Shloka 18

An exposition of varṇa-dharma as taught by Yājñavalkya

Devanagari script

हृताधिकारां मलिनां पिण्डमात्रोपसेविनीम् / परिभूतामधः शय्यां वासयेद्य्वभिचारिणीम्

Transliteration

hṛtādhikārāṃ malināṃ piṇḍamātropasevinīm / paribhūtāmadhaḥ śayyāṃ vāsayedyvabhicāriṇīm

Translation

Perempuan pezina hendaknya dibuat kehilangan wewenang, dianggap najis, dipelihara hanya dengan sedikit suapan makanan, dipermalukan, dan dibaringkan di ranjang yang rendah.

Word by Word

• हृताधिकाराम्: one whose authority/rights are taken away
• हृताधिकाराम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: हृत (√हृ, क्त-कृदन्त) + अधिकार (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/द्वितीया), एकवचन; समासः षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः (हृतः अधिकारः यस्याः सा)

• मलिनाम्: impure, soiled
• मलिनाम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: मलिन (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन

• पिण्डमात्रोपसेविनीम्: one who lives only on food-balls/morsels
• पिण्डमात्रोपसेविनीम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: पिण्ड (प्रातिपदिक) + मात्र (प्रातिपदिक) + उपसेविन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन; समासः तत्पुरुषः (पिण्डमात्रम् उपसेवते इति)

• परिभूताम्: insulted, humiliated
• परिभूताम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: परिभूत (√भू, क्त-कृदन्त)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन

• अधः: below, down
• अधः: Adhikarana (Location/अधिकरण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: अधः (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय; क्रियाविशेषण (adverb)

• शय्याम्: bed, couch
• शय्याम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शय्या (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन

• वासयेत्: should make (her) dwell / should keep
• वासयेत्: Kriya (Action/क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: √वस् (धातु)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (Optative), परस्मैपद, प्रथमपुरुष (3rd), एकवचन

• व्यभिचारिणीम्: an adulteress
• व्यभिचारिणीम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: व्यभिचारिन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Gṛhastha-dharma uses social sanctions to deter transgression (vyabhicāra) and preserve kula/śīla.

Vedantic Theme: Dharma as a regulating framework for rajas/tamas-driven impulses; social order as a preparatory ground for inner discipline.

Application: Emphasize ethical fidelity and accountability; in modern terms, replace humiliating punishments with lawful, non-violent remedies and counseling while upholding consent and dignity.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: raudra

Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa

Geographic Context

Type: household

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.95.20 (vyabhicāra as mahāpātaka-context); Garuda Purana 1.95.22 (dampatyoḥ avirodha; fidelity ideal)

FAQs

What is the importance of marital fidelity in the Garuda Purana?

This verse treats adultery as a serious breach of dharma and describes social-ethical consequences meant to deter misconduct and restore household order.

How does this verse explain consequences for wrongdoing?

It frames consequences in immediate, lived terms—loss of status, austerity in living conditions, and public disgrace—reflecting a dharmic model where actions bring tangible results.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Uphold honesty and fidelity in relationships, accept accountability for harm caused, and prioritize ethical conduct that protects family and social trust.