Shloka 9
Prāyaścitta for Food-Contact, Social Contact, Aśauca Periods, and Formal Penance Systems
रजकानाञ्च शैलू षवेणुचर्मोपजीविनाम् / एतदन्नञ्च यो भुङ्क्ते द्विजश्चान्द्रायणं चरेत्
rajakānāñca śailū ṣaveṇucarmopajīvinām / etadannañca yo bhuṅkte dvijaścāndrāyaṇaṃ caret
Seorang dvija yang memakan makanan milik tukang cuci, pemain sandiwara, serta mereka yang hidup dari kerja bambu dan kulit, hendaknya menjalankan laku penebusan Cāndrāyaṇa.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: For dvijas, consuming food associated with certain occupations triggers a heavier expiation: cāndrāyaṇa.
Vedantic Theme: Discipline of the senses (indriya-nigraha) as support for sattva and eligibility for sacred study.
Application: If one violates a chosen rule of conduct, adopt a time-bound, measurable corrective discipline (dietary restraint, charity, japa) to reset habits.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.222 (occupationally-linked food prohibitions and expiations)
FAQs
This verse presents Cāndrāyaṇa as a formal expiation for a dvija who violates food-purity rules, showing that specific lapses have specific remedial vows in dharma literature.
By prescribing an expiation after consuming ritually improper food, the verse frames impurity as a karmic/ritual fault that can be mitigated through disciplined penance rather than ignored.
It encourages mindful consumption and ethical discipline: if one knowingly breaks a personal or religious rule, one should adopt a structured corrective practice (restraint, fasting, charity, or vows) to restore integrity.