Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 56
Prāyaścitta for Mahāpātakas and the Sin-destroying Power of Viṣṇu-smaraṇa
प्रायश्चित्तं तु रत्नानां स्तेये राजतवत्स्मृतम् । गुरुतल्पगतानां च प्रायश्चित्तमुदीर्यते ॥ ५६ ॥
prāyaścittaṃ tu ratnānāṃ steye rājatavatsmṛtam | gurutalpagatānāṃ ca prāyaścittamudīryate || 56 ||
For the theft of gems, the expiation is declared to be the same as that prescribed for stealing silver. And the expiation for those who have committed the grave offense of violating the guru’s bed is also set forth.
Narada (teaching in a Dharma/Prāyaścitta context, traditionally within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It frames prāyaścitta as a Dharma tool to restore moral and ritual order: even serious transgressions are addressed through codified penances, emphasizing accountability and purification.
Indirectly: by prescribing purification after wrongdoing, it supports a life fit for sādhana and worship—ethical conduct and rectification are treated as foundations for sustained devotional practice.
Dharma-śāstra/Smṛti-based ritual jurisprudence: the verse applies rule-by-analogy (ratna theft treated like silver theft) and categorizes grave offenses (mahāpātaka such as gurutalpa) with corresponding penances.