शोचन्ति जामयो यत्र विनश्यत्याशु तत् कुलम् |
न शोचन्ति तु यत्रैता वर्धते तद्धि सर्वदा || 3.57 || Manusmriti.
Word-to-Word Meaning:
शोचन्ति (śocanti): grieve, are sorrowful
जामयः (jāmayaḥ): wives, daughters-in-law
यत्र (yatra): where, in which place
विनश्यति (vinaśyati): perishes, is destroyed
आशु (āśu): quickly, soon
तत् (tat): that
कुलम् (kulam): family, lineage
न (na): not
शोचन्ति (śocanti): grieve, are sorrowful
तु (tu): but
यत्र (yatra): where, in which place
एता (etāḥ): these (referring to the wives/daughters-in-law)
वर्धते (vardhate): flourishes, prospers
तत् (tat): that
हि (hi): indeed
सर्वदा (sarvadā): always
English meaning:
Where the wives (or daughters-in-law) are in grieve, that family soon perishes; But where they are not in grieve, that family indeed always flourishes.
Kannada meaning:
ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಂಡತಿಯಂದಿರು ಅಥವಾ ಸೊಸೆಯಂದಿರು ದುಃಖದಲ್ಲಿರುತ್ತಾರೋ, ಆ ಕುಟುಂಬವು ನಾಶವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ, ಆದರೆ ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಂಡತಿಯು ಅಥವಾ ಸೊಸೆಯಂದಿರು ಸುಖದಿಂದ ಇರುತ್ತಾರೋ ಆ ಕುಟುಂಬವು ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ಸಮೃದ್ಧದಿಂದಿ ಇರುತ್ತದ.
Hindi meaning:
जहां पत्नियां या बहुएं दुखी रहती हैं, वहां परिवार नष्ट हो जाता है, लेकिन जहां पत्नी या बहुएं खुश रहती हैं, वहां परिवार हमेशा समृद्ध रहता है।
Detailed Discussion:
Context of Manusmriti:
The Manusmriti, also known as the Laws of Manu, is an ancient legal text among the many Dharmashastras of Hinduism. It deals with various aspects of dharma (righteous duty) and provides guidelines for social conduct, duties, and laws for individuals and communities.
Importance of Women's Well-being:
This verse specifically emphasizes the well-being of women, particularly wives or daughters-in-law, within the family unit. It reflects the ancient understanding that the happiness and stability of women are crucial for the overall health and prosperity of the family.
Women are often the primary caregivers and managers of household activities. Their emotional and physical well-being directly impacts the entire family's functionality and harmony.
The Consequence of Distress:
The verse states that if the wives are in distress (शोचन्ति - śocanti), the family (कुलम् - kulam) quickly (आशु - āśu) perishes (विनश्यति - vinaśyati).
This distress can be due to various factors such as mistreatment, lack of respect, excessive burden of responsibilities, or emotional neglect.
The family's decline can be interpreted in various ways: a breakdown of family relationships, social and economic instability, and even a decline in moral and ethical values within the household.
The Benefit of Well-being:
Conversely, the verse asserts that if the wives are not in distress (न शोचन्ति - na śocanti), the family (तत् - tat) always (सर्वदा - sarvadā) flourishes (वर्धते - vardhate).
This flourishing can manifest as stronger family bonds, better health and happiness, economic prosperity, and a positive reputation in society.
A harmonious household where women feel valued and respected is likely to raise children in a nurturing environment, leading to a continuation of these positive traits in future generations.
Societal Implications:
The verse encourages a societal structure where women’s roles and contributions are recognized and respected.
It indirectly advocates for the fair and compassionate treatment of women, highlighting their integral role in the stability and growth of the family unit.
Conclusion:
Manusmriti 3.57 encapsulates a timeless principle emphasizing the crucial role of women’s well-being in the prosperity and longevity of the family. By highlighting that a family where women are distressed quickly perishes and a family where they are content flourishes, this shloka underscores the importance of creating a supportive and respectful environment for women.
The verse teaches that:
Respect and Support for Women: Ensuring that wives and daughters-in-law are treated with respect and support leads to a prosperous family.
Impact of Emotional Well-being: The emotional well-being of women has a direct impact on the stability and harmony of the household.
Ethical Responsibility: It is an ethical and moral responsibility for the family and society to ensure the happiness and well-being of its women members.
By fostering a culture of respect, care, and support for women, families can build a foundation for enduring prosperity and stability. This teaching is not only relevant in ancient contexts but remains significant in contemporary discussions about gender roles, family dynamics, and societal progress.
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