Shloka 93
Narmadā
Revā) Tīrtha Greatness: The Gandharva Maidens’ Curse Narrative (Acchodā Episode Begins
श्रुत्वा वाक्यं ततः प्राह ब्राह्मणो धर्मवित्तमः । भो मृगाक्ष्यः कथं त्याज्यो धर्मो धर्मधनैर्नरैः
śrutvā vākyaṃ tataḥ prāha brāhmaṇo dharmavittamaḥ | bho mṛgākṣyaḥ kathaṃ tyājyo dharmo dharmadhanairnaraiḥ
Als er ihre Worte vernommen hatte, sprach der Brahmane, der im Dharma am kundigsten war: „O Hirschäugige, wie könnte Dharma von Menschen aufgegeben werden, deren wahrer Reichtum die Rechtschaffenheit ist?“
A dharma-knowing Brahmin (brāhmaṇaḥ dharmavittamaḥ)
Concept: Dharma is the true wealth; those grounded in it do not abandon it even under emotional or sensual pressure.
Application: In moments of persuasion or temptation, recall your core vows and values; let ‘dharma as wealth’ guide decisions.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A calm brāhmaṇa, radiant with inner discipline, raises a hand in gentle refusal while addressing the doe-eyed maiden. The maiden’s pleading softens into listening; the scene pivots from passion to principle, with a quiet fire-altar symbolizing the sanctity of lawful order.","primary_figures":["brāhmaṇaḥ dharmavittamaḥ (dharma-knowing Brahmin)","mṛgākṣī (doe-eyed maiden)"],"setting":"Hermitage clearing with kusa grass, small agni, and flowering trees; a subtle celestial glow at the horizon","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["warm amber","smoke gray","saffron","leaf green","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central seated brāhmaṇa with serene face, sacred thread, and palm raised in dharmic counsel; maiden with large doe eyes and ornate jewelry listens; gold leaf aura around the brāhmaṇa, rich saffron and green textiles, stylized fire-altar, embossed ornamental frame.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate counsel scene; brāhmaṇa’s composed gesture and soft expression; maiden’s eyes lowered in attention; delicate foliage, small fire-altar, muted earth tones with a hint of celestial blue, fine linework and gentle shading.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; brāhmaṇa with pronounced eyes and calm smile, hand in teaching mudrā; maiden in ornate attire; patterned background with altar flames, red-yellow-green palette, narrative clarity like temple panels.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical composition with floral borders; central figures framed by lotus and vine motifs; small altar stylized; deep blue/earthy ground with gold highlights; intricate garment patterns and peacock accents at corners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["crackling sacred fire","soft bell","even breath","night breeze","distant conch"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: dharmadhanair naraiḥ → dharmadhanairnaraiḥ (sandhi of final -r with following n-); śrutvā + vākyam no special sandhi; prāha is perfect form of √ah/√brū.
FAQs
A Brahmin described as “dharmavittamaḥ,” i.e., exceptionally knowledgeable about dharma, responding after hearing the woman’s words.
The verse teaches that dharma should not be forsaken; for the righteous, dharma itself is the highest form of wealth and the guiding principle of life.
“Dharmadhana” means ‘one whose wealth is dharma’—a person who values righteousness over material gain and treats moral integrity as their true treasure.