Shloka 183
Merit of Causeways and Crossings, Temple Construction Rewards, and the Rudrākṣa Mahātmya
हरवद्वरवेश्मस्थो गणेशो नात्र संशयः । पन्नगाश्च विनश्यंति दशवक्त्रस्य धारणात्
haravadvaraveśmastho gaṇeśo nātra saṃśayaḥ | pannagāśca vinaśyaṃti daśavaktrasya dhāraṇāt
يقيم غانيشا في قصرٍ بهيٍّ كقصر هارا (شيفا)، ولا شك في ذلك. وتُهلك الحيّات بحمل ذي الوجوه العشرة (داشافاكترا).
Unspecified (narrative voice within the Adhyaya context)
Concept: Sacred bearing of specific forms/marks is said to confer protection (against serpents) and divine residence-like prosperity.
Application: Treat protective practices as supports for dharma—combine them with non-harming and cleanliness to reduce real-world ‘serpent’ dangers (fear, toxicity, deceit) and cultivate steadiness.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Gaṇeśa sits serenely within a grand mansion reminiscent of Śiva’s abode—pillared halls, ash-white stone, and a crescent-moon motif—while outside, a protective aura flares as serpents recoil and dissolve into mist. A ten-faced emblem glows like a seal at the threshold, turning the doorway into a boundary of safety.","primary_figures":["Gaṇeśa","Śiva (Hara) as an implied presence/icon","Serpents (nāgas)","Devotee holding the ten-faced emblem"],"setting":"A divine mansion courtyard with a sanctified threshold, guardian lamps, and carved lintels bearing auspicious symbols.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["vermilion","ash white","antique gold","deep green","midnight blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Gaṇeśa enthroned in a Hara-like mansion with gold-leaf pillars and ornate archways; a radiant ten-faced emblem at the doorway; serpents rendered at the base recoiling; rich reds, greens, and heavy gold embellishment, jewel-toned ornaments, traditional iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: an elegant palace pavilion with delicate columns; Gaṇeśa calm and benevolent; a glowing ten-faced seal near the threshold; serpents stylized and retreating; cool palette with refined facial features, lyrical architecture, and soft atmospheric perspective.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Gaṇeśa large-eyed and front-facing within a stylized mansion; the ten-faced emblem as a mandala-like motif; serpents simplified into rhythmic curves; dominant reds/yellows/greens with temple-wall compositional balance.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate border of vines and lotuses; central Gaṇeśa in a palace niche; threshold marked by a radiant ten-faced emblem; serpents at the lower band as decorative-yet-warded motifs; deep indigo ground with gold detailing and floral filigree."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["temple bells","hand cymbals (tāla)","low drum pulse","hissing wind motif","conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: हरवद्वरवेश्मस्थो = हरवत् + वरवेश्मस्थः. नात्र = न + अत्र. पन्नगाश्च = पन्नगाः + च. विनश्यंति (IAST) = विनश्यन्ति. दशवक्त्रस्य = दश + वक्त्रस्य (द्विगु).
FAQs
It affirms Gaṇeśa’s exalted, Śiva-like splendor and mentions a traditional protective belief: that bearing the “ten-faced” (Daśavaktra/Rāvaṇa) is said to ward off or destroy serpents.
Daśavaktra literally means “ten-faced” and commonly refers to Rāvaṇa. The verse links his “dhāraṇā” (bearing/wearing/holding) with protection against serpents.
It underscores reverence for Gaṇeśa’s divine status and reflects Purāṇic culture where remembrance or symbolic bearing of powerful figures/names is associated with protection—encouraging faith and disciplined devotional practice.