
1
CHAPTER
VERSE
44
उत्सन्नकुलधर्माणां मनुष्याणां जनार्दन |
नरकेऽनियतं वासो भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुम || 1.44 ||
Utsannakuladharmāṇāṁ manuṣyāṇāṁ janārdana।
Narake'niyataṁ vāso bhavatītyanuśuśrum॥
O Janardana, it is heard that for those whose family traditions are destroyed, the eternal dwelling in hell is inevitable.
Lesson:
Sanjaya is narrating the distressing situation to King Dhritarashtra on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He describes the sorrowful state of affairs where the breakdown of family traditions and values has led to a bleak future for the individuals involved.
The term "Utsannakuladharmāṇāṁ" refers to the loss or destruction of familial duties and principles. When people deviate from the righteous path and abandon their familial responsibilities, it leads to chaos and suffering. Such individuals neglect their duties towards their families and society, causing a deterioration of moral and ethical values.
Sanjaya uses the term "Narake'niyataṁ vāso" to depict the consequence of this abandonment - an inevitable dwelling in hell. This is not necessarily a literal hell, but rather a state of profound suffering and despair resulting from the spiritual and moral degradation caused by the neglect of one's duties and values. Overall, this verse serves as a warning about the importance of upholding family traditions, values, and responsibilities. It emphasizes the significance of righteous conduct and the dire consequences that arise from neglecting one's duties towards family and society.