योयं यस्य यथाऽनेन प्रापि ज्योतिष्मतीपुरी
Who is this, to whom does he belong, and by what means did he reach the radiant city?
नर्मदायास्तटे रम्ये पुरे नर्मपुरे पुरा
Long ago, in the delightful city of Narmapura on the banks of the Narmadā—
ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमे निष्ठो ब्रह्मयज्ञरतःसदा
Firmly established in the stage of brahmacharya, always devoted to the sacrifice to Brahman.
विज्ञाताखिलशास्त्रार्थो लौकिकाचारचंचुरः
One who has understood the meaning of all the scriptures, and is skilled in worldly conduct.
चतुर्णामप्याश्रमाणां कोतीव श्रेयसे सताम्
For the virtuous, even a crore of the four āśramas is for the sake of supreme good.
इदं श्रेयस्त्विदं श्रेयस्त्विदं तु सुकरं भवेत्
This is the highest good, this is the highest good; yet this may be easy to accomplish.
ब्रह्मचारी गृहस्थो वा वानप्रस्थोऽथ भिक्षुकः
Whether as a brahmachārin, householder, forest-dweller, or mendicant.
देवैर्मनुष्यैः पितृभिस्तिर्यग्भिश्चोपजीव्यते 4.1.10.
He is supported by the gods, humans, ancestors, and even animals.
अस्नात्वा चाप्यहुत्वा वाऽदत्त्वा वाश्नाति यो गृही
If a householder eats without bathing, without offering oblations, or without giving, he—
अस्नाताशी मलं भुंक्ते त्वजपी पूयशोणितम्
One who eats without bathing consumes filth; one who eats without reciting mantras eats pus and blood.
ब्रह्मचर्यं हि गार्हस्थ्ये यादृक्कल्पनयोज्झितम्
Indeed, the brahmacharya observed in household life, when performed according to proper rules—
हठाद्वा लोकभीत्या वा स्वार्थाद्वा ब्रह्मचर्यभाक्
Whether by force, out of fear of the world, or for personal gain, one who practices brahmacharya—
परदारपरित्यागात्स्वदारपरितुष्टितः
By renouncing other women and being content with one's own wife—
विमुक्तरागद्वेषो यः कामक्रोधविवर्जितः
Who is free from attachment and aversion, devoid of desire and anger—
वैराग्याद्गृहमुत्सृज्य गृहधर्मान्हृदि स्मरेत्
Having renounced home out of detachment, he remembers the duties of a householder in his heart.
अयाचितोपस्थितया यो वृत्त्या वर्तते गृही
The householder who lives by means that come unasked and of their own accord—
प्राथयेद्यत्क्वचित्किंचिद्दुष्प्रापं वा भविष्यति
If he ever desires anything, even something difficult to obtain, it will come to be.
गुणागुणविचार्येत्थं स वै विश्वानरो द्विजः 4.1.10.
Thus, considering virtues and faults, that twice-born is truly the universal fire.
अग्निशुश्रूषणरतः पंचयज्ञपरायणः
Delighting in service to the sacred fire, devoted to the five great sacrifices—
धर्मार्थकामान्युक्तात्मा सोर्जयन्स्वस्वकालतः
He, self-controlled, pursues righteousness, wealth, and desire, each in its proper time.
पूर्वाह्णे दैविकं कर्म सोकरोत्कर्मकांडवित्
In the forenoon, he performed the rites prescribed for the gods, as laid down in the ritual section.
एवं बहुतिथे काले गते तस्याग्रजन्मनः
Thus, after a long time had passed for that eldest-born one,
अपश्यंत्यंकुरमपि संततेः स्वर्गसाधनम्
he did not see even a sprout of progeny, the means to heaven.
शुचिष्मत्युवाच न दुर्लभं ममास्तीह किंचित्त्वच्चरणार्चनात्
Śuciṣmatī said: Nothing is unattainable for me here by worshipping your feet.
ये वै भोगाः समुचिताः स्त्रीणां ते त्वत्प्रसादतः
Whatever enjoyments are proper for women, those are by your grace.
सुवासांसि सुवासाश्च सुशय्या सुनितंबिनी
Fine garments, fragrant clothes, a good bed, and a well-prepared seat—
एकं मे प्रार्थितं नाथ चिराय हृदिसंस्थितम्
There is one thing I have long desired, Lord, which has remained in my heart.
विश्वानर उवाच तत्प्रार्थय महाभागे प्रयच्छाम्यविलंबितम् ।।4.1.10.
Viśvānara said: Ask for that, O noble lady; I will grant it without delay.
महेशितुः प्रसादेन मम किंचिन्न दुर्ल्भम्
By the grace of Maheśvara, nothing is difficult for me.
इति श्रुत्वा वचः पत्युस्तस्य सा पतिदेवता
Hearing these words of her husband, that devoted wife—