Shloka 73

Prāyaścitta: Catalogue of Sins, Narakas, and Graded Expiations

Kṛcchra–Cāndrāyaṇa–Japa

Devanagari script

कृच्छ्रकृद्धर्मकामस्तु महतीं श्रियमश्नुते

Transliteration

kṛcchrakṛddharmakāmastu mahatīṃ śriyamaśnute

Translation

ധർമ്മാനുകൂലമായ ആഗ്രഹത്തോടെ കൃച്ഛ്ര തപസ് അനുഷ്ഠിക്കുന്നവൻ മഹത്തായ ശ്രീ-സമൃദ്ധി പ്രാപിക്കുന്നു.

Word by Word

• kṛcchrakṛt: one who performs the Kṛcchra penance
• kṛcchrakṛt: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: kṛcchra + kṛt (कृदन्त-प्रातिपदिक; √kṛ (धातु) + kṛt, agent noun)
• Form: Masculine, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular; उपपद-तत्पुरुष: 'one who performs kṛcchra (penance)'

• dharmakāmaḥ: desiring dharma
• dharmakāmaḥ: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: dharma + kāma (प्रातिपदिक; components)
• Form: Masculine, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular; adjective to kṛcchrakṛt; 'desirous of dharma' (dharma as object of desire)

• tu: indeed
• tu: Sambandha (Discourse particle/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: tu (अव्यय)
• Form: Particle (निपात), emphasis

• mahatīm: great
• mahatīm: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: mahat (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Feminine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular; qualifying śriyam

• śriyam: prosperity/splendour
• śriyam: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: śrī (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Feminine, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular

• aśnute: attains/enjoys
• aśnute: Kriya (Action/क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: √aś (धातु)
• Form: Laṭ (लट्/present), 3rd Person (प्रथमपुरुष), Singular; ātmanepada

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Kṛcchra austerity, when motivated by dharma-aligned desire, yields great śrī (prosperity).

Vedantic Theme: Karma and saṅkalpa (intention) shape results; tapas purifies and empowers dharmic aims.

Application: Undertake disciplined self-restraint (fasting, regulated conduct, charity) to realign desires with dharma; treat prosperity as a byproduct of integrity.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.105 (Prāyaścitta: Kṛcchra and related austerities)

FAQs

What is the importance of Kṛcchra (penance) in the Garuda Purana?

This verse states that performing the Kṛcchra austerity as a dharma-oriented discipline yields “great prosperity,” highlighting prāyaścitta as a transformative, merit-producing practice.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul?

By emphasizing dharma-driven penance and its fruit, the verse supports the Garuda Purana’s broader teaching that purification and righteous intention shape one’s karmic outcomes and future wellbeing.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Adopt disciplined self-restraint and corrective practices (fasting, charity, vows, confession and amendment) with a sincere ethical intention—aimed at dharma rather than mere display.