Shloka 25
Nītisāra: Virtuous Association, Household Dharma, and Kāla (Time) as the Supreme Regulator
दुष्टा भार्या शठं मित्रं भृत्यश्चोत्तरदायकः / ससर्पे च गृहे वासोमृत्युरेव न संशयः
duṣṭā bhāryā śaṭhaṃ mitraṃ bhṛtyaścottaradāyakaḥ / sasarpe ca gṛhe vāsomṛtyureva na saṃśayaḥ
दुष्टा भार्या शठं मित्रं भृत्यश्चोत्तरदायकः । ससर्पे च गृहे वासो मृत्युरेव न संशयः ॥
Lord Viṣṇu (in discourse to Garuḍa)
Concept: Avoidance of destructive associations and environments; adharma in close relations is as lethal as overt physical threat.
Vedantic Theme: Saṅga-doṣa (fault of association) binds and harms; discernment (viveka) is required to protect dharma and peace.
Application: Assess relational trustworthiness; set boundaries with deceit; ensure household safety; address conflict patterns and disrespect early.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Type: household
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.108.26 (leave wicked company; do puṇya); Garuda Purana 1.108.23-24 (spousal contrast: wicked vs virtuous)
FAQs
It warns that certain relationships and living conditions become immediate sources of ruin—social, moral, and even physical—so a householder must choose companions and environment carefully.
Although the Garuda Purana is famous for afterlife descriptions, it also teaches practical dharma; here it frames destructive domestic factors as “death,” emphasizing prevention of downfall before karmic consequences intensify.
Cultivate trustworthy relationships, set boundaries with harmful behavior, ensure home safety, and address toxic dynamics early—because unchecked domestic danger can destroy wellbeing like “death.”