Shloka 18
Mohinī-ākhyāna: The Trial of Ekādaśī and the King’s Satya-saṅkalpa
स कथं हि व्रतं त्यक्षे विमार्गस्थद्विजोक्तितः । धर्मभूषणसंज्ञेन रक्ष्यमाणे धरातले ॥ १८ ॥
sa kathaṃ hi vrataṃ tyakṣe vimārgasthadvijoktitaḥ | dharmabhūṣaṇasaṃjñena rakṣyamāṇe dharātale || 18 ||
Wie könnte ich mein Gelübde nur aufgrund der Worte eines Brahmanen aufgeben, der vom rechten Weg abgeirrt ist, da doch die Erde selbst von dem bewacht wird, der als „Schmuck der Dharma“ gerühmt wird?
Narada (in dialogue context with Sanatkumara tradition)
Vrata: none (general vrata steadfastness)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches steadfastness in vrata (sacred vows): dharma is not to be abandoned due to misguided religious counsel, especially when righteous protection of the world-order is affirmed.
By insisting on fidelity to one’s vow and true path, it supports bhakti as disciplined commitment—devotion expressed through consistent observance rather than wavering under improper influence.
It highlights dharma-nirṇaya (right discernment in ritual and conduct): one must evaluate injunctions and advice by alignment with śāstra and sadācāra, not merely by the speaker’s social status.