Thus equipt Nahusha continued to rule heaven. The three worlds were restored to their normal condition. The inhabitants of the universe once more became happy and cheerful. Nahusha then said,--'Everything that Indra used to enjoy is before me. Only, his spouse Sachi is not by.' Having said this, Nahusha proceeded to where Sachi was and, addressing her, said,--'O blessed lady, I have become the lord of the deities. Do thou accept me.' Unto him Sachi replied, saying--'Thou art, by nature, wedded to righteousness of behaviour. Thou belongest, again, to the race of Shoma. It behoveth thee not to assail another person's wife.'--Nahusha, thus addressed by her, said,--'The position of Indra is now being occupied by me. I deserve to enjoy the dominions and all the precious possessions of Indra. In desiring to enjoy thee there can be no sin. Thou wert Indra's and therefore, should be mine.' Sachi then said unto him,--'I am observing a vow that has not yet been completed. After performing the final ablutions I shall come to thee within a few days.' Extracting this promise from Indra's spouse, Nahusha left her presence. Meanwhile Sachi, afflicted with pain and grief, anxious to find her lord and assailed by her fear of Nahusha proceeded to Vrihaspati (the chief priest of the celestials). At the first sight Vrihaspati understood her to be struck with anxiety. He immediately had recourse to Yoga-meditation and learnt that she was intent upon doing what was necessary for restoring her husband to his true position. Vrihaspati then addressed her, saying,--'Equipt with penances and the merit that will be thine in consequence of this vow that thou art observing, do thou invoke the boon-giving goddess Upasruti. Invoked by thee, she will appear and show thee where thy husband is dwelling.'--While in the observance of that very austere vow, she invoked with the aid of proper Mantras the boon-giving goddess Upasruti.Mbh 12.343.2i · Mahabharata · SANTI PARVA
Mbh 12.343.2i
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
MarriageThe DivineAnxietyDharmaFearGriefJusticeKarma
Marriage in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam and Hellenism address it.
Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.1 Corinthians 7:3 · Bible · 1 Corinthians
Allah citeth an example for those who disbelieve: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot, who were under two of Our righteous slaves yet betrayed them so that they (the husbands) availed them naught against Allah and it was said (unto them): Enter the Fire along with those who enter.Quran 66:10 · Quran · The Prohibition
“Then I saw Alcmena, the wife of Amphitryon, who also bore to Jove indomitable Hercules; and Megara who was daughter to great King Creon, and married the redoubtable son of Amphitryon.Odyssey 11.22 · Odyssey · 11
Helen, after the death of Paris, married Deiphobus his brother, and at the taking of Troy betrayed him, in order to reconcile herself to Menelaus her first husband, who received her again into favour.Iliad 24.79 · Iliad · 24
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