Shloka 39
Determination of the Householder’s Dharma
Dāna: Types, Recipients, Timing, and Fruits
ब्रह्मवर्चसकामस्तु ब्रह्माणं ज्ञानकामुकः । आरोग्यकामोथ रविं धनकामो हुताशनम्
brahmavarcasakāmastu brahmāṇaṃ jñānakāmukaḥ | ārogyakāmotha raviṃ dhanakāmo hutāśanam
مَن يبتغي البهاء الروحي فليعبد براهما؛ ومَن يطلب المعرفة فليعبد براهما. ومَن يبتغي العافية فليعبد رافي، الشمس؛ ومَن يبتغي الغنى فليعبد هوتاشانا، أغني إله النار.
Unspecified (context not provided; verse states an instructional rule on worship for desired aims).
Concept: Desired outcomes are pursued by aligning one’s worship with the deity presiding over that domain—brahmavarcasa/knowledge with Brahmā, health with Sūrya, wealth with Agni.
Application: Be honest about your aim (health, learning, prosperity) and choose disciplines that match it; then elevate the aim over time toward inner freedom rather than endless acquisition.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A mandala-like tableau divides the sky into four quarters: Brahmā seated on a lotus with Vedas for brahmavarcasa and jñāna; Sūrya in a radiant chariot for ārogya; Agni rising from a fire altar for dhana. A seeker stands at the center holding a tray of offerings, contemplating which aspiration to sanctify first.","primary_figures":["Brahmā","Sūrya (Ravi)","Agni (Hutāśana)","seeker/devotee"],"setting":"Symbolic cosmic mandala over a ritual ground with a homa-kunda and lotus motifs; each deity in its own quadrant.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sun-gold","fire-orange","lotus pink","smoke gray","sapphire blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: quadrant mandala composition with Brahma on a lotus (gold leaf halo), Surya in a jeweled chariot (embossed gold rays), Agni emerging from a stylized homa-kunda (gold flames), and the devotee centered; rich reds/greens, ornate borders, gem-like highlights.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate mandala scene with soft gradients—Surya’s chariot in warm washes, Agni’s flames in fine strokes, Brahma serene with refined features; the devotee in simple attire, Himalayan-like cloud bands framing each quadrant.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined deities in compartmental panels—Brahma with four faces, Surya with radiant disc, Agni with flame crown; central devotee; strong reds/yellows/greens, temple-wall symmetry, decorative vine borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: circular mandala with lotus petals forming compartments; Surya and Agni stylized with ornate motifs, Brahma on a lotus; deep blue ground with gold detailing, floral borders, peacocks and lotuses as repeating patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["homa fire crackle","soft bell","measured chanting","wind through leaves","conch shell (distant)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: kāmaḥ + tu → kāmastu; kāmaḥ + atha → kāmotha.
FAQs
It associates brahmavarcas (spiritual radiance/holy prestige) with worship directed to Brahmā.
Ravi (Sūrya) is traditionally connected with vitality and bodily well-being; the verse reflects that classical association by recommending Sun-worship for those seeking health.
It frames desires as disciplined aims pursued through prescribed devotional order (niyama), implying that seeking outcomes should be aligned with reverent, structured worship rather than impulsive action.