Shloka 98
The Glory of Dhātrī (Āmalakī) and Tulasī: Ekādaśī Observance and Protection from Preta States
मिष्टं चादंति याः पापास्तास्तु प्रेताश्चिरं भुवि । विण्मूत्रभक्षका ये च ब्रह्मस्व भक्षणे रताः
miṣṭaṃ cādaṃti yāḥ pāpāstāstu pretāściraṃ bhuvi | viṇmūtrabhakṣakā ye ca brahmasva bhakṣaṇe ratāḥ
إنّ النساء الآثمات اللواتي يأكلن الحلوى واللذائذ يصِرن «بريتا» زمنًا طويلًا على الأرض؛ وأمّا آكلو الغائط والبول فهم الذين يلتذّون بأكل مال البراهمة.
Unspecified (narrative voice within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Concept: Misuse of enjoyment and especially brahmasva-bhakṣaṇa (consuming Brahmin property) is condemned as spiritually polluting, producing grotesque karmic correspondences (excrement/urine-eating).
Application: Avoid exploiting religious institutions/teachers or misappropriating entrusted funds; cultivate clean livelihood (śuddha-ājīvika) and mindful consumption.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stark karmic mirror: figures who secretly seize brahmin property are shown in a shadowed alley transforming into preta-like beings, their mouths reaching toward repulsive offerings of filth—an allegory of inner corruption made visible. Nearby, a neglected altar and overturned donation vessel signal violated sanctity.","primary_figures":["preta-like sinners","brāhmaṇa (distant, wronged)","allegorical figure of Adharma","overturned donation vessel (symbolic)"],"setting":"Nighttime settlement edge with a small shrine, discarded offerings, and a darkened path","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["soot black","sickly green","mud brown","lamp gold","dried blood red"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: intense moral allegory with gold-leaf lamps illuminating a fallen donation pot and a small shrine; sinners rendered with dramatic expressions, pretas in dark translucent layers; rich reds and greens subdued by blackened ground, ornate borders emphasizing the gravity of brahmasva offense.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: controlled depiction of disgust through symbolism—dark bowls, twisted faces, a distant brāhmaṇa silhouette; cool nocturnal palette with fine brushwork, minimal gore, emphasis on karmic irony and moral narrative clarity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized grotesque mouths and eyes, strong contrast of lamp yellow against black-green background; shrine iconography clear, donation vessel prominent, didactic composition like a temple-wall warning panel.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate border of lotus motifs juxtaposed with a central cautionary scene; deep indigo ground, gold highlights on lamps and vessels; pretas as patterned shadow forms, symbolic rather than graphic, maintaining pichwai decorative discipline while conveying moral revulsion."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Darbari","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["sharp bell strikes","low drone","sudden silence","distant dogs barking"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चादन्ति = च + आदन्ति; पापास्ताः = पापाः + ताः; तास्तु = ताः + तु; प्रेताश्चिरम् = प्रेताः + चिरम्; ये च = ये + च.
FAQs
It links unethical conduct—especially wrongful appropriation of brahmasva (property meant for Brahmins)—with severe post-death consequences, describing prolonged suffering as a preta and degrading conditions as retribution.
Brahmasva refers to wealth or property belonging to, intended for, or dedicated to Brahmins; consuming or misappropriating it is treated as a grave moral and religious offense.
The verse warns against indulgence tied to wrongdoing and especially against exploiting sacred or protected resources; it emphasizes restraint, respect for religious property, and accountability through karma.