Shloka 23
एतादृशो ह्यनुतापः खगेन्द्र प्रायश्चित्तं न च क्षौरादिकं च / भानोः कन्या ह्यनुतापं च कृत्वा विचारयामास हरेः सुतत्त्वम्
etādṛśo hyanutāpaḥ khagendra prāyaścittaṃ na ca kṣaurādikaṃ ca / bhānoḥ kanyā hyanutāpaṃ ca kṛtvā vicārayāmāsa hareḥ sutattvam
হে খগেন্দ্ৰ! এনেকুৱা অন্তৰৰ অনুতাপেই প্ৰকৃত প্ৰায়শ্চিত্ত; কেৱল ক্ষৌৰাদি বাহ্য কৰ্ম নহয়। সূৰ্যকন্যাই অনুতাপ কৰি হৰিৰ সুতত্ত্ব গভীৰভাৱে বিচাৰ কৰিলে।
Lord Vishnu (addressing Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: True expiation is sincere inner remorse and transformation, not merely external markers (e.g., shaving). Repentance should mature into inquiry into Hari-tattva.
Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi as prerequisite for tattva-jñāna and bhakti; primacy of inner disposition over outer ritualism.
Application: When seeking atonement, prioritize honest remorse, restitution, and resolve; then engage in study/meditation on Viṣṇu’s nature rather than relying only on symbolic acts.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Pretakalpa/Dharma sections): emphasis on śuddhi of mind and sincere prāyaścitta over mere external signs (general thematic parallel)
FAQs
This verse states that sincere inner remorse is itself the real prāyaścitta (atonement), surpassing purely external ritual markers like shaving; inner transformation is presented as the core of purification.
By prioritizing anutāpa over outward rites, the verse implies karmic cleansing begins in the mind and conscience; genuine repentance redirects one toward dharma and deeper spiritual discernment, which supports a better post-death trajectory.
When correcting wrongdoing, pair any ritual or social remedy with honest self-reflection, restraint, and commitment to change—treating repentance as the foundation for ethical living and spiritual progress.