Shloka 148
The Account and Merit of Śivadūtī
with the Nāga-tīrtha at Puṣkara
अष्टम्यां च चतुर्दश्यां सोपवासो नरोत्तम । संवत्सरेण लभतां राज्यं निष्कंटकं पुनः
aṣṭamyāṃ ca caturdaśyāṃ sopavāso narottama | saṃvatsareṇa labhatāṃ rājyaṃ niṣkaṃṭakaṃ punaḥ
O Bester der Menschen: Wer am achten und am vierzehnten Mondtag fastet, erlangt innerhalb eines Jahres sein Reich wieder — dornlos, das heißt frei von Not und Feinden.
Not specified in the provided excerpt (contextual speaker not inferable from a single verse alone).
Concept: Tithi-based fasting disciplines restore order in one’s life and remove obstacles, yielding swift, tangible results.
Application: Observe aṣṭamī and caturdaśī with a simple fast and restraint of speech/anger; dedicate the day’s merit to Narayana, and pair it with charity or feeding to convert austerity into compassion.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A disciplined king stands before a small Vishnu shrine on aṣṭamī night, hands folded, having set aside royal luxuries for a simple fast. In the background, a thorny wilderness transforms into a clear, orderly kingdom—symbolizing enemies and troubles dissolving through vrata-power.","primary_figures":["a fasting king (nṛpa)","Vishnu/Narayana (icon or subtle divine presence)","court priest (optional)"],"setting":"palace-temple threshold with a modest altar, oil lamps, and a distant cityscape becoming serene","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["deep indigo","lamp-gold","sandalwood beige","ruby red","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a regal king in jeweled yet restrained attire stands fasting before a Narayana icon on a small altar, thick gold-leaf halo around Vishnu, ornate arch (prabhavali), rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments; background shows a symbolic thorny hedge parting into a peaceful city, heavy gold embellishment and temple-lamp glow.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a quiet palace courtyard at dusk, the king with folded hands near a small Vishnu shrine, delicate brushwork and refined faces; a lyrical landscape where thorny shrubs fade into orderly fields and a calm city, cool blues and soft greens with a gentle moonlit gradient.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, natural pigments; the king in profile performing vrata before a stylized Vishnu figure with large expressive eyes, lamp flames and lotus motifs; red/yellow/green palette with rhythmic decorative borders suggesting ‘kaṇṭaka’ thorns dissolving into auspicious patterns.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Vishnu-centered altar framed by lotus vines and auspicious borders; the fasting king at the lower register; symbolic thorn motifs at the edges transforming into floral abundance; deep blues, gold detailing, intricate patterns, temple lamps and conch motifs."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","soft conch shell","low mridangam pulse","night insects","ritual silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सोपवासः = स + उपवासः; निष्कण्टकम् written as निष्कंटकं in text; no further mandatory sandhi splits.
FAQs
It prescribes observing upavāsa (fasting) on the aṣṭamī (8th lunar day) and caturdaśī (14th lunar day).
The verse states that within a year the practitioner attains sovereignty/kingdom again, described as niṣkaṇṭaka—free from troubles, obstacles, or hostile forces.
It frames disciplined observance (vrata/fasting) as a means to restore order and stability—symbolically removing 'thorns' such as conflict, adversity, and obstruction from one’s life or rule.