Shloka 36
Within the Greatness of Guru-tīrtha: The Episode of Nahuṣa and Aśokasundarī
in the Cyavana account
त्वामृते सा वरारोहा पुरुषं नैव याचते । नहुषेण तयोक्तं तु श्रुत्वावधारितं वचः
tvāmṛte sā varārohā puruṣaṃ naiva yācate | nahuṣeṇa tayoktaṃ tu śrutvāvadhāritaṃ vacaḥ
Außer dir bittet jene schönhüftige Frau keinen Mann um Hilfe. Doch Nahusha, als er ihre Worte vernahm, nahm sie sich zu Herzen.
Narrator (contextual; specific dialogue-speaker not identifiable from this single verse alone)
Concept: Single-pointed commitment (ananya-niṣṭhā) refuses distraction; overheard truth becomes karmic catalyst for the next action.
Application: Hold one clear priority and avoid scattering your intent; also be mindful that words carry consequences—what is spoken can set events in motion.
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Aśokasundarī stands poised in dignified restraint, her gaze unwavering as she refuses all suitors ‘except you.’ In the shadows behind foliage, Nahusha listens—half-hidden—his face tightening as the overheard words lodge in his heart like an arrow of fate.","primary_figures":["Aśokasundarī","Nahusha","attendants/messengers (optional)"],"setting":"Forest edge near an āśrama path, with thick leaves creating concealment; a small clearing where the vow is spoken.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["silver moonlight","deep forest green","midnight blue","pale jasmine","muted gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Dramatic forest scene with Aśokasundarī in ornate attire yet austere posture, gold leaf accents on jewelry and halo-like aura, Nahusha partially concealed behind stylized foliage, embossed gold borders, rich greens and blues with theatrical contrast.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Moonlit grove with delicate trees and layered leaves, Aśokasundarī speaking with calm firmness, Nahusha peering from behind a trunk, subtle emotional expressions, cool palette and refined linework, lyrical night atmosphere.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Bold outlines emphasize Aśokasundarī’s steadfast stance and Nahusha’s hidden listening, stylized forest motifs, strong red-yellow-green pigments balanced with dark blue night field, temple-wall composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Night grove framed by ornate floral borders, lotus and creeper motifs, peacocks perched in silhouette, central figure Aśokasundarī with devotional aura, Nahusha as a shadowed onlooker, deep blues with gold detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["night insects","rustling leaves","distant owl call","soft drum underscore"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्वामृते = त्वाम् + ऋते; नैव = न + एव; तयोक्तम् = तया + उक्तम्; श्रुत्वावधारितम् = श्रुत्वा + अवधारितम्।
FAQs
It highlights the woman’s exclusive reliance on a particular person (“except you”), and notes that Nahusha carefully listened to and internalized the words spoken in the exchange.
The verse names Nahusha as a listener who hears the conversation and mentally accepts or weighs what is said; the broader identification and episode details require adjacent verses.
It suggests attentive hearing followed by deliberate consideration—taking words seriously rather than reacting impulsively.