Shloka 67
The Discourse of Rukmāṅgada
Prabodhinī Ekādaśī, Kārtika-vrata, and Satya-dharma
व्रतभंगं वरारोहे मा कुरुष्व मम प्रिये । वरं श्वपचमांसं हि श्वमांसं वा वरानने ॥ ६७ ॥
vratabhaṃgaṃ varārohe mā kuruṣva mama priye | varaṃ śvapacamāṃsaṃ hi śvamāṃsaṃ vā varānane || 67 ||
हे वरारोहे, माझ्या प्रिये—व्रतभंग करू नकोस. हे वरानने, व्रतभंग करण्यापेक्षा श्वपचाचे मांस, किंवा कुत्र्याचे मांसही सहन करणे बरे.
A male speaker addressing his beloved (narrative dialogue within Book 2’s vrata-context; traditionally framed under Sūta’s narration of Purāṇic discourse)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
The verse emphasizes that vrata-bhaṅga (breaking a vow) is a grave spiritual failure; steadfastness in a vowed discipline is portrayed as more crucial than even extreme bodily discomfort or repulsive circumstances.
By insisting on unwavering fidelity to a vow, it supports bhakti as practiced through niyama (regulated observance): devotion is not only emotion but also consistent commitment to promised religious practice.
It highlights ritual discipline (kalpa-style practical rule): once a vrata is undertaken, maintaining its continuity and avoiding breach is treated as a core procedural principle of observance.