कुलक्षये प्रणश्यन्ति कुलधर्मा: सनातना: | धर्मे नष्टे कुलं कृत्स्नमधर्मोऽभिभवत्युत || 40 || अधर्माभिभवात्कृष्ण प्रदुष्यन्ति कुलस्त्रिय: | स्त्रीषु दुष्टासु वार्ष्णेय जायते वर्णसङ्कर: || 41|| |
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“When a lineage is destroyed, its ancient traditions are lost. When Dharma is lost, O Krishna, the entire lineage becomes filled with adharma”
“O Krishna, when adharma prevails, the women of the lineage become degraded, and from the degradation of women, there is adultery and mixture of castes.”
Commentary
Arjuna reflects upon the consequences of the destruction of a noble dynasty and the subsequent loss of its timeless values and traditions. The verse underscores the significance of upholding righteousness and the potential repercussions when righteousness is abandoned.
When a dynasty or lineage is destroyed, its ancient and enduring customs and principles also perish. These traditions, which have been passed down through generations, embody the values, ethics, and moral codes that guide the family and contribute to its harmonious functioning. When righteousness is compromised or diminished within a family or society, the vacuum created by its absence is filled by adharma, which refers to immorality or unethical behavior. The verse highlights the interdependence between adherence to moral principles and the well-being and preservation of a family’s integrity, heritage, and values.