Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 43
Prāyaścitta, the ‘Elephant Bath’ Problem, and the Opening of Ajāmila-Upākhyāna
एतैरधर्मो विज्ञात: स्थानं दण्डस्य युज्यते । सर्वे कर्मानुरोधेन दण्डमर्हन्ति कारिण: ॥ ४३ ॥
etair adharmo vijñātaḥ sthānaṁ daṇḍasya yujyate sarve karmānurodhena daṇḍam arhanti kāriṇaḥ
The candidates for punishment are those who are confirmed by these many witnesses to have deviated from their prescribed regulative duties. Everyone engaged in fruitive activities is suitable to be subjected to punishment according to his sinful acts.
FAQs
This verse states that punishment (daṇḍa) is rightly given when irreligion (adharma) is identified, and that every person is judged in accordance with their specific actions (karma-anurodhena).
They were defending the principle of moral order—arguing that sinful behavior can be recognized by its symptoms and that offenders should be punished proportionally to their deeds.
Act with responsibility: understand that choices have consequences, and align daily conduct with dharma—truthfulness, self-control, and non-harm—to avoid creating suffering for oneself and others.