Shloka 38
Brahmāṇḍa-Āvaraṇa Nirūpaṇa, Virajā-Setu, and Prākṛta–Vaikṛta Sṛṣṭi
अतो मे संशयं छिन्धि यथा न स्यात्तथा पुनः / इति तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा कृष्णो वचनमब्रवीत्
ato me saṃśayaṃ chindhi yathā na syāttathā punaḥ / iti tadvacanaṃ śrutvā kṛṣṇo vacanamabravīt
ਇਸ ਲਈ ਮੇਰਾ ਸੰਦੇਹ ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੱਟ ਦਿਓ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਮੁੜ ਕਦੇ ਨਾ ਉੱਠੇ। ਉਹ ਬਚਨ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਸ਼੍ਰੀਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਨੇ ਉੱਤਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ।
Narrator (introducing Lord Krishna/Vishnu’s reply after hearing the question)
Concept: Removal of doubt (saṃśaya-chedana) through direct instruction from an authoritative knower.
Vedantic Theme: Saṃśaya as an obstacle to niścaya-jñāna; śravaṇa leading toward clarity.
Application: Approach a competent teacher, articulate the doubt precisely, and seek a resolution that prevents recurrence by understanding the underlying intent (abhiprāya).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (dialogue frame): Kṛṣṇa–Garuḍa question–answer style passages across Preta/Dharma sections; General Purāṇic motif: saṃśaya-chedana by īśvara/ācārya
FAQs
This verse frames the teaching as doubt-removal: the listener asks for a clarification so complete that uncertainty does not return, establishing the authority and purpose of the instruction that follows.
It functions as a narrative hinge: after the questioner seeks definitive clarity, Krishna/Vishnu begins the explanation that will guide understanding of subtle realities (like karma, rites, and post-death states) presented in the surrounding passage.
Seek clear, consistent understanding before performing religious duties or ethical choices—study, ask precise questions, and follow well-grounded guidance so confusion does not repeatedly disrupt practice.