Shloka 55
The Liberation of the Lizard
Godhā-vimukti
आत्मसौख्यकराः पापा भवंति परतापिनः । विप्रपन्ना वरारोहे परोपकरणाय वै ॥ ५५ ॥
ātmasaukhyakarāḥ pāpā bhavaṃti paratāpinaḥ | viprapannā varārohe paropakaraṇāya vai || 55 ||
जो पाप अपने सुख के लिए किए जाते हैं, वे अंत में दूसरों को जलाते हैं। हे सुडौल कटि वाली, परोपकार हेतु ब्राह्मणों के पास जाकर सेवा करनी चाहिए॥५५॥
Narada (teaching within Uttara-Bhaga narrative; addressing a lady as 'varārohe')
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It defines pāpa by its consequence: actions pursued for private pleasure that cause harm to others become spiritually corrosive, while paropakāra (benefiting others) is upheld as a dharmic purifier.
Bhakti is strengthened by non-harm and service-mindedness; approaching the learned (vipras) for right conduct supports a life of seva, which aligns the heart toward devotion rather than selfish enjoyment.
It indirectly points to guidance from śāstra-knowing brāhmaṇas—especially dharma-nirṇaya supported by Vyākaraṇa (correct understanding of meaning) and Kalpa (right practice/ācāra)—so actions become beneficial rather than harmful.