Shloka 26
Kāṣṭhīla-Upākhyāna: Rākṣasī, Spear-Śakti, and Kāśī as Śakti-kṣetra
यद्येवं राक्षसीं क्रूरां मन्यसे पतिघातिनीम् । पतिं तथापि गर्हेयं विश्वस्तं घातये कथम् ॥ २६ ॥
yadyevaṃ rākṣasīṃ krūrāṃ manyase patighātinīm | patiṃ tathāpi garheyaṃ viśvastaṃ ghātaye katham || 26 ||
यदि एवं त्वं तां क्रूरां राक्षसीं पतिघातिनीं मन्यसे, तथापि अहं पतिं गर्हेयं; विश्वस्तं कथं घातये?॥
A virtuous wife (pativratā) speaking within the narrative dialogue (Uttara-Bhaga).
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
The verse highlights dharma rooted in trust (viśvāsa) and non-betrayal: even when wrongdoing is suspected, causing the death of one’s trusting spouse is condemned as adharma.
It supports bhakti indirectly by insisting on purity of conduct—compassion, restraint, and fidelity—virtues that traditionally sustain sattva and make the mind fit for devotion to Bhagavān.
No specific Vedanga practice is taught; the practical takeaway is ethical discernment (nīti) expressed through careful speech and action—avoiding blameworthy acts like instigating violence.