Shloka 48

Devanagari script

परोक्षे कार्यहन्तारं प्रत्यक्षे प्रियवादिनम् / वर्जयेत्तादृशं मित्रं मायामयमरिं तथा

Transliteration

parokṣe kāryahantāraṃ pratyakṣe priyavādinam / varjayettādṛśaṃ mitraṃ māyāmayamariṃ tathā

Translation

Avoid the friend who, behind your back, ruins your work, yet to your face speaks sweetly. Such a one is a deceptive enemy, made of māyā—mere illusion.

Word by Word

• परोक्षे: in absence/behind one’s back
• परोक्षे: Adhikarana (Locus/अधिकरण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: परोक्ष (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: अव्ययवत्-प्रयोग (सप्तमी-एकवचनरूपेण क्रियाविशेषण), अर्थे ‘परोक्षे (सति)’

• कार्यहन्तारम्: one who destroys your work
• कार्यहन्तारम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: कार्य (प्रातिपदिक) + हन्तृ (प्रातिपदिक; √हन् धातु-निष्पन्न)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष (कार्यस्य हन्ता)

• प्रत्यक्षे: in your presence
• प्रत्यक्षे: Adhikarana (Locus/अधिकरण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: प्रत्यक्ष (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: अव्ययवत्-प्रयोग (सप्तमी-एकवचनरूपेण क्रियाविशेषण), अर्थे ‘समक्षे’

• प्रियवादिनम्: a sweet-talker
• प्रियवादिनम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: प्रिय (प्रातिपदिक) + वादिन् (प्रातिपदिक; √वद्)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; कर्मधारय/तत्पुरुष-भावः (प्रियं वदति इति)

• वर्जयेत्: should avoid
• वर्जयेत्: Kriya (Action/क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: वर्ज् (धातु)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (optative), प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन, परस्मैपद

• तादृशम्: such (a one)
• तादृशम्: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: तादृश (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; विशेषणम् (मित्रम्)

• मित्रम्: friend
• मित्रम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: मित्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन

• मायामयम्: deceitful/filled with illusion
• मायामयम्: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: माया (प्रातिपदिक) + मय (तद्धित-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; तद्धितान्त ‘मयट्’ (made of/filled with), विशेषणम् (अरिम्)

• अरिम्: enemy
• अरिम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अरी (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन

• तथा: also/likewise
• तथा: Sambandha (Relation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: तथा (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय (समुच्चय/उपमानार्थक adverb)

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Avoid the two-faced associate: sweet speech in front, sabotage behind; such a ‘friend’ is a māyā-made enemy.

Vedantic Theme: Māyā as deceptive appearance: pleasant words can conceal harmful intent; cultivate viveka to see beyond surfaces.

Application: Evaluate relationships by consistent actions; set boundaries; avoid sharing sensitive plans with unreliable people; choose sat-saṅga.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: bibhatsa

Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana nīti: warnings against asat-saṅga, hypocrisy, and harmful companionship (general thematic parallel)

FAQs

What is the importance of avoiding deceitful friends in the Garuda Purana?

This verse frames hidden sabotage and outward flattery as a form of enmity, advising dharmic discernment in choosing companions.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul?

Indirectly, it supports dharmic living by warning against relationships that corrupt conduct and stability—both considered obstacles to righteous life and spiritual progress.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Judge people by consistent actions, not sweet speech; distance yourself from those who undermine your work or integrity while pretending friendliness.