Shloka 26
The Account of Kāṣṭhīlā (Kāṣṭhīlā-ākhyāna) within the Mohinī Narrative
मृगाटनमथाक्षैर्वा क्रीडनं साहसं तथा । छेदनं तृणकाष्ठानां लोष्टानामवमर्द्दनम् ॥ २६ ॥
mṛgāṭanamathākṣairvā krīḍanaṃ sāhasaṃ tathā | chedanaṃ tṛṇakāṣṭhānāṃ loṣṭānāmavamarddanam || 26 ||
Wandering about in hunting, gambling with dice, reckless amusements, cutting grass and wood, and trampling lumps of earth—these are acts to be avoided.
Narada (instructional narration within Uttara-Bhaga’s dharma/tirtha conduct frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
It emphasizes inner purity through restraint: avoiding violence-prone roaming, gambling, and careless destruction helps preserve sattva, which supports pilgrimage merit and spiritual steadiness.
Bhakti is protected by disciplined habits; abstaining from gambling, rash play, and harm to living spaces reduces distraction and agitation, making the mind fit for japa, kirtana, and remembrance.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana or Jyotisha) is taught directly; the verse is primarily a dharmic niyama—practical conduct supporting ritual/pilgrimage observances.