Shloka 56
The Aśūnyaśayanā Vow (Unempty Bed) and the Aṅgāraka Caturthī Observance
तत्तद्गुणवते देयं दत्तस्याक्षयमिच्छता । ततः प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा विसृज्य द्विजसत्तमम्
tattadguṇavate deyaṃ dattasyākṣayamicchatā | tataḥ pradakṣiṇaṃ kṛtvā visṛjya dvijasattamam
Wer wünscht, dass die Gabe unvergängliches Verdienst gewähre, soll sie einem Menschen geben, der mit den entsprechenden Tugenden ausgestattet ist. Dann, nachdem er ehrfürchtig die Umrundung vollzogen hat, soll er sich respektvoll vom Besten der Zweimalgeborenen verabschieden.
Unspecified (narrative instruction within the Adhyaya; likely delivered within the chapter’s dialogue framework)
Concept: The fruit of giving depends on recipient-qualification (pātra) and proper ritual etiquette; this yields akṣaya-puṇya.
Application: Before donating, assess integrity and need; give respectfully, then close the act with gratitude (a modern analogue to pradakṣiṇā and namaskāra).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dignified brāhmaṇa, calm and radiant with learning, receives a carefully chosen gift while the donor stands with folded hands. After the offering, the donor performs a slow pradakṣiṇā around the brāhmaṇa, the movement forming a sacred circle that visually symbolizes ‘akṣaya’—unbroken merit—before the respectful farewell.","primary_figures":["donor","guṇavat brāhmaṇa (dvija-sattama)","witnessing elders"],"setting":"temple-adjacent courtyard with a small fire-altar, kusa grass, water pot, and offerings arranged in order","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["smoky saffron","warm gold","ivory white","deep maroon","peacock green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: donor offering dāna to a haloed dvija-sattama, then circling in pradakṣiṇā; gold leaf aura, rich maroon backdrop, ornate borders, gem-studded ornaments, stylized temple pillars, brass lamp flames rendered with luminous highlights.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: graceful pradakṣiṇā moment—donor mid-step around a serene brāhmaṇa; delicate lines, soft architectural arches, cool shadows, refined facial expressions, subtle sacred implements (kamaṇḍalu, rosary), lyrical stillness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines—dvija seated with palm-leaf manuscript, donor performing pradakṣiṇā; rhythmic patterns on garments, red/yellow/green pigments, temple-lamp motifs, large expressive eyes conveying reverence.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: circular composition emphasizing pradakṣiṇā as an unbroken ring; lotus borders, intricate floral filigree, deep blue ground with gold accents, peacocks at corners, devotional symmetry and ornate textile patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft conch shell (distant)","temple bells","murmured mantras","footsteps on stone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तत्तद्गुणवते = तत् + तत् + गुणवते; दत्तस्याक्षयम् = दत्तस्य + अक्षयम्; अक्षयमिच्छता = अक्षयम् + इच्छता; प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा (सन्धिरहित); द्विजसत्तमम् (समास)
FAQs
It emphasizes that the fruit of giving becomes “akṣaya” (imperishable) when the gift is offered to a recipient who is genuinely qualified by conduct and virtues, not merely by outward status.
Pradakṣiṇa is a traditional act of reverence that seals the offering with humility and respect, acknowledging the sacredness of the act and the worthy recipient.
Give thoughtfully: align generosity with discernment, honor the person receiving, and complete the act with respectful etiquette—so that charity becomes a sustained spiritual merit rather than a casual transaction.