Shloka 38
महापातकवर्णनम् (Mahāpātaka-varṇanam) — “Description of Great Sins and Their Consequences”
हस्तन्यासापहरणं रुक्मस्तेयसमं स्मृतम् । कन्यानां वरयोग्यानामदानं सदृशे वरे
hastanyāsāpaharaṇaṃ rukmasteyasamaṃ smṛtam | kanyānāṃ varayogyānāmadānaṃ sadṛśe vare
To seize by force what has been placed in one’s hand as a pledged gift is declared equal to the theft of gold. Likewise, to withhold a maiden fit for marriage and not give her to a suitable, equal bridegroom is deemed a comparable wrongdoing.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Sthala Purana: Ethics of trust and social order: retracting a pledged hand-gift is equated with gold-theft; unjust withholding of a marriageable maiden from a suitable groom is likewise condemned—both disrupt dharmic stability (sthiti) and generate binding karma.
Significance: Upholds satya (truthfulness) and dharma in dāna and vivāha; such integrity is treated as supportive of Śiva’s grace by reducing karmic debt and social harm.
Shakti Form: Umā
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches that spiritual progress in Shaiva life rests on dharma: violating trust (taking back a pledged gift) and obstructing righteous social duties creates heavy pāpa that binds the soul (paśu) more tightly in pasha (bondage), delaying clarity, devotion, and liberation under Pati (Shiva).
Linga-worship is not merely ritual; it demands integrity and truthfulness. This verse reinforces that devotion to Saguna Shiva must be supported by ethical conduct—honoring commitments and upholding dharmic responsibilities—so worship becomes purifying rather than contradictory.
The takeaway is a vow of satya (truth) and asteya (non-stealing) alongside Shiva worship—reciting the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with the resolve to keep one’s promises and avoid taking what is not rightfully one’s.