Shloka 12
ब्राह्मण–क्षत्रिय-श्रेष्ठता-विवादः
Arjuna–Vāyu Dialogue on Brāhmaṇa and Kṣatriya Precedence
गजेन्द्रकुसुमाकीर्ण नीलवस्त्रानुलेपनम् । निर्वपेत् तं तु वल्मीके अस्तं याते दिवाकरे
gajendrakusumākīrṇaṃ nīlavāstrānulepanam | nirvapet taṃ tu valmīke astaṃ yāte divākare ||
Que l’offrande soit jonchée de fleurs de nāgakesara, ointe de santal et couverte d’un tissu bleu. Puis, lorsque le soleil s’est couché, qu’on la dépose sur la termitière/le monticule.
रेणुक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores disciplined ritual propriety: an offering should be prepared with prescribed auspicious items (flowers, unguents, cloth) and presented at the proper time (sunset). Ethical emphasis lies in orderly, non-harmful observance and reverence toward the sacred context associated with the anthill.
Reṇukā gives step-by-step instructions for making a bali (ritual offering) at a valmīka (anthill): decorate it with nāgakesara blossoms, apply fragrant anointing (such as sandal), cover it with a blue cloth, and place it by the anthill after sunset.