Shloka 48
Pitṛ-tīrtha Context: Marks of Sin, Śrāddha Discipline, and Karmic Ripening
in Yayāti’s Narrative
पठमानं गुरुं यो हि उपेक्षयति पापधीः । तस्यापि पातकं घोरं चिरं नरकदायकम्
paṭhamānaṃ guruṃ yo hi upekṣayati pāpadhīḥ | tasyāpi pātakaṃ ghoraṃ ciraṃ narakadāyakam
Wer in sündigem Sinn den Guru missachtet, während er die heilige Lehre vorträgt, lädt auch auf sich eine furchtbare Schuld, die einen langen Aufenthalt in der Hölle bewirkt.
Unspecified (narrative voice not provided in the input excerpt)
Concept: Disregarding the guru during recitation is a grave aparādha that yields prolonged naraka-phala.
Application: When receiving instruction—scriptural, spiritual, or ethical—practice attentive listening, avoid interruptions, and honor the teacher through conduct and gratitude.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Inside a lamp-lit āśrama hall, a guru recites from a palm-leaf manuscript while students sit in disciplined rows. One figure turns away with a distracted, contemptuous glance; behind him, a shadowy naraka silhouette looms faintly, illustrating the unseen karmic consequence of disrespect.","primary_figures":["Guru (ācārya)","Students (śiṣyas)","A distracted/disrespectful listener (symbolic)"],"setting":"Forest hermitage classroom with kusa mats, manuscript stand, and ritual fire nearby","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit with a subtle ominous undertone","color_palette":["warm ochre","smoke gray","deep maroon","leaf green","lamp-flame gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: seated guru with gold-leaf halo, palm-leaf manuscript and stylus; students in symmetrical arrangement; one student turned away; ornate pillars and rich red-green textiles; gold leaf for lamp flames and manuscript highlights; traditional South Indian devotional classroom iconography.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate hermitage interior with delicate brushwork; refined faces and gentle gestures; a single inattentive figure contrasted by attentive students; soft forest greens outside the pavilion; subtle shadow motif suggesting karmic peril.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; guru with prominent eyes and stylized ornaments; lamp-lit interior; simplified yet expressive students; a dark, cloud-like naraka form behind the inattentive listener; earthy reds/yellows/greens.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative panel framed by floral borders; central guru and manuscript medallion; rows of stylized listeners; decorative lamp motifs; deep blue background with gold accents, emphasizing sacred hearing as ritual."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["crackling sacred fire","soft bell","night insects","page/palm-leaf rustle","silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तस्यापि = तस्य + अपि; नरकदायकम् = नरक + दायकम्
FAQs
It warns against neglecting or showing disregard to the guru, especially while the guru is engaged in recitation/teaching.
The verse states it becomes a grave sin (ghora pātaka) that results in suffering in hell for a long time.
Reverence, attentiveness, and proper conduct toward one’s teacher and sacred learning are treated as essential duties within dharma.