Shloka 17
Kālin̄dī’s Austerity; True Tapas and Prāyaścitta; Kṛṣṇa’s Grace and Marriage
तावन्ति पापानि मदीयगात्रे कदा द्रक्ष्ये तव वक्त्रं मुकुन्द / अनन्तदेहे पतिपुत्रैर्गृहैश्च मित्रैर्धनैः पशुभृत्यादिकैश्च
tāvanti pāpāni madīyagātre kadā drakṣye tava vaktraṃ mukunda / anantadehe patiputrairgṛhaiśca mitrairdhanaiḥ paśubhṛtyādikaiśca
Sebegitu banyak dosa melekat pada tubuhku—wahai Mukunda, bilakah aku akan menatap wajah-Mu? Wahai Tuhan yang berwujud tanpa batas, aku telah terikat oleh suami dan anak, oleh rumah dan kediaman, oleh sahabat, oleh harta, serta oleh ternakan, para hamba dan seumpamanya.
A suffering soul (preta/jiva) lamenting and praying to Lord Vishnu (Mukunda) within the Preta Kanda narrative
Concept: Sins and attachments cling to the embodied self; bondage arises through identification with spouse, children, home, friends, wealth, and dependents. Liberation is oriented toward darshana of Mukunda and loosening possessiveness.
Vedantic Theme: Vairagya and viveka: discerning the transient nature of relational/possessive identity; turning from deha-abhimana to Bhagavan-centered identity; Ishvara as Ananta beyond limiting upadhis.
Application: Practice non-possessive care: fulfill duties without clinging; simplify life; allocate time for japa, satsanga, and seva; periodically reflect on impermanence and re-center on Vishnu.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: teachings on attachment as cause of suffering; bhakti as the way beyond bondage
FAQs
This verse frames attachment to family, wealth, and possessions as a binding force that delays the soul’s turning toward Mukunda, implying that detachment supports purification and liberation.
It portrays the departed being as burdened by accumulated sins and worldly ties, and it presents remembrance of Vishnu (seeing Mukunda’s face) as the hoped-for relief and direction toward release.
Live with responsibility but reduce possessiveness—practice charity, ethical conduct, and regular remembrance of Vishnu so that relationships and wealth do not become bondage.