Shloka 16

An exposition of varṇa-dharma as taught by Yājñavalkya

Devanagari script

अपुत्रा गुबपुज्ञातो देवरः पुत्रकान्यगा / सपिण्डो वा समोत्रो वा घृताभ्यक्त ऋतावियात्

Transliteration

aputrā gubapujñāto devaraḥ putrakānyagā / sapiṇḍo vā samotro vā ghṛtābhyakta ṛtāviyāt

Translation

Se uma mulher não tem filho varão e seu marido é desconhecido (ou não está disponível), então o cunhado (devara) ou um parente—seja sapinda (da mesma linhagem ancestral) ou do mesmo gotra—após ungir-se com ghee, pode aproximar-se dela na estação apropriada (ṛtu) para gerar um filho.

Word by Word

अपुत्राsonless (woman)

गुबपुज्ञातः(uncertain term; possibly a specified relative/guardian)

देवरःhusband’s younger brother

पुत्रकान्यगाone who goes to another for sons (niyoga context)

सपिण्डःa sapinda (close agnatic kinsman)

वाor

समोत्रःone of the same gotra (clan)

वाor

घृताभ्यक्तःanointed with ghee

ऋतौin the fertile season

इयात्should go/approach

Speaker

Lord Vishnu

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: In specified exceptional conditions, niyoga-like begetting of a son through a designated kinsman is permitted, regulated by season and ritual preparation.

Vedantic Theme: Dharma as contextual rule-system balancing individual conduct with lineage/social obligations; ritual purity as support for ordered life.

Application: Recognize that traditional texts sometimes provide exception-procedures for social continuity; in modern terms, prioritize ethical safeguards, consent, and lawful frameworks around reproductive decisions.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: vira

Secondary Rasa: shanta

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana dharma passages on progeny, lineage rites, and exceptional procedures (general parallel motifs)

Characters & Entities

Vishnu

Garuda

Sapinda

Gotra

FAQs

What is the importance of progeny (putra) in the Garuda Purana?

This verse treats a son as essential for lineage continuity and dharmic obligations, permitting a regulated, kin-based method to obtain progeny when the husband is unavailable.

How does this verse relate to Garuda Purana teachings on dharma and ritual conduct?

It frames a sensitive act under strict dharmic constraints—qualified relative (sapinda/same gotra), ritual preparation (ghee anointment), and proper timing (ṛtu)—showing how conduct is regulated by purity and social-religious order.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

As a historical dharma guideline, it highlights the text’s emphasis on regulated conduct, consent, and ritual propriety; modern readers typically apply it as contextual ethics rather than a literal prescription.