Shloka 23
Rite of Tree Consecration and the Merit of Planting Sacred Trees
तीर्थेषु पिंडदानादीन्रोपकाणां ददंति ते । यत्नेनापि च राजेंद्र अश्वत्थारोपणं कुरु
tīrtheṣu piṃḍadānādīnropakāṇāṃ dadaṃti te | yatnenāpi ca rājeṃdra aśvatthāropaṇaṃ kuru
في مواطن الحجّ المقدّسة (تيرثا) يقدّمون حقًّا قرابين البِنْدا وغيرها من العطايا. ومع ذلك، يا راجندرا، فلتجعل غرس شجرة الأشفَتَّها—التين المقدّس—عملك المقصود بعناية.
Unspecified narrator addressing a king (rājendra) (exact dialogue pair not identifiable from this single verse alone).
Concept: Pilgrimage charity is praised, yet deliberate aśvattha-planting is urged as a higher, enduring dharma that continually gives shade, oxygen, and sanctity.
Application: When visiting temples/tīrthas, add a ‘living donation’: plant or sponsor a sacred tree with long-term care (watering plan, protection, community stewardship).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king stands at a bustling riverbank tīrtha where priests perform piṇḍa-dāna rites amid incense and chanting. A sage points beyond the crowd to a quiet patch of earth where an aśvattha sapling is being planted, suggesting a dharma that outlives the moment—roots taking hold as pilgrims look on with newfound reverence.","primary_figures":["a king (rājendra)","a teaching sage","pilgrims","priests performing piṇḍa-dāna","aśvattha sapling"],"setting":"Riverbank tīrtha with ghāṭa steps, offering trays, kusa grass, and a nearby open ground prepared for planting.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["river-silver","saffron","leaf green","earth brown","smoke gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a royal patron at a ghāṭa with priests offering piṇḍas, while a sage gestures to an aśvattha sapling being planted; ornate gold leaf borders, rich maroon and green garments, jewel-toned crowns, stylized river waves, and a radiant halo around the sapling to signify sacredness.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a serene riverside pilgrimage scene with fine lines; the king in modest regal attire listens to a sage; pilgrims and priests in soft colors; the aśvattha sapling delicately rendered with heart-shaped leaves; distant hills and a pale sky create contemplative space.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal, iconic figures—sage instructing the king; rhythmic arrangement of pilgrims; bold outlines; warm yellow-red background; the aśvattha shown with stylized leaves and a protective circular motif; temple-lamp ambiance even at the riverbank.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a tīrtha-ghāṭa framed by lotus borders; central aśvattha sapling treated like a deity icon; peacocks perched on railings; deep blue river with gold highlights; intricate floral patterns around offering plates and garlands."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["flowing water","pilgrim murmurs","hand bell","conch shell","soft drum (mridangam)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पिंडदानादीन्रोपकाणां = पिण्डदानादीन् + रोपकाणाम् (न् + र → न्र); यत्नेनापि = यत्नेन + अपि (सन्धि-लोप/स्वर-सन्धि)
FAQs
It urges the deliberate planting of an aśvattha (sacred fig) tree, presented as a highly meritorious act alongside offerings made at tīrthas.
It acknowledges established tīrtha practices (piṇḍa-dāna and other gifts) while highlighting that dharma also includes constructive, lasting acts—here, tree planting.
Religious merit is not only gained through ritual giving at holy places; one should also perform purposeful, beneficial actions that support life and the community, such as planting sacred trees.