Shloka 23
The Deception of Vṛtra
तदा किं क्रियते विप्रा इत्यर्थे प्रत्ययं हि किम् । ऋषयस्त्विंद्रमाचख्युरित्यर्थं प्रत्ययं वद
tadā kiṃ kriyate viprā ityarthe pratyayaṃ hi kim | ṛṣayastviṃdramācakhyurityarthaṃ pratyayaṃ vada
“Wahai para brāhmaṇa, apakah yang harus dilakukan saat itu?”—di sini partikel ‘kim’ menyatakan maksud sebagai kata tanya. Dan karena para ṛṣi menyebut/menyapa Indra, jelaskan pula maksud ungkapan itu.
Unclear from the single verse (context needed to identify the dialogue frame reliably).
Concept: Right understanding of words (artha) safeguards right action (dharma); inquiry precedes proper conduct.
Application: Before judging or acting, ask clarifying questions; verify intent and context; avoid acting on assumptions—especially in moral or devotional matters.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A circle of austere rishis sits on kusa-grass in a forest hermitage, palm-leaf manuscripts open, as one elder raises a hand to parse the meaning of ‘kim’ and the intent behind addressing Indra. The air feels charged with the sanctity of precise speech—words treated like offerings into an unseen fire.","primary_figures":["Rishis (sages)","a senior acharya-like sage (as commentator figure)","Indra (suggested presence, distant or symbolic)"],"setting":"Forest ashram with yajna-shala, low wooden desks, palm-leaf folios, deer wandering at the edge of the clearing","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","leaf green","smoke gray","ochre","ink black"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a semicircle of rishis in a yajna-shala, one sage pointing to a palm-leaf manuscript explaining the interrogative ‘kim’, subtle depiction of Indra’s vajra emblem in the background; gold leaf embellishment on manuscript borders and sacrificial vessels, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments minimal, traditional South Indian iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate brushwork showing a Himalayan-foothill hermitage, rishis seated on kusa mats with palm-leaf texts, a gentle stream nearby; cool mountain palette, lyrical naturalism, refined faces, soft clouds and pine silhouettes, emphasis on quiet scholarly dialogue.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines of rishis with expressive eyes, manuscript and stylus prominent, temple-wall aesthetic; natural pigments with red/yellow/green dominance, a stylized Indra emblem (vajra) framed like a mural medallion, rhythmic composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: scholarly satsanga scene framed by lotus and tulasi borders, peacocks perched on branches, deep blue background with gold script-like motifs; Krishna not central but suggested as a small Shaligrama-like symbol near the manuscripts, intricate floral borders and textile richness."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["rustling leaves","soft birdsong","distant sacrificial fire crackle","brief silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इत्यर्थे = इति + अर्थे; ऋषयस्त्विंद्रमाचख्युरित्यर्थं = ऋषयः + तु + इन्द्रम् + आचख्युः + इति + अर्थम्।
FAQs
It reads like an explanatory/interpretive gloss (clarifying intended sense), rather than a standalone narrative statement.
Indra is the king of the Devas and a frequent figure in Purāṇic narratives, often appearing in episodes involving sages, rituals, and cosmic governance.
By itself, the verse emphasizes careful interpretation and clarity of meaning in sacred dialogue; the broader ethical lesson depends on the surrounding verses.