Shloka 1
Praise of Digging Wells and Building Water-Reservoirs
The Merit of Water-Works
द्विजा ऊचुः । कीर्तिर्धर्मोथ लोकेषु सर्वाणि प्रवराणि च । वद नो मुनिशार्दूल यदि नोऽस्ति त्वनुग्रहः
dvijā ūcuḥ | kīrtirdharmotha lokeṣu sarvāṇi pravarāṇi ca | vada no muniśārdūla yadi no'sti tvanugrahaḥ
Die Zweifachgeborenen sprachen: «Sage uns, o Tiger unter den Weisen, von Ruhm (kīrti) und Dharma in den Welten und auch von allem, was das Vorzüglichste ist—wenn du uns wahrhaftig deine Gnade gewährst».
Dvijas (the twice-born sages/brahmins)
Concept: Humble inquiry into dharma and the highest principles is itself a meritorious doorway to right living and fame grounded in virtue.
Application: Approach teachers with humility; ask for clarity on what is truly ‘foremost’ (pradhāna) in life—virtue, service, and disciplined conduct—before seeking status.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A circle of twice-born sages sits on kusa-grass mats in a forest hermitage, palms joined, their faces lit with earnest curiosity. At the center, the revered sage-teacher is poised to speak, with palm-leaf manuscripts and a water-pot beside him, as the air feels charged with the promise of dharma-knowledge.","primary_figures":["Dvijas (sages/brahmins)","Muni-śārdūla (the addressed great sage/teacher)"],"setting":"Forest āśrama with sacrificial fire, kusa mats, deer-skin seats, and a quiet grove backdrop","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["saffron ochre","smoke gray","leaf green","earth brown","manuscript tan"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: an āśrama assembly of dvija sages with folded hands addressing a radiant muni-śārdūla seated on a carved wooden pīṭha; gold leaf halo around the teacher, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, gem-studded ornaments on ritual vessels, stylized sacred fire and palm-leaf manuscripts, traditional South Indian iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate forest hermitage scene with refined sage faces, soft shading, slender trees and distant blue hills; dvijas in white with saffron borders seated in a semicircle, the teacher centered, subtle gestures of inquiry, lyrical naturalism and cool mountain palette accents.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and flat natural pigments; sages with characteristic large eyes and serene expressions, ritual fire and kamandalu prominent, patterned borders like temple walls, dominant reds/yellows/greens with a calm didactic mood.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional didactic tableau framed by intricate floral borders and lotus motifs; sages in a semicircle before a central teacher, deep indigo background with gold detailing, peacocks at the border corners, ornate textile patterns emphasizing sacred learning."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["forest birds","gentle wind in leaves","soft crackle of sacrificial fire","distant temple bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कीर्तिर्धर्मोथ → कीर्तिः + धर्मः + अथ (ः + ध् → र्ध्; अ + अ → ओ); नोऽस्ति → नः + अस्ति (ः + अ → ’); त्वनुग्रहः → त्वत् + अनुग्रहः (त् + अ → त्-अ, लोपः/संधिः लेखनेन ‘त्व’)
FAQs
The dvijas request instruction on kīrti (true renown) and dharma as they function in the world, along with “all the foremost” teachings or principles the sage deems best.
It is an honorific meaning “tiger among sages,” indicating exceptional spiritual authority, learning, and ability to guide others.
The verse models humility and receptivity: genuine learning about dharma is sought through respectful approach to a qualified teacher and a readiness to be guided.