Shloka 33
The Greatness of the Gaṇḍakī River and the Śālagrāma Stone
शालग्रामाः समाः पूज्याः समेषु द्वितयं नहि । विषमा एव संपूज्या विषमेषु त्रयं नहि
śālagrāmāḥ samāḥ pūjyāḥ sameṣu dvitayaṃ nahi | viṣamā eva saṃpūjyā viṣameṣu trayaṃ nahi
Gleichmäßige, symmetrische Śālagrāma-Steine sollen verehrt werden; unter den gleichmäßigen ist die Verehrung als Paar nicht vorgeschrieben. Doch die ungleichmäßigen sind wahrlich ebenfalls zu verehren; unter den ungleichmäßigen ist ein Dreierbund nicht vorgeschrieben.
Unknown (context not provided; likely within a Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue typical of Pātālakhaṇḍa)
Concept: Devotion is strengthened by śāstra-guided discernment in worship—right objects and right numbers matter in arcana.
Application: In daily pūjā, prefer one properly consecrated focus-object over collecting many; follow lineage/śāstra guidance rather than aesthetic impulse.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A quiet shrine where a devotee arranges Śālagrāma stones on a clean altar, carefully separating symmetrical and asymmetrical forms. A palm-leaf manuscript lies open beside a small conch and a tulasī sprig, emphasizing rule-bound devotion and sacred geometry.","primary_figures":["Vaiṣṇava devotee (gṛhastha or brāhmaṇa)","Śālagrāma-śilā (multiple forms)","Viṣṇu (subtle presence as arcā)"],"setting":"Temple alcove or home pūjā room with stone pedestal, copper vessels, and a small Gaṇḍakī-water pot","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp-flame amber","basalt black","conch white","tulasī green","vermillion red"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a richly ornamented altar with Śālagrāma-śilās arranged by symmetry, gold-leaf halo motifs behind a subtle Viṣṇu presence, deep maroon backdrop, emerald borders, gem-studded vessels, crisp South Indian iconographic detailing, intricate floral filigree around the shrine niche.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: an intimate indoor shrine scene with delicate linework, a devotee consulting a palm-leaf text while placing Śālagrāmas in measured groupings, cool muted palette with soft greens and slate blacks, refined facial features, patterned textiles, and a lyrical stillness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments showing a devotee before a sanctum-like niche, Śālagrāma stones on a pedestal, conch and lamp prominent, stylized eyes and ornamental borders, warm reds/yellows/greens with a calm devotional symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a devotional altar composition framed by lotus and tulasī garlands, Śālagrāma-śilās depicted as sacred black ovals with white markings, ornate floral borders, deep indigo ground with gold accents, peacocks at the corners, emphasizing ritual order and purity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","soft conch shell","oil-lamp crackle","low drone (tanpura)","silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: No major external sandhi beyond standard visarga changes in recitation; forms given are already pada-separated.
FAQs
A Śālagrāma is a sacred stone (traditionally associated with Viṣṇu) worshipped in Vaiṣṇava practice; the verse gives a rule about how many may be worshipped together based on their form.
It states a counting/combination rule: among symmetrical Śālagrāmas, worshipping them as a pair is not prescribed; among asymmetrical Śālagrāmas, worshipping them as a set of three is not prescribed.
It reflects Vaiṣṇava ritual discipline—emphasizing that devotion is supported by specific procedural norms (vidhi) regarding sacred objects of worship.