Shloka 1
Determination of Expiations for Sexual Transgressions and Improper Associations
शौनक उवाच । अगम्यागमनं सूत कुर्याद्यो वै विमोहितः । तस्य शुद्धिर्भवेत्केन कथयस्व समूलतः
śaunaka uvāca | agamyāgamanaṃ sūta kuryādyo vai vimohitaḥ | tasya śuddhirbhavetkena kathayasva samūlataḥ
शौनक उवाच— हे सूत, विमोहितो यः अगम्यागमनं कुर्यात्, तस्य केन शुद्धिर्भवेत्? समूलतः कथय।
Śaunaka (addressing Sūta)
Concept: Even grave transgression is met with a structured path of purification; dharma includes both prohibition and compassionate remediation.
Application: When one errs, do not rationalize—seek guidance, accept accountability, and undertake corrective disciplines (fasting, charity, restraint) under competent instruction.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a forest hermitage assembly, Śaunaka leans forward with grave concern, palms joined, questioning Sūta seated on a kusa-grass seat. The air is tense yet compassionate—disciples listen silently as the question of purification hangs like a moral thundercloud.","primary_figures":["Śaunaka","Sūta","assembled ṛṣis"],"setting":"Naimiṣāraṇya-style hermitage: thatched huts, sacrificial fire, deer moving at the edge of the clearing, scripture bundles on wooden stands.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["smoke gray","saffron ochre","leaf green","earth brown","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Śaunaka with folded hands questioning Sūta in a sacred sabhā, yajña-kuṇḍa glowing, ornate borders with gold leaf, rich maroon and green garments, stylized lotuses and palm-leaf manuscripts, dignified frontal poses and jeweled accents.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate hermitage scene with delicate linework; Śaunaka’s anxious expression, Sūta calm and attentive; cool greens and soft browns, small yajña fire, refined faces, gentle Himalayan-like backdrop even if symbolic.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; Śaunaka in dynamic questioning posture, Sūta seated serenely; warm red/yellow/green palette, stylized trees and fire altar, large expressive eyes conveying concern and compassion.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative panel framed by floral borders; sages in a semicircle around a small fire, central dialogue between Śaunaka and Sūta; intricate vine motifs, peacocks at corners, deep blue background with gold highlights."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["crackling sacrificial fire","rustling leaves","low murmurs of sages","occasional temple bell (distant)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अगम्यागमनं = अगम्य + आगमनम् (आगमनम् → अगमनम् in compound); कुर्याद्यो = कुर्यात् + यः; भवेत्केन = भवेत् + केन; कथयस्व = कथय + स्व (लोट्-आत्मनेपद रूप); समूलतः अव्यय।
FAQs
It refers to approaching someone who is religiously forbidden for sexual relations—i.e., illicit or prohibited intercourse—spoken of in the context of dharma and expiation (prāyaścitta).
Śaunaka speaks to Sūta and asks what method of purification can remove the defilement caused by committing a prohibited sexual act, requesting a complete explanation.
The verse frames moral transgression as a serious spiritual and social issue, and it emphasizes accountability by seeking a defined path of purification rather than denying or normalizing wrongdoing.