Shloka 48
Praise of the Merits of Sacred Ponds, Tree-Planting, and Water-Charities
बहुपान्थे समायाते ग्रीष्मवर्षाशरत्स्वपि । अगरुकादि सौगंध्यं जलं पूगं सचंद्रकम्
bahupānthe samāyāte grīṣmavarṣāśaratsvapi | agarukādi saugaṃdhyaṃ jalaṃ pūgaṃ sacaṃdrakam
When many travelers arrive—whether in summer, the rainy season, or autumn—one should offer fragrant water scented with agaru and the like, along with areca-nut (pūga) and a cooling drink, refreshing as moonlight.
Unspecified (narrative/instructional voice within Padma Purāṇa, Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa)
Concept: True charity is attentive and refined: offer not merely water, but thoughtfully prepared refreshment—fragrant, cooling, and accompanied by small comforts—especially when many travelers arrive.
Application: Practice ‘seasonal compassion’: in heat provide cool water; in rains provide dry seating; in travel seasons stock cups and hygiene—small additions (fragrance, cleanliness) make service dignified.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a shaded roadside pavilion, lines of travelers arrive with dust on their feet; attendants pour cool, clear water perfumed with agaru into brass and clay cups. Areca-nuts and a ‘moon-like’ cooling drink are offered on leaf plates, while the scene subtly shifts through three seasonal backdrops—summer glare, monsoon clouds, and autumn clarity—showing uninterrupted service.","primary_figures":["Prapā attendants","Travelers (pilgrims, merchants, families)","Donor (in the background, humble)"],"setting":"Roadside maṇḍapa with water jars, brass vessels, leaf plates, fragrant resin (agaru) container; seasonal vignettes blended in one composition.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["cool silver","monsoon indigo","agarwood brown","lotus pink","antique gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: bustling prapā pavilion with attendants offering agaru-scented water in ornate vessels, areca-nut on leaf plates, a luminous ‘moon-cool’ drink; gold-leaf highlights on cups and pavilion carvings, rich reds/greens, gem-like detailing, triptych-like seasonal panels (summer/rain/autumn).","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate hospitality scene with delicate gestures—water being poured, travelers resting; soft seasonal cues (rain clouds, autumn sky) in the background, cool palette, refined faces expressing relief.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized attendants and travelers in rhythmic rows, bold outlines; prominent water pot and vessel motifs; background bands indicating seasons with simple iconography (sun, rain, clear sky), natural pigments and temple-wall composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central pavilion framed by lotus borders; attendants offering perfumed water and cooling drink, peacocks and cows nearby; deep blue ground with gold and white ornament, intricate floral patterns suggesting fragrance and refreshment."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["water pouring","soft crowd murmur","rain in distance (seasonal)","birds","small bell chime"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śaratsvapi = śaratsu api; sacaṃdrakam = sa-candrakam.
FAQs
It recommends atithi-sevā (hospitality): offering scented water (perfumed with agaru and similar substances), along with areca-nut and a cooling refreshment, especially when many travelers arrive.
The verse frames hospitality as a consistent duty across changing conditions, while also implying season-sensitive care—cooling and refreshing offerings are particularly meaningful during heat, humidity, and post-monsoon travel.
Thoughtful generosity: serving basic comforts (water, fragrance, simple provisions) to wayfarers without discrimination, making dharma practical through everyday care for others.