Shloka 141
Vrata–Dāna Compendium at Puṣkara: Puṣpavāhana’s Account and the Ṣaṣṭhī-vrata Purification Rite
षष्ठिव्रतं भारत पुण्यमेतत्तवोदितं विश्वजनीनमद्य । श्रोतुं यदीच्छा तवराजराज शृणु द्विजातेः करणीयमेतत्
ṣaṣṭhivrataṃ bhārata puṇyametattavoditaṃ viśvajanīnamadya | śrotuṃ yadīcchā tavarājarāja śṛṇu dvijāteḥ karaṇīyametat
O Bhārata, dieses heilige Ṣaṣṭhī-vrata, das du erwähnt hast, ist wahrlich verdienstvoll und allen Menschen heilsam. Wenn du, o König der Könige, davon hören willst, so höre: Dies ist es, was ein Dvija, der Zweimalgeborene, zu vollziehen hat.
Pulastya (in dialogue with Bhīṣma)
Concept: The Ṣaṣṭhī-vrata is a universally beneficial, meritorious observance; the teacher now turns to its concrete performance instructions for dvijas.
Application: Seek guidance before undertaking vows; follow a clear method (vidhi) and keep commitments steadily—especially in practices meant for public good (family, community, ethical conduct).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a forest hermitage, sage Pulastya sits beneath a flowering tree, his matted locks and calm gaze radiating authority, as Bhīṣma—armored yet humble—bows and listens. Scrolls, a water pot, and a small altar indicate the coming vrata-vidhi, while the atmosphere suggests a teaching meant for the welfare of all beings.","primary_figures":["Pulastya","Bhīṣma","hermitage attendants (optional)"],"setting":"Āśrama clearing with kusa grass, manuscripts, sacrificial implements, flowering trees","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["leaf green","earth brown","saffron cloth","ivory parchment","sky blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Pulastya on a carved seat under a stylized tree, Bhīṣma kneeling with folded hands; gold leaf on sage’s halo, manuscript edges, and ritual vessels; rich reds/greens, ornate arch border with lotus and conch motifs, gem-like detailing on Bhīṣma’s armor.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: serene Himalayan-tinged hermitage scene with delicate brushwork; Pulastya’s composed face, Bhīṣma’s respectful posture; soft dappled light through leaves, refined naturalism, gentle palette and fine textile patterns.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: iconic teacher-disciple tableau with bold outlines; Pulastya’s large eyes and stylized beard, Bhīṣma in simplified armor; warm red/yellow/green pigments, patterned background foliage, temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central medallion of Pulastya instructing Bhīṣma, surrounded by intricate floral borders and lotus creepers; deep blue or maroon ground with gold detailing; devotional framing with subtle Vaiṣṇava symbols in the border."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["forest birds","rustling leaves","soft bell at hermitage","measured chanting cadence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पुण्यमेतत्→पुण्यम्+एतत्; एतत्तवोदितं→एतत्+तव+उदितम्; विश्वजनीनमद्य→विश्वजनीनम्+अद्य; यदीच्छा→यदि+इच्छा; तवराजराज→तव+राजराज; करणीयमेतत्→करणीयम्+एतत्।
FAQs
It refers to a religious observance associated with “Ṣaṣṭhī” (the sixth lunar day), presented here as a meritorious vow with broad, universal benefit.
The verse states it as “karaṇīya” (to be performed) by the dvija—traditionally the twice-born classes (brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya).
It emphasizes that disciplined vows (vratas) are not merely personal rites but are praised as universally beneficial, and that proper practice follows dharmic eligibility and attentive listening to instruction.