Shloka 23
Dharmāṅgada’s Discourse (Dharmāṅgadopadeśa) in the Mohinī Episode
पुत्रहत्या महाहत्या ब्रह्महत्याधिका प्रिये । घातयित्वा सुतं लोके का गतिर्म्मे भविष्यति ॥ २३ ॥
putrahatyā mahāhatyā brahmahatyādhikā priye | ghātayitvā sutaṃ loke kā gatirmme bhaviṣyati || 23 ||
Minamahal, ang pagpatay sa sariling anak ay isang napakalaking kasalanan—higit pa nga kaysa sa pagpatay sa isang Brahmana. Kung papatayin ko ang aking anak sa mundong ito, anong kapalaran ang sasapit sa akin?
A questioning householder/royal figure addressing his beloved (contextual interlocutor within the narrative); teaching frame ultimately attributed to Narada Purana’s dialogue tradition
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It highlights the gravity of mahā-pātakas (heinous sins) by placing putra-hatyā among the most destructive karmas, prompting a dharmic inquiry into consequences and the need for purification/atonement.
Indirectly: by stressing moral accountability, it prepares the ground for refuge-oriented practice—seeking purification through dharma, sacred observances, and ultimately devotion as a transformative remedy for fallen states.
The verse foregrounds Dharma-śāstric categorization of sins (mahā-hatyā/mahā-pātaka) rather than a specific Vedāṅga; it points toward prayāścitta reasoning that is typically articulated using precise Vyākaraṇa-based terminology and ritual logic.