Shloka 39
Nīti for Calamity, Wealth, Friendship, Charity, and Restraint of Kāma
नदी पातयते कूलं नारी पातयते कुलम् / नारीणाञ्च नदीनां च स्वच्छन्दा ललिता गतिः
nadī pātayate kūlaṃ nārī pātayate kulam / nārīṇāñca nadīnāṃ ca svacchandā lalitā gatiḥ
قد يُسقِط النهرُ ضفّتَه، وقد تُسقِط المرأةُ سلالةَ البيت. فحركةُ النساءِ والأنهارِ حُرّةٌ رقيقةٌ بهيّة، غيرَ أنّها لا تُستَمسَكُ بسهولة.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra) — traditional Garuda Purana dialogue frame
Concept: Unrestrained impulses—like a river’s current—can undermine social continuity; stability requires discernment and self-governance.
Vedantic Theme: Indriya-viṣaya pravāha (the flow of sense-objects) and the need for viveka to prevent bondage-producing turbulence.
Application: Cultivate restraint, clear boundaries, and mutual accountability in household life; treat powerful tendencies as energies to channel rather than suppress.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: riverbank/settlement edge
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.109.40-42 (insatiability motifs); Garuda Purana 1.109.43 (householder-moksha through restraint)
FAQs
It warns that powerful, free-flowing forces—symbolized by rivers and human impulses—can cause harm if not guided by dharma and restraint.
Indirectly, it supports the Purana’s larger ethical framework: disciplined conduct reduces sinful consequences that otherwise shape one’s post-death experience and karmic outcomes.
Practice self-control and responsible conduct in relationships and family life; channel strong tendencies with ethical boundaries to prevent avoidable harm.