Shloka 153
Merit of Causeways and Crossings, Temple Construction Rewards, and the Rudrākṣa Mahātmya
तत्फलं लभते धीरः स्वर्गं चानंतमश्नुते । त्रिवक्त्रं धारयेद्यस्तु स च ब्रह्मसमो भुवि
tatphalaṃ labhate dhīraḥ svargaṃ cānaṃtamaśnute | trivaktraṃ dhārayedyastu sa ca brahmasamo bhuvi
Der Standhafte und Besonnene erlangt diese Frucht und genießt den endlosen Himmel. Wer jedoch die dreigesichtige Gestalt trägt, wird auf Erden Brahmā gleich.
Unspecified narrator within the Adhyaya (context not provided in the input excerpt)
Concept: Steadfast observance yields svarga; adopting/‘bearing’ the tri-vaktra form grants brahma-sāmya (status like Brahmā) while living.
Application: Cultivate dhairya (steadfastness) in sādhana; treat ritual symbols (forms, marks, vows) as reminders to live in alignment with dharma rather than as mere external badges.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A steadfast practitioner stands before a radiant fire-altar; above him opens a layered vision of Svarga—terraced celestial gardens, jeweled pavilions, and apsarā-like figures in the distance. Over the practitioner’s head appears a symbolic tri-faced aura-mask, hinting at the mysterious ‘tri-vaktra’ bearing that elevates him toward Brahmā-like dignity.","primary_figures":["a dhīra sādhaka/yajamāna","symbolic Tri-vaktra form (aura-mask)","celestial beings (gandharvas/apsarās)"],"setting":"Ritual ground transitioning into a visionary celestial panorama of Svarga.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["celestial white-gold","lapis blue","emerald green","pearl pink","sunrise orange"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the practitioner centered with a tri-faced aureole above, Svarga depicted as a gold-leaf celestial court with ornate arches; heavy gold leaf on crowns, pillars, and halo; rich reds/greens in garments; gem-studded ornaments; symmetrical composition emphasizing elevation to brahma-sāmya.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a poetic split-scene—lower panel shows homa with delicate smoke; upper panel reveals Svarga gardens with cool blues and greens, fine architectural lines, and refined celestial figures; the tri-vaktra symbol rendered subtly as a translucent three-faced glow.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and flat yet vibrant pigments; the tri-vaktra emblem as a stylized mask above the devotee; Svarga as layered temple-like terraces; dominant reds/yellows/greens with rhythmic ornamental borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate border of lotuses and vines; central figure before sacred fire; above, a circular mandala of Svarga with peacocks and floral motifs; deep blues with gold highlights; intricate textile patterns suggesting endless heaven."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell (soft)","temple bells","tanpura drone","crackling fire","distant celestial chimes (suggested)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tatphalaṃ = tat + phalam. cānaṃtam = ca + anantam. anantamaśnute = anantam + aśnute. dhārayedyastu = dhārayet + yaḥ + tu.
FAQs
It promises the attainment of the stated spiritual merit: the steadfast person gains the fruit of the practice and reaches endless heaven; and the one who bears the “three-faced” form is said to become equal to Brahmā on earth.
The verse itself only says “three-faced” and does not name the referent; without the surrounding passage, it is safest to treat it as a ritual or iconographic reference whose identity is clarified by the chapter’s context.
It emphasizes steadiness and disciplined observance: firm commitment yields spiritual reward, and deeper identification with the prescribed sacred form or vow is portrayed as elevating one’s status to Brahmā-like dignity.