Shloka 19
Brahmā’s Discourse to Mohinī
Harivāsara, Desire, and the Satya-Test of Rukmāṅgada
या वधूर्दर्शयेदंगं विवृतं श्वशुरस्य हि । पाणिपादाहता राजन् क्रिमिभक्ष्या भवेत्तु सा । वधूहस्तेन यः पापः पादशौचं करोति हि ॥ १९ ॥
yā vadhūrdarśayedaṃgaṃ vivṛtaṃ śvaśurasya hi | pāṇipādāhatā rājan krimibhakṣyā bhavettu sā | vadhūhastena yaḥ pāpaḥ pādaśaucaṃ karoti hi || 19 ||
O King, the bride who exposes her body uncovered before her father-in-law is (in consequence) struck on the hands and feet and becomes food for worms. And the sinful man who performs the washing/cleaning of his feet with the bride’s hand (incurs demerit as well).
Narada (addressing a King)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
It stresses sadācāra (ethical restraint) within the household, teaching that violating modesty and proper boundaries in family relations leads to severe karmic consequences.
By underscoring purity of conduct (śauca) and self-control as supports for sattva and devotional life; bhakti is protected when household behavior aligns with dharma rather than indulgence or impropriety.
It highlights śauca as a practical dharma rule relevant to ritual cleanliness and daily conduct (ācāra), a foundation for proper karma-kāṇḍa observances even though no specific Vedāṅga technicality is taught in this verse.