Shloka 17
Glorification of Vārāṇasī: Kapardīśvara Liṅga and the Piśācamocana Tīrtha
उपासीतात्र योगात्मा कृत्वा दीक्षां तु नैष्ठिकीम् । कदाचिदागतं प्रेतं पश्यति स्म क्षुधान्वितम्
upāsītātra yogātmā kṛtvā dīkṣāṃ tu naiṣṭhikīm | kadācidāgataṃ pretaṃ paśyati sma kṣudhānvitam
هناك كان ذو النفس اليوغية يواظب على العبادة، بعد أن أخذ ديكشا (التلقين) الثابتة. وذات مرة رأى بريتا جائعًا، روحًا من أرواح الموتى، قد أتى إلى ذلك الموضع.
Narrator (context not specified in the provided excerpt; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue frame of the Padma Purāṇa)
Concept: Steadfast spiritual discipline (naiṣṭhikī-dīkṣā) heightens perception and responsibility toward beings across visible and invisible realms.
Application: Keep vows and daily practice steady; treat unexpected encounters—especially with suffering beings—as tests of compassion rather than distractions.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A solitary sage, newly consecrated in a strict initiation, sits in deep meditation near a quiet hermitage clearing. From the edge of the grove, a gaunt, shadowy preta approaches hesitantly, its presence bending the air with chill, while the sage opens his eyes with calm alertness.","primary_figures":["naiṣṭhika-yogī muni","preta (hungry departed spirit)"],"setting":"forest āśrama clearing with kusa grass seat, small fire altar, distant hut, faint mist between trees","lighting_mood":"forest dappled with a sudden uncanny chill","color_palette":["smoky indigo","ash gray","sandalwood beige","leaf green","muted gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: an austere sage seated on a kusa mat beside a small homa-kunda, sacred thread and rudrākṣa-like beads rendered with jewel highlights; a gaunt preta emerging from a dark grove margin; gold leaf halo around the sage, rich maroon and emerald borders, ornate floral frame, traditional South Indian iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate sage in white ochre garments seated under slender trees, a misty preta figure approaching from the left; cool twilight palette with lyrical forest detail, refined facial features, gentle narrative tension, distant hills and a tiny hermitage hut.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, the yogi with large expressive eyes and calm posture, sacred fire altar stylized; preta depicted as emaciated with muted pigments; temple-wall aesthetic with red-yellow-green dominance and controlled shadowing.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a devotional forest tableau with ornate floral borders and lotus motifs; the sage centered like a sanctified figure with subtle gold accents; the preta rendered as a cautionary presence at the periphery; deep indigo background, intricate vines, peacocks subdued to maintain solemn mood."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["forest silence","soft wind in leaves","distant temple bell","low drone","occasional conch in imagination"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: उपासीतात्र = उपासीत + अत्र; कदाचिदागतं = कदाचित् + आगतम्; क्षुधान्वितम् = क्षुधा + अन्वितम्
FAQs
A yogātmā is a person whose disposition is rooted in yoga—disciplined spiritual practice, restraint, and contemplative devotion.
It suggests a firm, unwavering initiation or vow—an enduring commitment to a spiritual discipline rather than a temporary observance.
The hungry preta motif commonly signals unresolved karmic conditions after death; its appearance often sets up teachings on rites, compassion, and duties toward the departed.