Shloka 49
Kāṣṭhīlā-Ākhyāna: Ratnāvalī’s Return, Co-wife Dharma, and the Phālguna Propitiation
ततोऽहं बंधुवर्गेण पितृभ्यां च सखीगणैः । बहुशो भर्त्सिता रूक्षैर्वचनैर्मर्मभेदिभिः ॥ ४९ ॥
tato'haṃ baṃdhuvargeṇa pitṛbhyāṃ ca sakhīgaṇaiḥ | bahuśo bhartsitā rūkṣairvacanairmarmabhedibhiḥ || 49 ||
Then I was repeatedly rebuked by my relatives, by my parents, and by groups of friends—through harsh words that cut to the very core.
Narada (narrative voice; dialogue context traditionally framed within Narada’s instruction)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It highlights a common obstacle in sādhana: social and familial censure. The verse frames harsh speech as a test that pushes the seeker toward inner steadiness (dhairya) and detachment (vairāgya).
Bhakti often continues despite opposition from one’s immediate circle. The verse implies that devotion must be anchored in conviction and remembrance of the Lord rather than approval from relatives or friends.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa, Jyotiṣa, or Kalpa) is directly taught here; the practical takeaway is ethical discipline in speech and endurance—qualities that support vrata, japa, and tīrtha-yātrā practice.