laughter, any unwholesome act, whether openly or secretly. (13-124-12)
When my husband, who had gone out for a task, returns home, I seat him and worship him attentively. (13-124-13)
Whatever I do not know and whatever food I do not approve, whether it is to be eaten, consumed, or to be licked, I abandon all of that. (13-124-14)
For the sake of the family, whatever task has been assembled, I rise in the morning and both have it done and do it myself. (13-124-15)
If my husband goes on a journey for some business, I always remain devoted, endowed with many auspicious things. (13-124-16)
I do not enjoy collyrium, yellow pigment, bathing, garlands, unguents, or adornment when my husband is absent. (13-124-17)
I never awaken my husband when he is sleeping comfortably; even during times of illness or duties, my mind is content with this. (13-124-18)
I never distress my husband about family matters. I am always modest and keep my dwelling well cleaned. (13-124-19)
A woman who devotedly observes this path of dharma is honored among women in heaven, like Arundhatī. (13-124-20)
Bhīṣma said.
Having narrated this to Sumanā, the ascetic goddess, who was greatly fortunate, followed her husband's duty and then disappeared from sight. (13-124-21)
Whoever reads this account of the Pandavas on every holy day will, having reached the world of the gods, dwell with great happiness in the Nandana garden. (13-124-22)
