Shloka 21
The Glory of Lamp-Donation
in Kārttika
आगतास्तं समानेतुं बबंधुश्चर्मरज्जुभिः । यावन्नेतुं मनश्चक्रुः शंखचक्रगदाधराः
āgatāstaṃ samānetuṃ babaṃdhuścarmarajjubhiḥ | yāvannetuṃ manaścakruḥ śaṃkhacakragadādharāḥ
Mereka datang untuk menangkapnya dan mengikatnya dengan tali kulit. Namun ketika mereka hendak membawanya pergi, Tuhan yang memegang sangkha, cakra, dan gada pun menampakkan diri.
Narratorial voice (contextual; verse is descriptive rather than direct speech)
Concept: Even when karmic forces seem to bind, the Lord’s protective presence (śaṅkha-cakra-gadā) overrides for the surrendered devotee.
Application: In crisis, reaffirm refuge in Nārāyaṇa through nāma-smaraṇa and daily worship; cultivate steady devotion rather than fear-based religiosity.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"On a shadowed threshold between worlds, stern attendants bind a trembling soul with dark leather thongs. At the instant their resolve hardens, a burst of divine radiance cleaves the gloom—Viṣṇu manifests with śaṅkha, cakra, and gadā, the air vibrating with protective authority.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu (Śaṅkha-Cakra-Gadādhara)","Yamadūtas (attendants of Yama)","the bound devotee (unnamed)"],"setting":"A liminal cremation-ground-like plain or astral corridor with swirling mist, faint embers, and distant silhouettes of judgmental architecture.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance cutting through darkness","color_palette":["sapphire blue","smoky charcoal","golden aura","ivory white","deep crimson"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu as Śaṅkha-Cakra-Gadādhara appearing behind the bound devotee, gold leaf halo and ornate crown, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, Yamadūtas recoiling at the edge, heavy gold embellishment on weapons and jewelry, temple-like arch framing the scene.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a misty otherworldly path with delicate linework; the bound devotee in the foreground, Yamadūtas with restrained ferocity; Viṣṇu’s calm blue form emerging in luminous wash, subtle gradients, refined faces, sparse trees and distant hills suggesting the border of worlds.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and flat natural pigments; Viṣṇu centered with large expressive eyes, śaṅkha-cakra-gadā clearly iconographic; Yamadūtas in earthy reds/browns; dramatic contrast between dark ground and bright yellow-gold aura.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Viṣṇu’s protective epiphany framed by lotus and floral borders; stylized clouds and celestial motifs; the devotee near a lotus pedestal; intricate gold detailing, deep indigo background, symbolic conch and discus emphasized with ornate patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low drum pulse","conch shell (distant)","wind through emptiness","sudden temple bell swell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: आगतास्तं = आगताः + तम्; बबंधुश्चर्मरज्जुभिः = बबन्धुः + चर्मरज्जुभिः; मनश्चक्रुः = मनः + चक्रुः; शंखचक्रगदाधराः is a बहुव्रीहि (implied: विष्णुदूताः) contrasting with previous दूताः.
FAQs
It is a standard epithet of Lord Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa), identifying him through his iconic emblems: śaṅkha (conch), cakra (discus), and gadā (mace).
The verse highlights divine intervention: when harm is about to be done, Viṣṇu’s presence signifies protection and the overturning of injustice at a critical moment.
It underscores the cruelty of coercion and wrongful seizure, implying that oppressive acts invite correction—here shown through the appearance of divine authority and protection.