Shloka 61

Saṅkara-jāti-nirṇaya and Gṛhastha-ācāra: Daily Rites, Purity, Anadhyāya, and Food Discipline

Devanagari script

वैणाभिशस्तवार्धुष्यगणिकागणदीक्षिणाम् / चिकित्सकातुरक्रुद्धक्लीबरङ्गोपजीविनाम्

Transliteration

vaiṇābhiśastavārdhuṣyagaṇikāgaṇadīkṣiṇām / cikitsakāturakruddhaklībaraṅgopajīvinām

Translation

——亦当避开以乐工、伶人度日者，被众人指控者，放高利贷者，娼伎，收取费用而为群体行入门灌顶者，医者，病者，易怒者，阳痿无能者，以及以舞台戏乐为生者。

Word by Word

• vaiṇābhiśasta-vārdhuṣya-gaṇikā-gaṇa-dīkṣiṇām: of lute-players, the accused, usurers, courtesans, troupe-leaders, and initiators
• vaiṇābhiśasta-vārdhuṣya-gaṇikā-gaṇa-dīkṣiṇām: Sambandha (Genitive/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vaiṇa + abhiśasta + vārdhuṣya + gaṇikā + gaṇa + dīkṣin (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्गम्, षष्ठी (Genitive/6th), बहुवचनम्; समासः द्वन्द्व-समाहार/समुच्चयार्थः (enumerative list of classes of persons)

• cikitsaka-ātura-kruddha-klība-raṅga-upajīvinām: of physicians, the sick, the angry, eunuchs, and those who live by stage/performance
• cikitsaka-ātura-kruddha-klība-raṅga-upajīvinām: Sambandha (Genitive/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: cikitsaka + ātura + kruddha + klība + raṅga + upajīvin (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्गम्, षष्ठी (Genitive/6th), बहुवचनम्; समासः द्वन्द्व-समुच्चयः (enumeration)

Speaker

Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue, instructing Garuḍa)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Saṅga-śuddhi: avoid reliance/association with socially/ritually suspect livelihoods and unstable dispositions.

Vedantic Theme: Sattva-rakṣaṇa by avoiding rajas/tamas-provoking company; guarding mind through environment.

Application: Be discerning about close association, patronage, and dependence on those whose livelihood or temperament may pull one into unethical conduct or instability.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: bibhatsa

Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.96.60–64 (extended list of persons/foods to avoid)

FAQs

What is the importance of listing occupations and traits in the Garuda Purana?

This verse groups certain livelihoods and dispositions as karmically significant categories, highlighting that dharma depends not only on belief but also on how one earns and behaves.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul?

By classifying people through actions and conduct, it implies that post-death outcomes are shaped by karma—especially harm, exploitation, or adharma performed through one’s profession or temperament.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Choose ethical livelihood, avoid exploitation (e.g., predatory lending), practice self-control over anger, and ensure professional conduct (including medicine and public performance) aligns with compassion and integrity.