Shloka 16
Yayāti Ensnared by Desire: Gandharva Marriage, Aśvamedha, and the Demand to See the Worlds
भूपस्य तस्य राजेंद्र ययातेस्तु महात्मनः । विष्णुरुवाच । एवं तया महाराजो ययातिर्मोहितस्तदा
bhūpasya tasya rājeṃdra yayātestu mahātmanaḥ | viṣṇuruvāca | evaṃ tayā mahārājo yayātirmohitastadā
Ô roi des rois, au sujet de ce souverain à l’âme noble, Yayāti, Viṣṇu déclara : ainsi, en ce temps-là, l’empereur Yayāti fut alors égaré par elle.
Viṣṇu
Concept: Vishnu reveals the hidden mechanism of delusion: even great kings fall when kama eclipses discernment.
Application: When you notice compulsive patterns, seek ‘Vishnu-voice’ inputs—scripture, guru counsel, and disciplined vows—to name the delusion and step out of it.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Vishnu appears in a radiant vision, addressing a ‘king of kings’ while the story of Yayāti unfolds like a living tableau in the background—Yayāti enthralled beside his consort. The divine presence is calm yet piercing, as if a lamp has been brought into a perfumed chamber of illusion.","primary_figures":["Vishnu (Narayana)","Royal listener (unnamed ‘rajendra’)","Yayāti (in background tableau)","Consort (in background tableau)"],"setting":"A celestial-teaching space: cloud-throne or temple-like hall with lotus pillars; narrative tableau framed like a mural behind Vishnu.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","radiant gold","cloud white","turquoise","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Vishnu seated on a lotus throne with gold leaf halo, right hand in teaching gesture, facing a kneeling king; behind them a framed vignette of Yayāti deluded with his consort; rich ornamentation, gem-studded crowns, embossed gold borders, conch and discus prominent.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Vishnu as serene teacher on a lotus seat amid soft clouds, delicate shading, refined expressions; the Yayāti vignette painted like a small inset scene, cool blues and gentle gold accents, contemplative atmosphere.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal Vishnu with bold outlines, chakra and shankha, teaching mudra; listener king in profile; background panel shows Yayāti’s moha; strong reds/yellows/greens with symmetrical temple-fresco composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Vishnu-centered composition with lotus borders and starry deep blue field, ornate floral frame; include a narrative inset of Yayāti’s enchantment; intricate gold detailing and traditional motifs (conch, discus, lotus) repeated in the border."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","tanpura drone","brief silence after ‘Vishnur uvāca’"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ययातेस्तु = ययातेः + तु (विसर्ग-लोपः). विष्णुरुवाच = विष्णुः + उवाच (विसर्ग-लोपः). ययातिर्मोहितस्तदा = ययातिः + मोहितः + तदा (विसर्ग-लोपः).
FAQs
The speaker is Viṣṇu, indicated by the phrase “Viṣṇur uvāca” (“Viṣṇu said”), which marks a shift or confirmation of the narrator/speaker within the dialogue.
The verse highlights that Yayāti, though described as great-souled, becomes “mohita” (deluded/infatuated), underscoring how delusion can overtake even eminent rulers.
It implies a warning that attachment and enchantment can cloud discernment; therefore, self-mastery and vigilance are essential aspects of dharma, especially for leaders.