Vamana Purana — Sarasvata Hymn to Vishnu, Shloka 36

The Sarasvata Hymn to Vishnu (Vishnu-Pañjara) and the Redemption of a Rakshasa

Devanagari script

ऋषिरुवाच/ यन्ममाहोपदेशार्थं निर्विण्णाः स्वेन कर्मणा युक्तमेतद्धि पापानां निवृत्तिरुपकारिका

Transliteration

ṛṣiruvāca/ yanmamāhopadeśārthaṃ nirviṇṇāḥ svena karmaṇā yuktametaddhi pāpānāṃ nivṛttirupakārikā

Translation

The sage said: Since you have become disenchanted with your own actions for the sake of receiving my instruction, this is indeed fitting; for sinners, turning back (from sin) is beneficial and helpful.

Speakers

• A sage (ṛṣi) speaking to a rākṣasa (as reported within Pulastya’s narration)

Key Themes

• Repentance and moral reversal (nivṛtti)
• Eligibility for instruction (adhikāra)
• Ethics of reform even for ‘pāpins’

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "shanta", "secondaryRasa": "karuna", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

What is the doctrinal point of calling nivṛtti ‘helpful’ for pāpins?

The verse frames moral transformation as the first remedy: before rituals or expiations, one must stop the harmful pattern. In Purāṇic dharma discourse, nivṛtti is a prerequisite that makes later prāyaścitta (atonement) or vrata (vow) meaningful.

Does ‘nirviṇṇāḥ svena karmaṇā’ imply guilt, fear, or genuine renunciation?

The wording primarily indicates disillusionment with one’s own conduct—an inner turning. It does not specify whether the motive is fear or insight, but it treats the state as sufficient ‘fitness’ (yuktam) to begin instruction.

Is any tīrtha or pilgrimage instruction embedded here?

Not in this śloka. It is a general ethical statement without geographic markers.