BG 1.42
Promiscuity ruins both the family and those who defile it, depriving the ancestors of ritual offerings.
पतन्ति पितरो ह्येषां लुप्तपिण्डोदकक्रियाः
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saṅkaro — unwanted children
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narakāyaiva — hellish indeed
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kula-ghnānāṁ — of the destroyers of the family
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kula — family
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ghnānāṁ — destroyers
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kulasya — of the family
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cha — also
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patanti — fall
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pitaro — ancestors
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hy — indeed
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eṣhāṁ — their
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lupta-piṇḍodaka-kriyāḥ — sacrificial offerings are deprived
The piṇḍodaka-kriyāḥ (पिण्डोदकक्रिया) is a ceremony where one offers balls of rice and water to the deceased-
lupta — deprived of
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piṇḍodaka — round ball and water
Piṇḍa (पिण्ड) is a round lump of food, and daka (दक) is water -
kriyāḥ — sacrifice, ceremonial offering
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When a community perishes, its traditions and duties are destroyed, and the families are overcome by immorality. When impiety prevails, the women become immoral, and children of mixed social groups are born. Promiscuity ruins both the family and those who defile it, depriving the ancestors of ritual offerings. By the destruction of lineages and the intermingling of social classes, ancient traditions and family values are destroyed. The wise say that those who destroy family traditions are destined for hell. What a pity that we have decided to commit this great sin, prepared to slay our kinsmen for the pleasures of kingdom. It would be better if the sons of Dhritarashtra should slay me in battle, unarmed and unresisting.
Similar verses
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By the destruction of lineages and the intermingling of social classes, ancient traditions and family values are destroyed.
- Verse 1.43
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The wise say that those who destroy family traditions are destined for hell.
- Verse 1.44
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When impiety prevails, the women become immoral, and children of mixed social groups are born.
- Verse 1.41
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When a community perishes, its traditions and duties are destroyed, and the families are overcome by immorality.
- Verse 1.40