Shloka 11
शशिहीनां निशां भूप ऋत्विग्घीनां क्रियामिव । पराजितो यथा मर्त्यः प्रम्लानकुसुमं यथा ॥ ११ ॥
śaśihīnāṃ niśāṃ bhūpa ṛtvigghīnāṃ kriyāmiva | parājito yathā martyaḥ pramlānakusumaṃ yathā || 11 ||
O König, es ist wie eine Nacht ohne Mond, wie ein Ritus ohne Priester; wie ein besiegter Mensch, wie eine verwelkte Blume.
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
The verse teaches that when an essential supporting element is missing, the intended beauty, power, or auspiciousness is diminished—just as moonless night, priestless ritual, defeat, and a withered flower all signify loss of splendor and efficacy.
By using images of “missing essentials,” it implies that devotion must be complete—supported by right conduct and proper observances—so that bhakti is not merely sentiment but a well-formed, life-sustaining practice.
It points to ritual competence (kalpa in practice) and the functional role of ṛtvij (officiating priests) in yajña/kriyā—showing that correct performance and qualified agency are considered crucial for a rite’s intended result.