Shloka 16
The Account of Kāṣṭhīlā (Kāṣṭhīlā-ākhyāna) within the Mohinī Narrative
वाचा शपथदोषैस्तु संनिरुध्य पतिं हि या । अकार्यं कारयेत्पापा सा नारी निरये वसेत् ॥ १६ ॥
vācā śapathadoṣaistu saṃnirudhya patiṃ hi yā | akāryaṃ kārayetpāpā sā nārī niraye vaset || 16 ||
那罪恶的女子以言语——借誓言与诅咒之过失——束缚其夫，强令其行不当之事，必住于地狱。
Narada (teaching in a dharma-instruction context; dialogue tradition with Sanatkumara lineage assumed for this section)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It warns that manipulating others—especially one’s spouse—through coercive speech (oaths, threats, imprecations) to commit adharma creates severe karmic bondage, leading to painful post-death consequences.
Bhakti is grounded in sattvic conduct—truthful, non-harming speech and support of dharma. This verse implies that devotion cannot be separated from ethical restraint; coercion and adharma contradict a Vishnu-bhakta’s character.
It underscores disciplined use of speech aligned with dharma—an applied aspect of Śikṣā (proper speech) and Vyākaraṇa (responsible, precise language), emphasizing that words can create karmic outcomes when used as threats or binding oaths.