Shloka 8
Āraṇyaka Parva, Adhyāya 116: Jamadagni–Reṇukā Narrative and the Kārtavīrya Conflict
Akṛtavraṇa’s Account
व्यभिचाराच्च तस्मात् सा क्लिन्नाम्भसि विचेतना । प्रविवेशाश्रमं त्रस्ता तां वै भर्तान्वबुध्यत,उस समय इस मानसिक विकारसे द्रवित हुई रेणुका जलमें बेहोश-सी हो गयी। फिर त्रस्त होकर उसने आश्रमके भीतर प्रवेश किया। परंतु पतिदेव उसकी सब बातें जान गये
vyabhicārāc ca tasmāt sā klinnāmbhasi vicetanā | praviveśāśramaṃ trastā tāṃ vai bhartān avabudhyata ||
Because of that lapse, she—her mind shaken—became senseless in the water. Then, frightened, she entered the hermitage; but her husband came to know of everything about her.
अकृतव्रण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames ethical lapse (vyabhicāra) as immediately destabilizing the mind and leading to fear and loss of composure, while also implying that moral actions are not hidden—one’s conduct becomes known and bears consequences within the dharmic order of the household and āśrama.
Renukā, distressed after a transgression, becomes senseless in the water and then, frightened, returns to the hermitage; her husband perceives what has occurred and understands her situation.