Shloka 6
Determination of Expiations for Sexual Transgressions and Improper Associations
मातरं यदि वा गच्छेद्भगिनीं स्वसुतामपि । वधूं च मोहितो गच्छंस्त्रीणि कृच्छ्राण्यथाचरेत्
mātaraṃ yadi vā gacchedbhaginīṃ svasutāmapi | vadhūṃ ca mohito gacchaṃstrīṇi kṛcchrāṇyathācaret
যদি কোনো পুৰুষ মোহবশতঃ নিজৰ মাতৃ, ভগ্নী, নিজৰ কন্যা, বা পুত্ৰবধূৰ সৈতে সহবাস কৰে, তেন্তে তাৰ পাছত তেওঁ তিনিটা কঠোৰ «কৃচ্ছ্ৰ» প্ৰায়শ্চিত্ত পালন কৰিব লাগে।
Unspecified (narratorial/dharmic injunction within the Brahma-khaṇḍa context)
Concept: Incestuous relations are framed as extreme adharma arising from moha; severe, repeated kṛcchra penances are prescribed to counteract the depth of the transgression.
Application: Guard the mind against intoxication, coercion, and moral confusion; cultivate accountability structures and self-restraint; when harm occurs, seek rigorous atonement and protective reforms rather than denial.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stark, cautionary tableau: a shadowed household threshold symbolizing violated boundaries, while a penitent figure kneels before a stern sage who prescribes three kṛcchra observances. The atmosphere is heavy and purgative—ritual implements are present, but the focus is on moral rupture and the path back through austerity.","primary_figures":["penitent man","dharma-teaching sage","silent witnesses (elders/disciples)"],"setting":"A liminal space between a gṛhastha courtyard and an āśrama pavilion, emphasizing the crossing of forbidden lines; minimal props: water-pot, kusa, palm-leaf text.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["charcoal black","ash white","dull copper","indigo blue","muted saffron"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a didactic moral scene—sage seated with palm-leaf śāstra, penitent kneeling with folded hands; gold leaf used sparingly on the manuscript edges and halo, rich maroon backdrop, austere ornamentation to convey severity, traditional iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: nocturnal courtyard with cool indigo wash; the sage points to a written injunction while the penitent bows; delicate facial expressions of remorse and gravity, fine architectural lines, sparse trees under a pale moon.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, intense yet restrained palette; the sage’s commanding gesture and the penitent’s contrition dominate; stylized pillars and lamp stand, red/yellow/green pigments tempered with dark grounds to keep the mood severe.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symbolic composition—central sage and penitent framed by lotus borders; instead of celebratory cows/peacocks, use subdued floral motifs and a dark blue ground; intricate border text panels suggesting ‘kṛcchra’ discipline and moral restoration."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["deep silence","single bell strike","low drone (tanpura)","distant night insects","soft rustle of palm leaves"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गच्छेद्भगिनीं→गच्छेत् + भगिनीम्; स्वसुतामपि→स्वसुताम् + अपि; गच्छंस्त्रीणि→गच्छन् + त्रीणि; कृच्छ्राण्यथाचरेत्→कृच्छ्राणि + अथ + आचरेत्.
FAQs
It condemns sexual relations with close family members as a grave transgression and prescribes severe expiation (prāyaścitta) to address the spiritual and social harm caused.
Kṛcchra refers to a class of austerity-based expiations typically involving regulated fasting, restricted diet, and disciplined conduct for a fixed period, undertaken to atone for serious wrongdoing.
Not directly. This verse is primarily a dharma–prāyaścitta (ethical law and expiation) injunction rather than a pilgrimage (tīrtha) or devotional (bhakti) passage.