Shloka 156
The Manifestation of Viṣṇu’s Footprints: Vāmana–Trivikrama, Bāṣkali’s Subjugation, and the Rise of Viṣṇupadī
Gaṅgā
मक्षिकापादमात्रं तु भूमिरस्य प्रतिग्रहः । विनाशमेष्यसि क्षिप्रं सत्यंसत्यं मया श्रुतम्
makṣikāpādamātraṃ tu bhūmirasya pratigrahaḥ | vināśameṣyasi kṣipraṃ satyaṃsatyaṃ mayā śrutam
Selbst ein Stück Land, nur so groß wie der Fuß einer Fliege, von ihm anzunehmen, ist ein verwerfliches Annehmen einer Gabe. Schnell wirst du ins Verderben geraten—wahrlich, wahrlich; so habe ich es gehört.
Unspecified (context-dependent admonisher; likely within a narrated dialogue)
Concept: Even the smallest improper acceptance (pratigraha) can become spiritually ruinous; dharma is subtle and uncompromising.
Application: Refuse benefits that compromise integrity; scrutinize the source of gifts, conflicts of interest, and “small” ethical lapses; keep livelihood and religious acts free from tainted patronage.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A severe guru raises a cautioning hand as a disciple stands with a tiny clod of earth on a leaf—‘no bigger than a fly’s foot’—symbolizing how even a minute tainted gift can topple dharma. In the background, a shadowy scale tilts toward ruin, while a faint lotus-emblem of Viṣṇu suggests the higher standard of purity.","primary_figures":["a stern guru (brāhmaṇa-ācārya)","a conflicted disciple","subtle symbolic presence of Viṣṇu (lotus/śaṅkha emblem)"],"setting":"Forest hermitage courtyard with kusa grass seats, a small sacrificial fire, and a boundary line of earth marking land-gift symbolism","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["smoky umber","saffron ochre","ash gray","deep maroon","muted gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a brāhmaṇa guru seated on a carved wooden āsana, right hand raised in admonition, disciple offering a tiny pinch of earth on a betel leaf; gold leaf halo around a faint Viṣṇu lotus emblem in the upper corner, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments minimal and austere, intricate floral borders, sacred fire rendered with gold highlights.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: quiet hermitage scene with delicate brushwork; guru and disciple in profile, the tiny earth-gift emphasized by fine detailing; cool earthy palette, pine-like trees and distant hills, lyrical naturalism, refined facial features, a subtle ominous shadow falling across the offering leaf.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, expressive eyes, guru’s gesture dramatic; the tiny earth clod stylized; warm red/yellow/green pigments, sacred fire and palm-leaf textures, a small Viṣṇu symbol (śaṅkha-padma) glowing above as moral witness.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symbolic composition—central offering leaf with tiny earth, surrounded by lotus motifs and a border of warning inscriptions; deep indigo background with gold highlights; a small Viṣṇu emblem above, peacocks subdued, floral borders intricate, devotional yet cautionary tone."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["single temple bell strike","low fire crackle","brief silence after 'satyaṃ satyaṃ'","distant wind through trees"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: bhūmirasya = bhūmiḥ + asya; satyaṃsatyaṃ = satyaṃ + satyaṃ (emphatic repetition).
FAQs
It warns that accepting even a tiny gift (especially land) from an unworthy or tainted source leads to rapid spiritual and worldly downfall.
It is a hyperbolic measure—“as small as a fly’s foot”—used to stress that even the smallest improper acceptance is harmful.
Discernment in receiving gifts (pratigraha): one should avoid donations that compromise integrity, purity of livelihood, or dharma.