Shloka 61

Saṅkara-jāti-nirṇaya and Gṛhastha-ācāra: Daily Rites, Purity, Anadhyāya, and Food Discipline

Devanagari script

वैणाभिशस्तवार्धुष्यगणिकागणदीक्षिणाम् / चिकित्सकातुरक्रुद्धक्लीबरङ्गोपजीविनाम्

Transliteration

vaiṇābhiśastavārdhuṣyagaṇikāgaṇadīkṣiṇām / cikitsakāturakruddhaklībaraṅgopajīvinām

Translation

—and likewise those who live as musicians and minstrels; those publicly accused; usurers; courtesans; those who take fees for giving diksha (initiation) to groups; physicians; the sick; the wrathful; the impotent; and those who earn their living through stage-entertainment.

Word by Word

vaiṇābhiśasta-vārdhuṣya-gaṇikā-gaṇa-dīkṣiṇāmof lute-players, the accused, usurers, courtesans, troupe-leaders, and initiators

cikitsaka-ātura-kruddha-klība-raṅga-upajīvināmof physicians, the sick, the angry, eunuchs, and those who live by stage/performance

Speaker

Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue, instructing Garuḍa)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Saṅga-śuddhi: avoid reliance/association with socially/ritually suspect livelihoods and unstable dispositions.

Vedantic Theme: Sattva-rakṣaṇa by avoiding rajas/tamas-provoking company; guarding mind through environment.

Application: Be discerning about close association, patronage, and dependence on those whose livelihood or temperament may pull one into unethical conduct or instability.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: bibhatsa

Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.96.60–64 (extended list of persons/foods to avoid)

FAQs

What is the importance of listing occupations and traits in the Garuda Purana?

This verse groups certain livelihoods and dispositions as karmically significant categories, highlighting that dharma depends not only on belief but also on how one earns and behaves.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul?

By classifying people through actions and conduct, it implies that post-death outcomes are shaped by karma—especially harm, exploitation, or adharma performed through one’s profession or temperament.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Choose ethical livelihood, avoid exploitation (e.g., predatory lending), practice self-control over anger, and ensure professional conduct (including medicine and public performance) aligns with compassion and integrity.