Shloka 163
Merit of Causeways and Crossings, Temple Construction Rewards, and the Rudrākṣa Mahātmya
तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन पंचवक्त्रं तु धारयेत् । षड्वक्त्रं कार्तिकेयं तु धारयन्दक्षिणे भुजे
tasmātsarvaprayatnena paṃcavaktraṃ tu dhārayet | ṣaḍvaktraṃ kārtikeyaṃ tu dhārayandakṣiṇe bhuje
অতএব সর্বপ্রযত্নে পঞ্চবক্ত্র (শিব)-চিহ্ন ধারণ করা উচিত। আর ষড়বক্ত্র কার্ত্তিকেয়ের চিহ্ন ধারণ করে তা ডান বাহুতে ধারণ করবে।
Unspecified in the provided excerpt (context needed from surrounding verses).
Concept: Dharma is embodied through visible sacred insignia (liṅga/pañcavaktra and Skanda/ṣaḍvaktra), worn with intentionality as a constant reminder of vows, protection, and alignment with divine qualities.
Application: Adopt a daily ‘dhāraṇa’ practice—tilaka, mālā, or a chosen sacred symbol—paired with ethical restraint; let the body become a mnemonic for conduct.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A devotee prepares for worship, carefully fastening a small emblem of Pañcavaktra Śiva near the chest and tying a Skanda emblem on the right arm. Behind, a shrine wall shows subtle reliefs of five-faced Śiva and six-faced Kārttikeya, as if the icons themselves authorize the vow.","primary_figures":["devotee","Pañcavaktra Śiva (iconic presence)","Ṣaḍvaktra Kārttikeya (iconic presence)"],"setting":"A quiet antechamber of a temple or a home altar space with ritual tray, sacred thread, ash/tilaka, and hanging lamps.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["saffron","sandalwood beige","copper","deep teal","pearl white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: devotee in frontal pose adorning sacred emblems—Pañcavaktra Śiva motif and Ṣaḍvaktra Kārttikeya arm-band—set before a small shrine; gold-leaf highlights on the emblems, rich red-green textiles, ornate jewelry, stylized temple lamps, traditional icon panels of five-faced Śiva and six-faced Skanda in the background.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate scene of a devotee tying a right-arm talisman of Skanda, with a small painted panel of Pañcavaktra Śiva nearby; cool pastel palette, fine textile patterns, gentle morning light, minimalistic interior with lyrical calm.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; devotee shown in profile with exaggerated expressive eyes, right arm prominently bearing Skanda emblem; background shrine with Pañcavaktra Śiva; strong reds/yellows/greens, rhythmic ornamentation, lamp motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symbolic composition—central devotee with arm-band, surrounded by floral borders and lotus medallions; integrate six-peaked spear motifs (vel) and five-faced halo patterns; deep blues with gold and vermilion accents, intricate textile-like detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft bell","thread/cloth rustle","low mantra hum","lamp flame","morning birds"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तस्मात्+सर्वप्रयत्नेन→तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन; षट्+वक्त्रम्→षड्वक्त्रम् (ट्+व→ड्व); धारयन्+दक्षिणे→धारयन्दक्षिणे (न्+द→न्द)
FAQs
It prescribes wearing or bearing sacred emblems associated with Pañcavaktra (Śiva) and Ṣaḍvaktra Kārtikeya, specifically placing Kārtikeya’s emblem on the right arm.
The five-faced figure refers to Śiva as Pañcavaktra, and the six-faced figure refers to Kārtikeya (Skanda) as Ṣaḍvaktra.
It emphasizes deliberate, disciplined religious observance—undertaking devotional marks or symbols with earnest effort as part of one’s dharmic practice.