Shloka 157
Rudra’s Removal of Brahmahatyā; Kapālamocana and Avimukta Māhātmya; Origins of Nara and Karṇa
link to Arjuna/Karna query
त्वत्प्रसादेन भविता तन्मे कथय चाच्युत । विष्णुरुवाच । ब्रह्मवध्या परा चोग्रा सर्वकष्टप्रदा परा
tvatprasādena bhavitā tanme kathaya cācyuta | viṣṇuruvāca | brahmavadhyā parā cogrā sarvakaṣṭapradā parā
„Durch deine Gnade wird es geschehen—sage es mir, o Acyuta.“ Viṣṇu sprach: „Die Sünde des Brahmanenmordes ist höchst und furchtbar; sie bringt jede Art von Leid hervor.“
Vishnu (viṣṇur uvāca); the preceding half-verse is spoken by an unnamed interlocutor addressing Acyuta
Concept: Brahmahatyā is among the most dreadful sins, producing comprehensive suffering; therefore, one must treat dharma—especially reverence toward brāhmaṇas and sacred knowledge—as inviolable.
Application: Guard speech and action toward teachers, elders, and sacred learning; when harm is done, do not minimize it—seek immediate rectification and sustained ethical discipline.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Viṣṇu stands in calm authority, four-armed, eyes compassionate yet uncompromising, as he declares the terrifying weight of brahmahatyā. The listener, small in scale, bows low—caught between fear of consequence and relief that the Lord himself is guiding the way out.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu (Acyuta)","Unnamed interlocutor/supplicant"],"setting":"A divine audience space—either a luminous forest clearing turned sacred by presence, or a simple hermitage that becomes radiant; subtle cosmic motifs (chakra patterns) in the air.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","sunlit gold","white jasmine","emerald green","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu in full iconographic splendor with gold-leaf prabhāmaṇḍala, conch and discus prominent; the supplicant kneels at the base with subdued tones. Ornate pillars and arch, rich reds/greens, gem-studded ornaments, but facial expression conveys stern compassion.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Viṣṇu as a serene blue figure under a flowering tree, delicate gold detailing on crown and weapons; the listener in humble posture. Soft landscape, refined features, gentle but authoritative mood, cool palette with warm highlights.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Bold outlines and flat pigments; Viṣṇu’s chakra and śaṅkha stylized, radiant aura in concentric bands; the listener rendered smaller, emphasizing divine instruction and moral gravity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Viṣṇu-centered composition with lotus borders and intricate floral filigree; chakra motifs repeated in the border; deep blue ground with gold highlights, the supplicant at the lower margin in reverent surrender."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"authoritative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell (opening)","temple bells","steady tanpura drone","brief silence after 'ugrā'"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्वत्प्रसादेन = त्वत् + प्रसादेन; तन्मे = तत् + मे; चाच्युत = च + अच्युत; चोग्रा = च + उग्रा; विष्णुरुवाच = विष्णुः + उवाच
FAQs
It characterizes brahmahatyā as an exceptionally severe and fearsome sin, described as ‘supreme’ and as the cause of all kinds of suffering.
Through Vishnu’s direct speech, the verse frames dharma in moral terms: certain acts are portrayed as spiritually catastrophic, reinforcing restraint, non-violence, and reverence toward the learned and sacred.
Actions have consequences, and harming those associated with sacred learning and dharma is presented as leading to pervasive hardship—implying the need for careful conduct and accountability.