Shloka 2
Prāyaścitta: Catalogue of Sins, Narakas, and Graded Expiations
Kṛcchra–Cāndrāyaṇa–Japa
तस्माद्यत्नेन कर्तव्यं प्रायश्चित्तं विशुद्धये / एवमस्यान्तरात्मा च लोकश्चैव प्रसदिति
tasmādyatnena kartavyaṃ prāyaścittaṃ viśuddhaye / evamasyāntarātmā ca lokaścaiva prasaditi
ஆகையால் தூய்மைக்காக முயற்சியுடன் பிராயச்சித்தம் செய்ய வேண்டும். அவ்வாறு செய்தால் உள்ளத்தின்ஆன்மாவும் உலகமும் இரண்டும் அமைதியடைந்து மகிழும்.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Prāyaścitta as a disciplined means of śuddhi (purification) that pacifies both conscience and society.
Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi as a prerequisite for higher knowledge and steadiness in dharma; harmony between individual and cosmic/social order (ṛta/dharma).
Application: Undertake appropriate expiation after wrongdoing (confession, restraint, charity, vows, mantra-japa as prescribed), aiming at genuine inner reform and restoration of trust.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.105.3 (sin-diminution via prāyaścitta; consequences of neglect); Garuda Purana 1.105.4-6 (naraka outcomes for unexpiated papa)
FAQs
This verse states that prāyaścitta should be done with sincere effort for purification, because it brings peace to one’s inner conscience and also restores harmony in the wider world.
By emphasizing purification through expiation, the verse implies that karmic cleansing and inner clarity support a more dharmic course of life, which in turn shapes the soul’s future experiences and post-death outcomes discussed elsewhere in the Garuda Purana.
When a wrongdoing occurs, respond with genuine repentance, corrective action, and appropriate religious/ethical restitution—so that both personal peace (antarātmā) and social trust (loka) are restored.