Shloka 32
Kālin̄dī’s Austerity; True Tapas and Prāyaścitta; Kṛṣṇa’s Grace and Marriage
मया विवाहोनुग्रहार्थं हि तस्या अङ्गीकृतो न तु सौख्याय वीन्द्र / तथा वक्ष्ये लक्ष्मणायाश्च रूपं पाणिग्राहे कारणं चापि वीन्द्रा
mayā vivāhonugrahārthaṃ hi tasyā aṅgīkṛto na tu saukhyāya vīndra / tathā vakṣye lakṣmaṇāyāśca rūpaṃ pāṇigrāhe kāraṇaṃ cāpi vīndrā
Ta chấp nhận cuộc hôn phối ấy chỉ để ban ân và nâng đỡ nàng, chứ không vì lạc thú của riêng Ta, hỡi chúa tể loài chim. Ta cũng sẽ nói với ngươi về dung mạo của Lakṣmaṇā và cả nguyên do vì sao Ta nắm tay nàng trong lễ thành hôn, hỡi bậc tối thắng trong loài chim.
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Divine/ideal action is niṣkāma—undertaken for the devotee’s welfare (anugraha), not for personal pleasure; forms (like marriage) can be instruments of grace.
Vedantic Theme: Niṣkāma-karma and līlā: the Lord acts without lack; compassion as expression of fullness; protection of devotees (bhakta-paripālana).
Application: Examine motives in relationships and commitments; act to support others without exploitation; practice service with clear boundaries and selflessness.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.21.31–32: prasāda and anugraha as the interpretive key to the narrative; forthcoming account of Lakṣmaṇā
FAQs
The verse highlights that the ethical value of an act like marriage depends on its purpose—here, it is undertaken as an act of support and favour, not personal enjoyment.
It reads as a direct address to Garuḍa (“king/best of birds”), consistent with the Purāṇic teaching style where Lord Viṣṇu explains motives and causes behind actions to Garuḍa.
Perform major life decisions and duties with a clear, ethical intention—prioritizing responsibility, protection, and welfare over self-indulgence.