Shloka 183
Mārkaṇḍeya’s Birth and Boon; Puṣkara’s Glory; Rāma’s Śrāddha; Refuge-Hymn to Śiva
इत्येवं कथयन्नेव प्राप्तो रेवां महानदीम् । चक्रेभिषेकं काकुत्स्थः सानुजः सह सीतया
ityevaṃ kathayanneva prāpto revāṃ mahānadīm | cakrebhiṣekaṃ kākutsthaḥ sānujaḥ saha sītayā
So sprechend erreichte Kakutstha (Rāma) den großen Fluss Revā; und zusammen mit seinem jüngeren Bruder und mit Sītā vollzog er dort das Abhiṣeka, die heilige Salbung und rituelle Waschung.
Narrator (third-person Purāṇic narration; specific dialogue speaker not explicit in this verse)
Concept: Sacred waters sanctify intention; pilgrimage is not mere movement but a consecration of one’s dharma.
Application: Before major decisions or transitions, perform a simple ‘inner abhiṣeka’: bathe, offer water, and recommit to ethical vows.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Rāma arrives at the broad, slow-moving Revā, her waters glinting like molten silver. On the riverbank he performs a solemn abhiṣeka-bath with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa beside him, while forest trees lean inward as if witnessing a vow.","primary_figures":["Rāma (Kakutstha)","Sītā","Lakṣmaṇa"],"setting":"Narmadā riverbank with stone steps, flowering reeds, distant hills, and a small travel-altar with water vessels","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sapphire blue","river-silver","lotus pink","sandalwood beige","sunrise gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Rāma with bow and quiver stands at the Revā/Narmadā ghāṭa performing abhiṣeka-bath, Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa beside him; ornate gold-leaf halo, rich crimson and emerald garments, gem-studded crowns, stylized river waves, temple-like arch framing the scene, delicate lotuses and conch motifs.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical riverbank of Revā with cool blue water and pale sand, Rāma, Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa in refined profiles performing a quiet bathing rite; delicate brushwork, soft greens and misty hills, small copper water-pot, subtle ripples and birds skimming the surface.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments; Rāma at the river steps with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, large expressive eyes, rhythmic wave patterns for Revā, warm ochres and greens, red-yellow highlights, sacred aura rendered as concentric bands.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional river-tīrtha tableau with lotus borders and floral vines; central figures of Rāma-Sītā-Lakṣmaṇa at Revā, intricate water patterns, peacocks and cows at the margins, deep indigo background with gold detailing and stylized lotuses."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["flowing water","morning birds","soft temple bells","conch shell (distant)","silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इति+एवम् → इत्येवम्; कथयन्+एव → कथयन्नेव (नकारादेश); चक्रे+अभिषेकम् → चक्रेभिषेकम्; सह सीतया इति उपपद-योगे तृतीया।
FAQs
It places Revā (identified with the Narmadā) as a major sacred river-tīrtha, indicating that reaching such rivers and performing rites there is part of the Purāṇic sacred landscape.
By showing Rāma (as a revered divine figure) engaging in reverential ritual at a holy river, the verse models devotional conduct—honoring tīrthas through humble, worshipful action.
The verse highlights disciplined, reverent practice: even great figures observe sacred rites and uphold dharma through respectful conduct at holy places.