Shloka 6
Determination of Expiations for Sexual Transgressions and Improper Associations
मातरं यदि वा गच्छेद्भगिनीं स्वसुतामपि । वधूं च मोहितो गच्छंस्त्रीणि कृच्छ्राण्यथाचरेत्
mātaraṃ yadi vā gacchedbhaginīṃ svasutāmapi | vadhūṃ ca mohito gacchaṃstrīṇi kṛcchrāṇyathācaret
मातरं यदि वा गच्छेद् भगिनीं स्वसुतामपि । वधूं च मोहितो गच्छन् त्रीणि कृच्छ्राण्यथाचरेत् ॥
Unspecified (narratorial/dharmic injunction within the Brahma-khaṇḍa context)
Concept: Incestuous relations are framed as extreme adharma arising from moha; severe, repeated kṛcchra penances are prescribed to counteract the depth of the transgression.
Application: Guard the mind against intoxication, coercion, and moral confusion; cultivate accountability structures and self-restraint; when harm occurs, seek rigorous atonement and protective reforms rather than denial.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stark, cautionary tableau: a shadowed household threshold symbolizing violated boundaries, while a penitent figure kneels before a stern sage who prescribes three kṛcchra observances. The atmosphere is heavy and purgative—ritual implements are present, but the focus is on moral rupture and the path back through austerity.","primary_figures":["penitent man","dharma-teaching sage","silent witnesses (elders/disciples)"],"setting":"A liminal space between a gṛhastha courtyard and an āśrama pavilion, emphasizing the crossing of forbidden lines; minimal props: water-pot, kusa, palm-leaf text.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["charcoal black","ash white","dull copper","indigo blue","muted saffron"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a didactic moral scene—sage seated with palm-leaf śāstra, penitent kneeling with folded hands; gold leaf used sparingly on the manuscript edges and halo, rich maroon backdrop, austere ornamentation to convey severity, traditional iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: nocturnal courtyard with cool indigo wash; the sage points to a written injunction while the penitent bows; delicate facial expressions of remorse and gravity, fine architectural lines, sparse trees under a pale moon.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, intense yet restrained palette; the sage’s commanding gesture and the penitent’s contrition dominate; stylized pillars and lamp stand, red/yellow/green pigments tempered with dark grounds to keep the mood severe.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symbolic composition—central sage and penitent framed by lotus borders; instead of celebratory cows/peacocks, use subdued floral motifs and a dark blue ground; intricate border text panels suggesting ‘kṛcchra’ discipline and moral restoration."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["deep silence","single bell strike","low drone (tanpura)","distant night insects","soft rustle of palm leaves"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गच्छेद्भगिनीं→गच्छेत् + भगिनीम्; स्वसुतामपि→स्वसुताम् + अपि; गच्छंस्त्रीणि→गच्छन् + त्रीणि; कृच्छ्राण्यथाचरेत्→कृच्छ्राणि + अथ + आचरेत्.
FAQs
It condemns sexual relations with close family members as a grave transgression and prescribes severe expiation (prāyaścitta) to address the spiritual and social harm caused.
Kṛcchra refers to a class of austerity-based expiations typically involving regulated fasting, restricted diet, and disciplined conduct for a fixed period, undertaken to atone for serious wrongdoing.
Not directly. This verse is primarily a dharma–prāyaścitta (ethical law and expiation) injunction rather than a pilgrimage (tīrtha) or devotional (bhakti) passage.