Shloka 102
Mahālakṣmī’s Forms, Brahmā’s Fourfold Origin, Vāyu’s Names and Soteriology, and Bhāratī’s Manifestations
इत्याद्या वायुभार्याश्च ब्रह्मभार्याश्च सतम / स्वभर्तृभ्यां च पक्षीन्द्र गुणैश्चैव शताधमाः
ityādyā vāyubhāryāśca brahmabhāryāśca satama / svabhartṛbhyāṃ ca pakṣīndra guṇaiścaiva śatādhamāḥ
Ainsi, ô le meilleur des oiseaux, des femmes telles que l’épouse de Vāyu, l’épouse de Brahmā et d’autres—par leur conduite envers leurs propres époux et par leurs qualités—sont comptées parmi les plus abjectes des méchants.
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda)
Concept: Violation of pativratā-dharma (faithful conduct toward one’s husband) is treated as grave adharma, leading to being counted among the worst sinners.
Vedantic Theme: Guṇa and karma shaping moral status; conduct (ācāra) as a determinant of spiritual trajectory within saṃsāra.
Application: Practice integrity and non-harm in intimate relationships; uphold mutual duties, truthful speech, and restraint; avoid contempt, betrayal, and manipulative conduct that corrodes household dharma.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.16 (preceding exempla of women and consequences)
FAQs
This verse explicitly links a person’s “qualities” (guṇaiḥ) and relational conduct to moral evaluation, indicating that character and behavior are decisive factors in judging sinfulness.
In the Preta Kanda, Vishnu describes categories of wrongdoing and their gravity; this verse classifies certain misconduct—especially within marital duty—as intensely blameworthy, preparing the framework for later consequences and remedies.
Cultivate integrity in close relationships—truthfulness, respect, and self-restraint—since the text treats everyday character and conduct as central to dharma and spiritual accountability.