Shloka 55
Prāyaścitta for Food-Contact, Social Contact, Aśauca Periods, and Formal Penance Systems
कण्ठाभरणदोषेण कृच्छ्रपादं मृते गवि / अस्थिभङ्गं गवां कृत्वा शृङ्गभङ्गमथापि वा
kaṇṭhābharaṇadoṣeṇa kṛcchrapādaṃ mṛte gavi / asthibhaṅgaṃ gavāṃ kṛtvā śṛṅgabhaṅgamathāpi vā
कण्ठाभरणदोषेण मृते गवि वा, गवामस्थिभङ्गं कृत्वा, शृङ्गभङ्गं च कृत्वा—पापं जायते, ततो दुःखं चानुभूयते।
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Even indirect or negligent harm to cows—improper ornamentation, causing death, breaking bones or horns—creates culpability and suffering.
Vedantic Theme: Ahimsa and responsibility for consequences (kartṛtva-bhoktṛtva) within karma; vigilance reduces pāpa-saṃskāra.
Application: Practice careful stewardship of dependent beings; avoid negligent practices that cause injury; institute safety checks in animal care and in any role involving guardianship.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: go-rakṣā and go-apacāra themes recur in dharma/prāyaścitta lists
FAQs
This verse treats harm to cows—even through negligence like improper restraints/ornaments or physical injury—as a serious doṣa that produces painful karmic results, reinforcing go-raksha as a core dharmic duty.
By listing specific acts (causing a cow’s death, breaking bones or horns, or harmful negligence) and linking them to suffering, it reflects the Garuda Purana’s broader teaching that concrete harms generate corresponding post-death consequences.
Treat animals—especially cows in dharmic contexts—with care: avoid harmful equipment/restraints, prevent injury, support humane husbandry, and practice accountability and remedial charity/service if harm occurs.