Shloka 25
The Episode of Cyavana
Cyavana’s Hermitage and the Power of Tapas
इति श्रुत्वा महद्वाक्यं शत्रुघ्नस्य महात्मनः । कथयामास सचिवो रघुनाथस्य धीमतः
iti śrutvā mahadvākyaṃ śatrughnasya mahātmanaḥ | kathayāmāsa sacivo raghunāthasya dhīmataḥ
فلما سمع الوزيرُ الحكيمُ لرغوناثا (راما) هذه الكلمات الجليلة من شترغنا عظيمِ النفس، شرع يحدّث بالأمر.
Narrator (Purāṇic narration; specific frame-speaker not explicit in this single verse)
Concept: Wise counsel and attentive hearing sustain dharma; weighty words deserve an equally thoughtful response.
Application: When receiving sincere questions, respond with clarity and responsibility; cultivate ‘dhī’ (discernment) in speech.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a quiet pause between travel and revelation, Śatrughna’s earnest words hang in the air as the minister inclines his head, preparing to answer. The scene feels like a narrative hinge: the forest path behind them, the hermitage glow ahead, and the minister’s poised gesture signaling the start of explanation.","primary_figures":["Śatrughna","Rāma’s minister (saciva)","attendants (optional)"],"setting":"Forest pathway near an āśrama boundary; glimpses of huts and sages in the distance.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["dawn gold","earth brown","forest green","cream white","vermillion accent"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Śatrughna in regal posture listening; the minister with a raised hand beginning narration; distant hermitage with gold leaf radiance; ornate jewelry and textiles, rich reds/greens, gold leaf borders emphasizing the ‘mahā-vākya’ moment.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: two figures on a forest path, minister slightly bowed as he speaks; soft dawn light, delicate foliage, refined expressions; muted palette with vermillion highlights on garments.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized royal figures with bold outlines; minister in speaking pose, Śatrughna attentive; background āśrama motifs; warm reds and yellows with green foliage bands.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative vignette framed by floral borders; two central figures in dialogue, distant sacred grove; deep blue background with gold detailing and patterned textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["footsteps on forest path","soft conch (distant)","birds","rustling cloth/armor","brief silence before speech"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: mahat+vākyam → mahadvākyaṃ; sacivaḥ (written sacivo) before r- often shows o by sandhi/orthography; treat as sacivaḥ.
FAQs
Śatrughna is a princely figure associated with Rāma’s dynasty; “mahadvākya” indicates his statement is weighty—important in counsel, duty, or decision-making.
It indicates a royal-administrative context where counsel, reporting, and prudent communication support righteous governance (rājadharma).
It highlights attentive listening to wise speech and responsible transmission of important counsel—key virtues in leadership and service.