Shloka 61
The Episode of Vena: Purification, the ‘Vāsudevābhidhā’ Hymn, and the Dharma of Charity
Times, Tīrthas, Worthy Recipients
पक्षं मासं दिनं यावन्न दत्तं वै यदाशनम् । तमेव वारयाम्येव भक्ष्याच्चैव नरोत्तमम्
pakṣaṃ māsaṃ dinaṃ yāvanna dattaṃ vai yadāśanam | tameva vārayāmyeva bhakṣyāccaiva narottamam
Solange die Speise, die zu geben gebührt, nicht gegeben ist—sei es für eine halbe Monatsspanne, einen Monat oder auch nur einen Tag—halte ich jenen edlen Mann vom Essen zurück.
Unspecified (context-dependent within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa 39; likely a divine/ethical authority describing the consequence of not giving food/charity)
Concept: One must first give the food that is due (to guests, the needy, Brahmins, and as offerings) before eating; withholding rightful giving invites restraint and consequence.
Application: Before meals, set aside a portion for charity/feeding beings; cultivate the habit of offering (mentally or ritually) and sharing before self-indulgence.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A noble householder reaches toward a platter of food, but an unseen dharmic force gently yet firmly restrains his hand. In the foreground, a waiting guest and a hungry mendicant stand by the threshold, while a small altar flame suggests offerings not yet made.","primary_figures":["a noble householder (nara-uttama)","a mendicant/guest (atithi)","a Brahmin recipient","personified Dharma (subtle, luminous presence)"],"setting":"courtyard of a traditional home with a small household altar and a serving area for guests","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["saffron ochre","deep maroon","smoke gray","lamp-gold","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a South Indian household altar with a small Vishnu lamp, the householder’s hand paused above a banana-leaf meal, a radiant personification of Dharma restraining him; gold leaf halos, rich reds and greens, ornate borders, gem-like highlights on vessels and ornaments.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtyard scene with delicate linework—householder halted before eating, guest and ascetic at the doorway, subtle divine aura indicating restraint; cool natural palette, refined faces, patterned textiles, distant trees and hills.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and flat natural pigments—central figure seated before food, a luminous dharmic figure behind with raised palm of prohibition, small altar flame and offering vessels; characteristic large eyes, red-yellow-green dominance, temple-wall composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Vaishnava domestic offering scene framed by lotus and tulasi borders; a small Vishnu shrine at center-top, attendants offering food first, cows and peacocks in margins, deep indigo background with gold detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","soft conch shell","low drone (tanpura)","brief silence after key words"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यावन्न = यावत् + न; यदाशनम् = यत् + आशनम्; तमेव = तम् + एव; वारयाम्येव = वारयामि + एव; भक्ष्याच्चैव = भक्ष्यात् + च + एव (त् + च → च्च);
FAQs
It emphasizes giving what is meant to be given—especially food (anna-dāna)—before one partakes of one’s meal.
One should not consume resources selfishly; charity and rightful giving are presented as a prior duty, and neglecting it brings restraint or obstruction to enjoyment.
Yes. It states the restraint continues as long as the due gift of food has not been made—whether the delay is a day, a month, or a fortnight.