Shloka 21
The Glory of Tulasī and Dhātrī (Āmalakī): Protection from Yama and Attainment of Vaikuṇṭha
धात्रीपत्रैः फलैर्विप्र श्रीहरिं चार्चयेद्द्विज । कोटिजन्मार्जितं पापं पूजया नश्यति सकृत्
dhātrīpatraiḥ phalairvipra śrīhariṃ cārcayeddvija | koṭijanmārjitaṃ pāpaṃ pūjayā naśyati sakṛt
O Brahmane, verehre Śrī Hari mit Blättern und Früchten der Dhātrī (Āmalakī); durch nur eine solche Pūjā wird die Sünde, die in zehn Millionen Geburten angesammelt wurde, vernichtet.
Unspecified (narratorial instruction within Brahma-khaṇḍa context)
Concept: Even a single sincere act of worship to Śrī Hari using Dhātrī leaves/fruits can annihilate immense accumulated sin—bhakti’s disproportionate grace.
Application: Offer simple, available items with devotion (patra/puṣpa/phala); do not postpone worship waiting for perfection; repeat small daily acts consistently.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A brāhmaṇa devotee offers glossy green Dhātrī leaves and pale golden fruits at a small shrine of Śrī Hari beneath the spreading Āmalakī tree. As the offering is placed, dark smoke-like strands symbolizing sins unravel and vanish into a clear, luminous air, while the deity’s presence feels immediate and forgiving.","primary_figures":["Śrī Hari (Viṣṇu)","Brāhmaṇa devotee","Dhātrī (Āmalakī) tree"],"setting":"Under an Āmalakī tree beside a simple stone or wooden Viṣṇu shrine; offering plate with leaves/fruits; lamp and incense nearby.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp gold","leaf green","stone gray","lotus pink","deep blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu seated or standing with śaṅkha-cakra, heavy gold-leaf halo; devotee offering Dhātrī leaves and fruits on a plate; Āmalakī tree arching overhead with gold highlights; sins depicted as dark tendrils dissolving into the gold background; rich reds/greens, ornate border, jewel-like detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate worship scene under a delicately painted Āmalakī tree; Viṣṇu icon small but radiant; devotee in white with gentle posture; subtle visual metaphor of fading dark wisps; cool, refined palette with lyrical naturalism and fine brushwork.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Viṣṇu in blue with stylized ornaments; Āmalakī leaves patterned; devotee offering fruits; dark pāpa-forms as curling black motifs dissolving near the deity; warm red/yellow/green pigments, temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Viṣṇu shrine framed by Āmalakī and lotus borders; offering plate prominent; decorative smoke motifs transforming into floral patterns to show sin-destruction; deep blue ground with gold highlights, intricate vines, peacocks and lotuses around."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["oil lamp crackle","soft bell","incense waft (suggested)","tanpura drone","gentle conch at cadence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: फलैर्विप्र = फलैः + विप्र (visarga before v -> r). चार्चयेत् = च + अर्चयेत्. कोटिजन्मार्जितम् = कोटि + जन्म + आर्जितम् (internal sandhi).
FAQs
The verse presents dhātrī offerings as especially meritorious for Śrī Hari worship, highlighting a devotional practice where simple, sattvic natural offerings are treated as spiritually potent.
It teaches that a direct act of worship (pūjā) to Śrī Hari—performed with devotion—has transformative power, surpassing vast karmic accumulation and underscoring devotional practice as a primary means of purification.
It encourages consistent, sincere worship using accessible offerings, emphasizing personal responsibility for purification and the idea that even a single heartfelt act of devotion can initiate profound moral and spiritual renewal.