Shloka 11
Praise of the Merits of Sacred Ponds, Tree-Planting, and Water-Charities
एकं वृक्षं समारोप्य नरः स्वर्गान्न हीयते । तस्मादेव महावृक्षं रोपयध्वं द्विजोत्तमाः
ekaṃ vṛkṣaṃ samāropya naraḥ svargānna hīyate | tasmādeva mahāvṛkṣaṃ ropayadhvaṃ dvijottamāḥ
একটি বৃক্ষও রোপণ করলে মানুষ স্বর্গ থেকে পতিত হয় না। অতএব, হে দ্বিজোত্তমগণ, মহাবৃক্ষ রোপণ করো।
Unspecified (narrative instruction within Padma Purana; addressed to dvijottamāḥ—‘best of the twice-born’)
Concept: Even a single tree planted yields lasting spiritual elevation; therefore plant great, long-lived trees.
Application: Plant at least one tree and care for it to maturity; prioritize native, shade-giving, fruit-bearing, and long-lived species; treat maintenance as daily sādhana.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A teacher-like sage gestures toward a newly planted sapling while a vast, mature tree appears in a visionary overlay—symbolizing ‘one tree becomes great merit.’ The dvijottamas listen attentively, holding water pots and kusa grass, as birds gather in the branches-to-be.","primary_figures":["a sage/instructor","dvijottamas (students/priests)","a sapling and a visionary great tree","birds (symbolic life)"],"setting":"Hermitage edge or village commons with prepared earth, watering vessels, and a simple altar stone.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["fresh leaf green","dawn gold","clay brown","sky pale blue","saffron cloth-orange"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: sage exhorting dvijottamas to plant a great tree; foreground sapling with gold leaf aura, background mature tree laden with birds; ornate borders, rich reds/greens, embossed gold highlights on leaves and halos.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: dawn at an āśrama—sage pointing to a sapling, students seated with calm faces; delicate foliage, soft gradients, lyrical birds; cool yet warm dawn palette and fine detailing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: central sage with raised hand, dvijas in attentive rows; stylized tree motif expanding upward; bold outlines, natural pigments, temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: tree-planting devotion framed by lotus and vine borders; peacocks and cows near the grove; deep blue ground with gold floral filigree, celebratory yet serene composition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["morning birdsong","water poured at roots","soft mridanga drone (very light)","rustling leaves"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्वर्गान्न = स्वर्गात् + न; तस्मादेव = तस्मात् + एव
FAQs
The verse praises vṛkṣa-ropana—planting trees—as a meritorious act that supports one’s heavenly merit (svarga).
“Great trees” implies large, long-lived, and shelter-giving trees—acts of merit that benefit many beings over a long time, amplifying the ethical and spiritual value of the deed.
Sustaining life and providing shade, fruit, and shelter through tree planting is presented as dharmic conduct with lasting positive consequences for society and the doer.