Shloka 84
Multi-form Manifestations, Indra–Kāma Incarnations, Pravāha, and the Twofold Buddhi
Sense-Discipline and Exclusive Refuge in Viṣṇu
गरुड उवाच / भार्याद्वयं किं वद त्वं ममापि तयोः स्वरूपं किं वद त्वं मुरारे / तयोर्मध्ये ग्राह्यभार्यां वद त्वमग्राह्यभार्यां चापि सम्यग्वद त्वम्
garuḍa uvāca / bhāryādvayaṃ kiṃ vada tvaṃ mamāpi tayoḥ svarūpaṃ kiṃ vada tvaṃ murāre / tayormadhye grāhyabhāryāṃ vada tvamagrāhyabhāryāṃ cāpi samyagvada tvam
Гаруда сказал: «Скажи мне — что такое “две жены”? Объясни мне и их природу, о Мурари. Из них ясно поведай, какую жену следует принять, а какую — не следует».
Garuḍa (Vinata-putra)
Concept: Inquiry (jijñāsā) into metaphors and categories—asking which is to be accepted and rejected—initiates discernment.
Vedantic Theme: Śravaṇa–manana begins with precise questioning; viveka requires naming the alternatives (grāhya/agrāhya).
Application: When confused, ask for definitions and criteria: what exactly are the options, their nature, and the basis for acceptance/rejection?
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.28.85 (answer: twofold buddhi); Garuda Purana 3.28.81 (problem: abandoning discernment)
FAQs
This verse frames Garuḍa’s request for dharmic clarity: it introduces a teaching that distinguishes socially and ethically acceptable marital conduct from what is not acceptable, as part of household (gṛhastha) dharma.
It is a direct interrogative verse where Garuḍa asks Vishnu (Murāri) to define a technical dharma distinction; the Purana often proceeds by such questions followed by Vishnu’s detailed exposition.
Use it as a reminder to seek clear, principled guidance on relationship ethics and responsibilities—choosing partnerships aligned with dharma, integrity, and social duty rather than impulse.