Shloka 21
The Glory of Truthful Oaths and Keeping One’s Promise
Satya & Pratijñā
इति श्रुत्वा त्वसौ विप्रं चोक्तवान्वीरविक्रमः । शृणु मे वचनं ब्रह्मन्बालास्ति मम कन्यका
iti śrutvā tvasau vipraṃ coktavānvīravikramaḥ | śṛṇu me vacanaṃ brahmanbālāsti mama kanyakā
Al oír esto, aquel hombre heroico y valeroso habló al brāhmaṇa: «Oh Brahmán, escucha mis palabras: hay una joven doncella que es mi hija».
Vīra-vikramaḥ (a valorous man/king) speaking to a brāhmaṇa
Concept: Dharma begins with śravaṇa (hearing) and proceeds to saṅkalpa (vowed intention) expressed respectfully to a brāhmaṇa.
Application: When committing to a duty, speak clearly, respectfully, and with accountability; let hearing wise counsel translate into concrete action.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A valorous king stands with folded hands before a seated brāhmaṇa, the air charged with formal courtesy. Behind the king, palace pillars and banners suggest sovereignty; beside him, a discreet women’s quarter doorway hints at the presence of his young daughter, the narrative’s turning point.","primary_figures":["Vīra-vikramaḥ (king)","brāhmaṇa","attendants"],"setting":"Palace audience hall opening into a domestic courtyard; low ritual platform with manuscripts and a water pot near the brāhmaṇa.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["royal blue","antique gold","ivory","vermilion","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a regal court scene with the king in jeweled crown and silk, hands in añjali before a serene brāhmaṇa on a raised seat; gold leaf halos and ornate pillars, rich reds/greens, gem-like highlights, traditional iconographic symmetry emphasizing dharmic kingship.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtly exchange with delicate facial expressions; the king leaning slightly forward in respect, brāhmaṇa calm and composed; soft architectural lines, patterned textiles, a hint of inner courtyard and women’s quarters, cool refined palette.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized palace interior with bold outlines; king and brāhmaṇa in profile, expressive eyes; decorative borders with lotus and conch motifs, warm reds and yellows with green accents.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: court scene framed by ornate floral borders and lotus medallions; subtle śaṅkha-cakra motifs in the corners; deep blue ground with gold detailing, peacocks perched on palace parapets."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["court ambience (soft murmurs)","anklet and silk rustle","single bell chime","distant conch","pause of attentive silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्वसौ = तु + असौ; चोक्तवान् = च + उक्तवान्; ब्रह्मन्बाला = ब्रह्मन् + बाला; बालास्ति = बाला + अस्ति
FAQs
The speaker addresses a vipra (brāhmaṇa), signaling a respectful, dharma-oriented dialogue where counsel or a consequential request is presented to a learned religious authority.
It introduces the central subject of the speaker’s forthcoming request or decision, preparing the listener (the brāhmaṇa) for counsel regarding the welfare, marriage, or protection of the maiden.
It establishes deference and deliberation: a powerful person seeks to proceed through proper speech and consultation, reflecting dharma where personal power is guided by learned authority and right conduct.