Shloka 2

Prastāra–Naṣṭa Procedures and Enumeration of Chandas

Laghu–Guru Computation

Devanagari script

प्रतिलोमगुणं लाद्यं द्विरुद्दिष्टक एकनुत्

Transliteration

pratilomaguṇaṃ lādyaṃ dviruddiṣṭaka ekanut

Translation

One should take up the virtue opposite to the fault, beginning with the prescribed discipline; the rite enjoined twice is to be performed but once, as a single sacred observance.

Word by Word

• प्रतिलोमगुणम्: the reverse/reciprocal property (reverse rule)
• प्रतिलोमगुणम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: प्रतिलोम + गुण (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति (कर्म), एकवचन; समासः—षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः (प्रतिलोमस्य गुणः)

• लाद्यम्: to be taken/assumed (as the initial)
• लाद्यम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: लाद्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन; विशेषणम्

• द्विरुद्दिष्टकः: the twice-indicated (term/number)
• द्विरुद्दिष्टकः: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: द्वि + उद्दिष्टक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (कर्ता), एकवचन; समासः—द्विगु/तत्पुरुष (द्विः उद्दिष्टः)

• एकनुत्: the one-less (term)
• एकनुत्: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: एक + नुत् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; समासः—तत्पुरुष (एकेन नुतः/नुत्)

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Pratipakṣa-guṇa-grahaṇa (cultivating the opposite virtue to counter a fault) and economy/standardization of an enjoined observance.

Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi as a prerequisite for higher knowledge; discipline as a means to sattva-pradhāna mind.

Application: Identify a dominant doṣa (anger, greed, sloth) and deliberately practice its opposite (kṣamā, dāna, udyama); follow the prescribed rite in its simplified single-observance form when the rule indicates.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Dharma/Ācāra sections): general emphasis on sadācāra and prāyaścitta via counteracting faults; Pretakalpa ethical causality passages: papa-kṣaya through corrective conduct

Characters & Entities

• Vishnu
• Garuda

FAQs

What is the importance of adopting the 'opposite virtue' in the Garuda Purana?

This verse teaches a practical dharmic method: counteracting a negative tendency by deliberately cultivating its opposite quality, aligning conduct with purification and self-correction.

How does this verse clarify ritual repetition when a rite is mentioned twice?

It indicates that a practice described twice in injunctions should be treated as one consolidated observance, avoiding redundant performance while still honoring the rule.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

When facing a recurring fault, apply a concrete opposite habit (e.g., generosity against greed), and follow spiritual disciplines with clarity—doing what is prescribed without unnecessary duplication.