Shloka 98
Pitṛ-tīrtha Context: Marks of Sin, Śrāddha Discipline, and Karmic Ripening
in Yayāti’s Narrative
अविचार्य नृपः कुर्यात्सोऽपि वै नरकं व्रजेत् । घृततैलान्नपानादि मधुमांस सुरासवम्
avicārya nṛpaḥ kuryātso'pi vai narakaṃ vrajet | ghṛtatailānnapānādi madhumāṃsa surāsavam
Si el rey actúa sin el debido discernimiento, él también va ciertamente al infierno—especialmente en asuntos de ghee, aceite, comida y bebida, y similares: miel, carne y licores embriagantes.
Unspecified (context-dependent within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa narration)
Concept: A ruler must act with vicāra (careful discernment); reckless policy and indulgence—especially around intoxicants and ethically fraught foods—leads to grave karmic downfall.
Application: Practice deliberation before decisions; avoid enabling harmful consumption (addiction, exploitation) and regulate with compassion and clarity; personally cultivate sobriety and mindful diet.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A contemplative king stands before a council fire, weighing scrolls of law while attendants present jars of ghee and oil, baskets of food, and vessels of liquor—each item glowing with a different aura. Behind him, a shadowy doorway labeled 'naraka' recedes as he chooses discernment, suggesting that wise restraint closes the path to ruin.","primary_figures":["a deliberating king","royal counselor (mantrin)","attendants bearing offerings and goods","symbolic shadow of naraka"],"setting":"Council chamber with sacred fire (agni-kunda), law scrolls, and trade goods arranged like a moral inventory.","lighting_mood":"lamp-lit with moral chiaroscuro","color_palette":["warm ghee-gold","smoke gray","sandalwood brown","deep maroon","cool teal highlights"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: king with gold leaf crown and halo-like arch, seated near a small agni-kunda; attendants hold ornate vessels of ghee and oil, trays of food, and a dark jar of surā with subdued sheen; gem-studded ornaments, rich reds/greens, and a faint shadow-portal to 'naraka' at the edge, emphasizing discernment.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate council scene with delicate brushwork; the king’s thoughtful gaze, a minister pointing to a dharma scroll; goods painted with subtle color symbolism (bright for sattvic, dull for tamasic); cool night palette with warm lamp pools.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized agni flame, iconic king and minister; objects arranged in clear bands—ghee/oil/food vs liquor/meat—using strong color coding; temple-wall aesthetic with large expressive eyes.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: allegorical composition with lotus borders; central figure of the king under a dharma-chakra canopy; surrounding circular medallions depicting ghee, milk, fruits, and a dark medallion for surā; deep blue ground with gold and floral filigree."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","crackling fire","low drone (tanpura)","brief silence after 'naraka'"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कुर्यात् + सः → कुर्यात्सः; सः + अपि → सोऽपि. सूचीपदानि समाहार-द्वन्द्वरूपेण नपुंसक-एकवचनप्रयोगाः (प्रथमा/द्वितीया संदर्भानुसार).
FAQs
It warns that a ruler who makes decisions rashly—without careful inquiry—incurs severe karmic consequences, even leading to naraka (hell).
The verse highlights sensitive, potentially dharmically fraught matters—dietary and intoxicating substances—where careless permission, distribution, or policy can carry moral and karmic weight.
Governance must be guided by discernment (vicāra): investigating consequences, consulting dharma, and avoiding impulsive rulings—especially on public conduct and regulated substances.