Shloka 73
The Account of Women
Householder Ethics, Fault, Merit, and Govinda-Nāma as Purification
निःशेषेस्या वधं कृत्वा स नरो ब्रह्महा भवेत् । तस्माद्ब्राह्मणजातीया विप्रया च व्रतं चरेत्
niḥśeṣesyā vadhaṃ kṛtvā sa naro brahmahā bhavet | tasmādbrāhmaṇajātīyā viprayā ca vrataṃ caret
निःशेषतया तस्याः वधं कृत्वा स नरो ब्रह्महा भवेत्। तस्माद् ब्राह्मणजातीया विप्रया च नियतं व्रतं चरेत्॥
Unspecified (context-dependent within Adhyaya 52; likely a narrator/teacher voice in the dialogue frame)
Concept: Certain acts incur brahmahatyā-level demerit; therefore one should adopt a protective/expiratory vow, especially within brāhmaṇa social-ritual duty.
Application: Treat life and ritual obligations with non-violence and conscientious restraint; when in doubt, choose the path that minimizes harm and strengthens daily discipline (niyama).
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A solemn dharma-teaching scene: a venerable sage instructs a veiled brāhmaṇa woman beside a small altar, where a vow-thread and a water-pot rest. In the background, a shadowy silhouette of a transgression dissolves into smoke, while a lotus-emblem of Viṣṇu glows faintly, suggesting refuge through vrata.","primary_figures":["a teaching sage (ṛṣi)","brāhmaṇa woman (viprā)","Viṣṇu symbol (lotus/chakra aura)"],"setting":"Forest hermitage with a simple yajña-kuṇḍa, kusa grass seat, water pot (kalaśa), and vow implements.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["smoke gray","saffron ochre","lotus pink","deep indigo","gold leaf"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a seated ṛṣi teaching a modestly adorned brāhmaṇa woman near a small altar with kalaśa and vow-thread; a subtle Viṣṇu lotus-and-chakra aureole in the upper corner; heavy gold leaf halos, rich maroon and emerald textiles, gem-studded ornaments, crisp South Indian iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a quiet āśrama scene with delicate linework; the sage gestures toward a vow-altar while the brāhmaṇa woman listens with folded hands; misty trees and a small stream; cool blues and soft greens with lyrical naturalism and refined faces.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and warm natural pigments; the sage and the woman in frontal-three-quarter poses; stylized lotus motif of Viṣṇu above; red-yellow-green palette with temple-wall texture and large expressive eyes.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central vow-altar framed by lotus borders; a small Viṣṇu emblem above, surrounded by floral motifs; attendants with water pots; intricate white-on-indigo patterns, gold highlights, and symmetrical decorative borders."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low temple bells","hushed silence","soft conch drone","crackling lamp flame"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: niḥśeṣesyā → niḥśeṣasyāḥ (gen.sg.f.); tasmādbrāhmaṇajātīyā → tasmāt brāhmaṇajātīyā; ceṣṭa- not in this verse.
FAQs
It warns that killing in a fully destructive way is treated as the grave sin of brahma-hatyā (slaying a brāhmaṇa), emphasizing strict non-violence and accountability.
It recommends observing a vrata (religious vow/discipline), specifically directed here toward those of brāhmaṇa birth, including brāhmaṇa women.
No. This verse is primarily a dharma-ethical statement about sin (brahma-hatyā) and the observance of vows (vrata), not a description of sacred places.