Shloka 12
Prāyaścitta for Mahāpātakas (Great Sins), Vows, Tīrtha, and Sin-Destroying Observances
चान्द्रायणानि वा कुर्यात्पञ्च चत्वारि वा पुनः / पतितेन च संसर्गं कुरुते यस्तु वै द्विजः
cāndrāyaṇāni vā kuryātpañca catvāri vā punaḥ / patitena ca saṃsargaṃ kurute yastu vai dvijaḥ
அல்லது அவன் சாந்திராயணப் பிராயச்சித்தத்தை ஐந்து முறை அல்லது மீண்டும் நான்கு முறை செய்ய வேண்டும். பத்திதனுடன் தொடர்பு/சங்கம் கொள்கின்ற த்விஜனுக்கே இது விதி.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda)
Concept: Association (saṃsarga) with a patita (fallen/outcaste) incurs impurity/sin for a dvija, remedied by repeated Cāndrāyaṇa observances.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva-śuddhi through regulated conduct and tapas; karma shaped by saṅga (company) and its ethical consequences.
Application: Be mindful of harmful affiliations and enabling relationships; if one participates in unethical networks, undertake structured restitution and reform over time (repeatable disciplines).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.52.13-14 (further prāyaścitta options: Tapta-kṛcchra, Atikṛcchra, sarvasva-dāna)
FAQs
This verse presents Cāndrāyaṇa as a formal expiation that restores ritual and moral purity when a dvija incurs fault through improper association.
By emphasizing expiation and purification, it implies that unatoned faults become karmic impediments; prescribed prāyaścitta helps prevent negative consequences that would otherwise affect one’s post-death trajectory described in the Preta Kanda.
Keep ethical boundaries and choose uplifting company; if one participates in harmful environments or influences, undertake sincere corrective discipline (repentance, restraint, and restorative practices) consistent with one’s tradition.