Shloka 30
यदि षोडशभिर्भवेदनूनन्धरणं तत्प्रवदन्ति दार्विकाख्यम् / अधिकं दशभिः शतं च मूल्यं समवाप्नोत्यपि बालिशस्य हस्तात्
yadi ṣoḍaśabhirbhavedanūnandharaṇaṃ tatpravadanti dārvikākhyam / adhikaṃ daśabhiḥ śataṃ ca mūlyaṃ samavāpnotyapi bāliśasya hastāt
If the quantity is held to be sixteen (units), they call it “dārvika”; and if it is greater—by ten more—its price becomes a hundred, obtainable even from the hand of a simpleton.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue, instructing Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Right measure and fair valuation; the danger of ignorance in transactions.
Vedantic Theme: Vyavahāra (worldly convention) governed by niyama; discernment (viveka) needed even in material dealings.
Application: Use standardized measures; avoid exploiting the uninformed; verify quantity/quality before pricing.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.69.31; Garuda Purana 1.69.32; Garuda Purana 1.69.33; Garuda Purana 1.69.34
FAQs
The verse treats “dārvika” as a technical label for a specific standard quantity (sixteen units), used to determine valuation in practical affairs.
It frames correct measurement and pricing as part of orderly, dharmic conduct—urging clarity in standards so people are not misled in transactions.
Use transparent units, fair pricing, and avoid exploiting ignorance—ethical dealing is implied as a form of dharma.