Shloka 61
Instruction to Śatrughna and the Mobilization for Rāma’s Aśvamedha
वृद्धानां प्रेरणं पूर्वं मा कुर्वीथा रणं जय । पूज्यपूजातिक्रमं त्वं मा विधेहि दयान्वितः
vṛddhānāṃ preraṇaṃ pūrvaṃ mā kurvīthā raṇaṃ jaya | pūjyapūjātikramaṃ tvaṃ mā vidhehi dayānvitaḥ
يا جايا، لا تكن أولَ من يدفع الشيوخ إلى القتال. وأنتَ الرحيم، لا تتجاوز ما يجب من الإكرام لمن يستحقون التبجيل فتقع في الإثم.
Unspecified (contextual speaker not provided in the input excerpt)
Concept: Do not provoke elders into battle first; do not overstep the honor due to the venerable—compassion must include reverence.
Application: In teams and families, don’t push seniors into stressful conflict; seek counsel, honor experience, and avoid disrespect disguised as efficiency.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A compassionate commander addresses a younger warrior named Jaya, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder as elders sit nearby with calm dignity. The scene emphasizes restraint: the young man’s eagerness to rush into conflict is softened into respectful listening, as lamps flicker like witnesses to dharma.","primary_figures":["Jaya (young warrior)","compassionate counselor/commander (speaker)","elders (vṛddhas) seated in council"],"setting":"War-council hall or hermitage-court with elders on raised seats, weapons set aside, and a respectful distance maintained; scrolls and ceremonial staff indicating authority.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["soft gold","earth brown","sage green","royal blue","cream"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: council scene with elders on a dais, the speaker gesturing ‘do not incite them first’; gold leaf on throne edges and lamp halos; rich reds/greens with royal blue garments; gem-studded ornaments minimal to keep humility; expressive yet serene faces emphasizing reverence.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined courtly interior with elders seated, young warrior Jaya slightly bowed; delicate textiles, pale morning light, subtle architectural arches; emphasis on respectful spacing and gentle hand gestures; cool greens and creams for calm authority.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, symmetrical council composition; elders with dignified posture, speaker with compassionate mudra; natural pigments—mustard yellow, red, green; temple-wall didactic clarity with minimal background clutter.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central medallion of ‘vṛddha-pūjā’—elders framed by lotus borders; repeating motifs of folded hands and lamps; deep blue ground with gold vine-work; peacocks at corners symbolizing vigilance and decorum."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft council murmurs","temple bell (distant)","rustle of cloth","morning birds","quiet drum far away"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: Compound: पूज्यपूजातिक्रमम् = पूज्य + पूजा + अतिक्रम; दयान्वितः = दया + अन्वितः.
FAQs
It teaches restraint in conflict and insists on honoring elders and the reverence due to those who are worthy of respect, warning against incitement and disrespect.
It implies a fault of overstepping or violating proper honor—acting in a way that breaches the respect owed to venerable or worship-worthy persons.
It frames dharma as self-control and humility: a righteous person should not provoke elders into war and must avoid actions that dishonor respected figures, even amid conflict.