Shloka 39
Protection of Brāhmaṇas
प्राणा ममापि गच्छंतु सुखी भवतु बालकः । बालकार्थे द्विजार्थे च स्वाम्यर्थे ये जना इह
prāṇā mamāpi gacchaṃtu sukhī bhavatu bālakaḥ | bālakārthe dvijārthe ca svāmyarthe ye janā iha
मेरे प्राण भी चले जाएँ—पर यह बालक सुखी रहे। जो लोग यहाँ बालक के हित में, ब्राह्मण के हित में और अपने स्वामी के हित में कर्म करते हैं, वे पूज्य हैं।
Unspecified (context-dependent; speaker not identifiable from the single verse alone)
Concept: Self-sacrifice for the welfare of the dependent (child), reverence for brāhmaṇas, and faithful service are praised as honor-worthy dharma.
Application: Prioritize protection of dependents, support teachers/learned persons, and act with integrity in responsibilities—even at personal cost.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A solemn household scene: an elder or guardian, eyes moist yet steady, offers a blessing that the child may live happily even if his own breath must depart. The child stands near a small altar with a lotus motif, while onlookers—brāhmaṇas and attendants—witness the vow-like utterance of self-giving.","primary_figures":["a compassionate sage/guardian","a young brāhmaṇa boy","household attendants","brāhmaṇa elders"],"setting":"threshold of a traditional courtyard home with a small yajña-vedi in the background, tulasī planter at the edge, ritual vessels and kusa grass subtly placed","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp-flame amber","lotus pink","sandalwood beige","deep maroon","antique gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a compassionate sage in white garments raises a blessing hand toward a young brāhmaṇa boy beside a small yajña-altar; gold leaf halos, rich maroon backdrop, emerald-green borders, gem-studded ornaments on ritual vessels, stylized lotus medallions, South Indian iconographic symmetry, ornate arch frame.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtyard scene with delicate brushwork; the sage’s tender expression and the boy’s innocence emphasized; cool pastel walls, fine textile patterns, small yajña-vedi with thin smoke, lyrical trees and a tiny tulasī pot, refined facial features and gentle gestures.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and warm natural pigments; the sage and boy in frontal three-quarter poses, large expressive eyes; red-ochre floor, yellow-green background foliage, stylized ritual implements, rhythmic decorative borders like temple wall art.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional courtyard with lotus motifs and ornate floral borders; include a subtle Viṣṇu presence via a śaṅkha-cakra emblem above the altar; deep indigo ground, gold highlights, peacocks at the border, intricate textile patterning around the child as an auspicious center."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","low yajña fire crackle","distant conch shell","night insects","brief silence after the vow"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ममापि → मम + अपि; गच्छंतु → गच्छन्तु; बालकार्थे/द्विजार्थे/स्वाम्यर्थे = (समास) + सप्तमी एकवचन; स्वाम्यर्थे → स्वामि-अर्थे (यण्-सन्धि/लोप in recitation)
FAQs
It elevates self-sacrifice and protective duty—valuing another’s welfare (especially a child) even above one’s own life, and honoring service done for vulnerable dependents, brāhmaṇas, and one’s rightful superior.
They represent classical dharma-priorities: protecting the vulnerable (the child), supporting sacred/social responsibility (dvija/brāhmaṇa), and fulfilling entrusted duty or loyalty (svāmī/master).
The wording praises action done “for the master’s sake” within a dharma frame; traditional readings treat svāmī as a legitimate superior (guardian, patron, ruler, or lord), not as a license for unethical harm.