Shloka 20
Śāpaprāpti (Receiving a Curse) — Mohinī Narrative
लूनपक्षो यथा पक्षी वृत्तिहीनो यथा द्विजः । शिरोभ्रष्टा यथा माला पर्वतो धातुवर्जितः ॥ २० ॥
lūnapakṣo yathā pakṣī vṛttihīno yathā dvijaḥ | śirobhraṣṭā yathā mālā parvato dhātuvarjitaḥ || 20 ||
如翼被剪之鸟，如失其正当生计之婆罗门，如冠饰坠落之花鬘，如无矿藏之山——亦复如是：光彩被夺，功用不彰。
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in the Uttara-bhaga discourse style)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It teaches that when a core support is removed—discipline, rightful conduct, or the essential element—one’s spiritual life or dharmic action loses its power and radiance, just as these examples become diminished without their defining parts.
Bhakti is not merely sentiment; it must be supported by steadiness and proper conduct. Without those supports, devotion becomes like a bird unable to fly—present in name, but unable to reach its goal.
The verse uses classical upamā (analogy), a tool emphasized in traditional Sanskrit learning and interpretive disciplines; it reinforces that correct application and supporting disciplines are essential for any śāstric practice to bear fruit.