Shloka 21
Instruction to the Brahmin
The Greatness of Piṇḍa and Prasāda on Mount Nīla
नैवेद्यं श्रीप्रियस्यार्थे कृत्वा नीराजनं ततः । जग्मुः स्वं स्वं गृहं राजन्कृपां पश्यंत आदरात्
naivedyaṃ śrīpriyasyārthe kṛtvā nīrājanaṃ tataḥ | jagmuḥ svaṃ svaṃ gṛhaṃ rājankṛpāṃ paśyaṃta ādarāt
Nachdem sie dem Geliebten der Śrī (Viṣṇu) das Naivedya dargebracht und danach das Nīrājana, das Schwenken der Lichter, vollzogen hatten, gingen sie, o König, ein jeder in sein Haus, indem sie ehrfürchtig seine Gnade schauten.
Unspecified narrator addressing the King (rājan) within the chapter’s dialogue frame
Concept: Offerings and ārati culminate in perceiving the Lord’s kṛpā; devotion ends in grateful return to one’s duties.
Application: Conclude worship with mindful gratitude—see ‘grace’ in ordinary life and return to home/work without losing reverence.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"After the offering of naivedya, a priestly figure circles a blazing lamp before Viṣṇu, the flame reflecting in jeweled ornaments and calm eyes. The devas bow, then depart along luminous corridors, repeatedly turning back as if to drink in the Lord’s compassion one last time.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu (Śrīpriya)","Devas/attendants","A ritual officiant (deva-priest figure)"],"setting":"An inner sanctum-like altar space with a raised pedestal, offering plates, and a lamp (ārati) held high; exit passageways suggesting each returning to their own abodes.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp-flame amber","deep indigo","gold leaf","sandalwood beige","ruby red"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu enthroned with Śrīvatsa and radiant halo, ārati lamp in the foreground with thick gold leaf highlights, naivedya plates rendered with jewel-like detail, devas in rich red-green garments departing in orderly lines, ornate temple arch and gem-studded crowns.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate sanctum scene with delicate lamp glow, soft gradients on faces, refined gestures of reverence, attendants turning back while walking away, cool indigo shadows contrasted with warm amber flame, minimal yet lyrical architectural framing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized lamp with exaggerated flame, Viṣṇu’s serene visage and large eyes, rhythmic procession of devas exiting, strong red/yellow/green blocks, patterned borders of conch and lotus motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Viṣṇu with ornate floral border, multiple small figures performing ārati and carrying naivedya, repeated turning-back poses as a decorative rhythm, deep blue ground with gold detailing, lotus and vine motifs filling negative space."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["small hand bell","lamp crackle","soft conch","murmured mantras","gentle footsteps fading"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: श्रीप्रियस्यार्थे = श्रीप्रियस्य + अर्थे; राजन्कृपाम् = राजन् + कृपाम्; पश्यंत = पश्यन्तः (अनुस्वार/लोप-लेखभेद).
FAQs
It describes a common pūjā sequence: offering naivedya (food) to Viṣṇu (Śrīpriya), performing nīrājana (ārati), and then departing—while reverently contemplating the deity’s grace.
“Śrīpriya” means “beloved of Śrī (Lakṣmī)” and is a devotional epithet for Viṣṇu.
It emphasizes respectful devotion expressed through offerings and worship, and the inner attitude of recognizing and cherishing divine grace (kṛpā).