Shloka 67
Prāyaścitta, the ‘Elephant Bath’ Problem, and the Opening of Ajāmila-Upākhyāna
यदसौ शास्त्रमुल्लङ्घ्य स्वैरचार्यतिगर्हित: । अवर्तत चिरं कालमघायुरशुचिर्मलात् ॥ ६७ ॥
yad asau śāstram ullaṅghya svaira-cāry ati-garhitaḥ avartata ciraṁ kālam aghāyur aśucir malāt
Ayant transgressé le śāstra, il vécut longtemps dans une conduite libertine et blâmable. En mangeant la nourriture préparée par une prostituée, il devint plein de péchés, impur et souillé, attaché aux actes interdits.
Food prepared by an unclean, sinful man or woman, especially a prostitute, is extremely infectious. Ajāmila ate such food, and therefore he was subject to be punished by Yamarāja.
FAQs
This verse states that crossing the boundaries of śāstra and living whimsically leads to condemnation, prolonged sinful habits, and increasing impurity through contamination.
Because he disregarded scriptural rules and adopted a self-willed, censurable lifestyle, he remained in sinful activities for a long time and became morally and spiritually contaminated.
Align daily choices with dharma—seek guidance from śāstra and sādhus, avoid habits that normalize sin, and adopt purifying practices like nāma-japa and devotional discipline.