Shloka 22
The Glory of Tulasī and Dhātrī (Āmalakī): Protection from Yama and Attainment of Vaikuṇṭha
यज्ञादेवाश्च मुनयस्तीर्थानि कार्तिके द्विज । धात्रीवृक्षं समाश्रित्य तिष्ठन्ति कार्तिके सदा
yajñādevāśca munayastīrthāni kārtike dvija | dhātrīvṛkṣaṃ samāśritya tiṣṭhanti kārtike sadā
Ô deux-fois-né, au mois de Kārtika les devas, les munis et les tīrthas sacrés demeurent toujours, prenant refuge auprès de l’arbre de dhātrī.
Unspecified (contextual narrator addressing a brāhmaṇa as 'dvija')
Concept: Kārtika is a uniquely charged sacred month; aligning worship with its sanctified loci (Dhātrī tree) multiplies merit as if all tīrthas are present.
Application: In Kārtika, intensify sādhana: daily lamp-offering, Hari-nāma, charity, and worship near sacred trees/temples; treat local sacred spaces as ‘tīrtha’ through disciplined devotion.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A majestic Āmalakī tree stands at the center like a cosmic pillar, its branches shimmering as if holding tiny constellations. Around it gather devas with luminous crowns, sages with matted hair and water pots, and personified tīrthas as radiant river-deities—each taking refuge beneath the tree during Kārtika’s holy month.","primary_figures":["Devas (gods)","Ṛṣis (sages)","Personified Tīrthas (river and pilgrimage deities)","Dhātrī (Āmalakī) tree as central axis"],"setting":"A sacred grove that feels simultaneously earthly and celestial; a circular clearing with ritual lamps, flower offerings, and a faint mandala pattern on the ground.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sunrise gold","celestial blue","sage green","pearl white","marigold orange"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: monumental Dhātrī tree at center with gold-leaf highlights on leaves and fruits; devas and sages arranged symmetrically in concentric arcs; personified tīrthas as elegant river-goddesses with water pots; heavy gold borders, rich reds/greens, gem-studded ornaments, radiant Kārtika aura filling the background.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a serene clearing with a finely detailed Āmalakī tree; sages seated in quiet circles, devas hovering lightly above; tīrthas personified as graceful figures with flowing scarves like rivers; cool mountain-like palette with warm dawn wash, delicate brushwork and lyrical composition.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: central stylized Dhātrī tree with rhythmic leaf patterns; devas and sages in bold outlines, large expressive eyes; tīrtha figures in flowing bands suggesting water; red/yellow/green pigments, temple-wall symmetry, decorative borders with lamp motifs for Kārtika.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Dhātrī tree framed by lotus and vine borders; rows of small lamps (dīpas) encircle the base to signal Kārtika; devas, sages, and river-deities arranged like a devotional procession; deep blue ground with gold and marigold accents, intricate floral filigree, peacocks and lotuses in corners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["many temple bells","conch shell","soft crowd murmur (pilgrims)","rustling sacred leaves","distant Vedic chanting"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यज्ञादेवाः = यज्ञात् + देवाः; मुनयस्तीर्थानि = मुनयः + तीर्थानि.
FAQs
The verse treats Kārtika as a uniquely sanctified time when divine presence and the merit of pilgrimage are considered especially accessible, intensifying the fruit of worship, vows, and charity.
Dhātrī refers to the Āmalakī (Indian gooseberry) tree, traditionally revered in Purāṇic devotion; the verse presents it as a sacred locus in Kārtika where holy presences are said to gather.
It encourages choosing auspicious times and sacred supports (like Kārtika observances and dhātrī-vṛkṣa reverence) to focus one’s conduct—worship, restraint, and generosity—toward spiritually fruitful practice.