Shloka 55
The Glory of the Devoted Wife (Pativratā) and the Māṇḍavya Curse: Sunrise Halted and Restored
ततो राजा उवाचेदं संप्राप्तस्तस्करो मया । उपांते च पथिद्वारे कुरुध्वं घोरदण्डनम्
tato rājā uvācedaṃ saṃprāptastaskaro mayā | upāṃte ca pathidvāre kurudhvaṃ ghoradaṇḍanam
Da sprach der König: „Ein Dieb ist von mir gefasst worden. Nahe dem Tor am Wegesrand vollstreckt eine strenge Strafe.“
The king (rājā)
Concept: Daṇḍanīti without discernment becomes adharma; a ruler’s words can sanctify justice or institutionalize cruelty.
Application: In leadership, verify facts, hear all sides, and temper authority with compassion; avoid performative punishment driven by reputation rather than truth.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stern king sits or stands in judgment near a fortified gate, gesturing sharply as he orders severe punishment. Soldiers and townsfolk gather at the threshold of the road, the atmosphere tense—authority and fear dominate, while the bound sage is led forward in quiet dignity.","primary_figures":["The king (rājā)","Royal guards","Māṇḍavya (bound, silent)"],"setting":"roadside city gate with wooden doors, stone pillars, and a public square; soldiers with spears; onlookers","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["ochre","iron gray","royal crimson","dust brown","pale gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: king in regal posture with gold-leaf crown and ornaments, commanding gesture; city gate architecture behind; guards with spears; bound sage with subtle halo; rich reds and greens, heavy gold embellishment emphasizing royal power and moral tension.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: courtly scene at a gate with delicate architectural lines; king issuing decree, attendants attentive; sage calm; soft morning light, refined faces, muted yet expressive palette.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and flat color fields; king with stylized crown and commanding hand; gate rendered as patterned geometry; sage centered with calm eyes; red-yellow-green dominance with black contouring.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative panel framed by floral borders; gate and crowd stylized; king in bright attire, sage in simple cloth with golden aura; deep blue background with gold highlights, symbolic lotuses hinting at dharma overshadowed by power."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell (brief)","crowd murmur","metallic clink of weapons","drum beat","gate creak"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: उवाचेदं = उवाच + इदम्; संप्राप्तस्तस्करो = सम्प्राप्तः + तस्करः; पथिद्वारे = पथि + द्वारे.
FAQs
It depicts the king as the enforcer of public order, directing officials to administer punishment to a captured thief—an example of rājadharma focused on deterrence and protection of society.
No. This specific shloka is administrative and juridical in tone, focusing on apprehension of a thief and the king’s command regarding punishment.
The verse highlights accountability for wrongdoing and the ruler’s duty to maintain law and safety; it also raises the broader ethical question of proportionality and righteousness in punishment (daṇḍa) within dharma.