Shloka 96
Supremacy of Hari-Bhakti in Kali-yuga; Warnings on Sensual Attachment; Praise of Brāhmaṇas, Purāṇa-Listening, and Gaṅgā
बलं यदि भवेन्मर्त्ये न वृथा तद्व्ययं चरेत् । हरेरग्रे नृत्यगीतं कुर्यादेवमतंद्रितः
balaṃ yadi bhavenmartye na vṛthā tadvyayaṃ caret | hareragre nṛtyagītaṃ kuryādevamataṃdritaḥ
Wenn ein Sterblicher Kraft besitzt, soll er sie nicht vergeblich vergeuden; vielmehr soll er ohne Trägheit vor Hari singen und tanzen in Hingabe.
Unspecified (narratorial/instructional voice within Svarga-khaṇḍa context)
Concept: Human strength should be invested in devotional expression—kirtana, nritya—rather than wasted; the body becomes an instrument of worship.
Application: Channel physical vitality into constructive devotion: attend kirtana, sing at home, serve in temple/community; replace restless energy with sacred rhythm.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a lamp-lit temple hall, devotees whirl in measured circles before Hari’s murti, their anklets and cymbals keeping time as voices rise in kirtana. The deity’s presence seems to steady the air itself—garlands sway, incense curls, and every gesture becomes an offering of strength.","primary_figures":["Hari (Vishnu) murti","kirtana devotees (men and women)","lead singer (kirtaniya)","drummer (mridangika)"],"setting":"Temple mandapa with pillars, hanging oil lamps, garlands, and a sanctum doorway revealing Hari’s image.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["deep indigo","brass-gold","vermillion","jasmine white","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Vishnu murti in sanctum with thick gold leaf halo and ornate arch; in the mandapa, devotees dance with raised arms, mridanga and kartals; rich reds/greens, embossed gold on jewelry and lamps, symmetrical pillar framing, festive yet sacred composition.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate mandapa scene with delicate brushwork; dancers in flowing garments, subtle motion lines; cool night palette with warm lamp pools; refined faces, lyrical rhythm, small details like incense smoke and flower petals on the floor.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and stylized movement; large expressive eyes; rhythmic arrangement of dancers and musicians; warm reds/yellows/greens with dark blue background, mural-panel composition with decorative borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Krishna/Hari-centered kirtana with lotus and floral borders; peacocks near pillars, cows at the edge as auspicious motifs; deep blue ground, gold highlights on lamps and ornaments, intricate textile patterns on garments, celebratory devotional energy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["mridanga","kartals","temple bells","devotee chorus","conch at refrain"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भवेन् + मर्त्ये → भवेन्मर्त्ये; तत् + व्ययम् → तद्व्ययम्; कुर्यात् + एवम् → कुर्यादेवम्; अ-तन्द्रितः (prefixal negation).
FAQs
It recommends offering one’s energy to Hari through nṛtya (devotional dance) and gīta (devotional singing), i.e., active bhakti rather than idle exertion.
It treats physical vitality as something best fulfilled when directed toward worship—public, embodied devotion in the presence of Hari—highlighting love expressed through action.
Do not squander strength on purposeless pursuits; use your capacities diligently for spiritually meaningful action, especially devotional service.