दोषैरेतैः कुलघ्नानां वर्णसङ्करकारकैः। उत्साद्यन्ते जातिधर्माः कुलधर्माश्च शाश्वताः।।1.43।।
doṣhair etaiḥ kula-ghnānāṁ varṇa-saṅkara-kārakaiḥ utsādyante jāti-dharmāḥ kula-dharmāśh cha śhāśhvatāḥ
Translation
Through the evil deeds of those who destroy the family tradition and thus give rise to unwanted progeny, a variety of social and family welfare activities are ruined.
Word Meanings
doṣhaiḥ — through evil deeds; etaiḥ — these; kula-ghnānām — of those who destroy the family; varṇa-saṅkara — unwanted progeny; kārakaiḥ — causing; utsādyante — are ruined; jāti-dharmāḥ — social and family welfare activities; kula-dharmāḥ — family traditions; cha — and; śhāśhvatāḥ — eternal
Understanding the Verse
This verse highlights the social and spiritual consequences of the destruction of families in war. Arjuna fears that such destruction leads to varṇa-saṅkara (social disorder), which in turn leads to the collapse of eternal family and community duties. These traditions are seen as essential for preserving dharma and societal stability. When family structures break down, it results in the rise of unwanted progeny, which causes chaos and disorder in the society. The essential rites and responsibilities that bind the social fabric — such as maintaining family traditions (kula-dharma) and performing duties towards society (jāti-dharma) — are obliterated. Arjuna understands that war will cause an irreversible moral decay that will severely affect future generations, disrupting the harmony of society.
