Shloka 73
Prohibitions and Rules of Right Conduct (Ācāra): Theft, Speech, Purity, Residence, and Social Boundaries
न चालनं पदा वापि न देवप्रतिमां स्पृशेत् । नाशुद्धोग्निं परिचरेन्न देवान्कीर्तयेदृषीन्
na cālanaṃ padā vāpi na devapratimāṃ spṛśet | nāśuddhogniṃ paricarenna devānkīrtayedṛṣīn
لا ينبغي أن يدفع المرء شيئًا بقدمه، ولا أن يمسّ صورة الإله وهو على غير طهارة. ولا يخدم نارًا غير طاهرة، ولا يذكر أسماء الآلهة والريشيّين وهو غير طاهر.
Unspecified (instructional/normative voice within the Svarga-khaṇḍa narrative)
Concept: Śauca (purity) and apacāra-avoidance are prerequisites for meaningful contact with the divine—body, speech, and action must be aligned before worship.
Application: Maintain basic cleanliness before pūjā; avoid casual foot-gestures toward sacred objects; keep a clean hearth/lamps; postpone mantra/namas-kīrtana when in a state of aśauca until purified.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Inside a quiet household shrine, a devotee pauses at the threshold, washing hands and feet before approaching a radiant deity image. A small sacred fire burns cleanly in a copper brazier, while a palm-leaf manuscript of ṛṣi-nāma-kīrtana rests unopened until purification is complete.","primary_figures":["a Vaishnava householder devotee","Vishnu/Narayana arcā-mūrti","Agni (as sacred fire presence)"],"setting":"lamp-lit shrine room with tulasi pot near the doorway, copper vessels, conch, bell, and a neatly tended fire altar","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["gold leaf","deep vermilion","sandalwood beige","emerald green","sapphire blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a Vaishnava devotee in clean white cloth stands respectfully before a Vishnu arcā-mūrti on a pedestal, hands folded; a small pure agni in a copper homa-kunda glows; ornate arch with gold leaf, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments on the deity, conch and bell in foreground, tulasi pot at the threshold, emphasizing reverence and ritual purity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate indoor shrine scene with delicate brushwork; a devotee washing hands at a small brass basin before approaching a serene Vishnu image; soft textiles, subtle incense curls, refined facial features; cool shadows and gentle highlights, lyrical stillness and restraint.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments; Vishnu arcā-mūrti with large expressive eyes, lamp flames and agni rendered in stylized reds and yellows; devotee shown in respectful posture at a slight distance, emphasizing purity and non-contact until ready; temple-wall aesthetic with decorative borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Krishna/Vishnu shrine with intricate floral borders and lotus motifs; devotee at the doorway performing ācamana; deep blues and gold, hanging lamps, tulasi plant prominent; emphasis on devotional etiquette and sanctity of the image."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","soft conch shell","crackling sacred fire","incense hush","silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वापि = वा + अपि; नाशुद्धोग्निं = न + अशुद्धः + अग्निम्; परिचरेन्न = परिचरेत् + न; देवान्कीर्तयेदृषीन् = देवान् + कीर्तयेत् + ऋषीन्
FAQs
It instructs that one should not touch a deity’s image while in an improper or impure state, emphasizing reverence and ritual cleanliness (śauca) during worship.
The verse treats sacred fire-service as a purity-sensitive rite; one should not perform fire-related ritual service when the fire or the performer is considered ritually impure.
It reinforces respectful bodily conduct: using the foot to push or move things is framed as discourteous, especially in a sacred or disciplined religious setting.