Shloka 16
The Account of Kāṣṭhīlā (Kāṣṭhīlā-ākhyāna) within the Mohinī Narrative
वाचा शपथदोषैस्तु संनिरुध्य पतिं हि या । अकार्यं कारयेत्पापा सा नारी निरये वसेत् ॥ १६ ॥
vācā śapathadoṣaistu saṃnirudhya patiṃ hi yā | akāryaṃ kārayetpāpā sā nārī niraye vaset || 16 ||
Seorang wanita berdosa yang dengan kata-katanya—memperalat cela sumpah dan kutukan—mengekang suaminya lalu memaksa dia melakukan yang tidak patut dilakukan, akan tinggal di neraka.
Narada (teaching in a dharma-instruction context; dialogue tradition with Sanatkumara lineage assumed for this section)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It warns that manipulating others—especially one’s spouse—through coercive speech (oaths, threats, imprecations) to commit adharma creates severe karmic bondage, leading to painful post-death consequences.
Bhakti is grounded in sattvic conduct—truthful, non-harming speech and support of dharma. This verse implies that devotion cannot be separated from ethical restraint; coercion and adharma contradict a Vishnu-bhakta’s character.
It underscores disciplined use of speech aligned with dharma—an applied aspect of Śikṣā (proper speech) and Vyākaraṇa (responsible, precise language), emphasizing that words can create karmic outcomes when used as threats or binding oaths.