Shloka 37
The Procedure for the Consecration of a Pond
गवां व्रतं विकीर्णं च रक्षोघ्नं च यमं तथा । गायेयुः सामगा राजन्पश्चिमद्वारमाश्रिताः
gavāṃ vrataṃ vikīrṇaṃ ca rakṣoghnaṃ ca yamaṃ tathā | gāyeyuḥ sāmagā rājanpaścimadvāramāśritāḥ
Wahai Raja, para penyanyi Sāma yang berjaga di gerbang barat akan melantunkan nyanyian tentang “vow para sapi”, “Vikīrṇa”, “Rakṣoghna” (pembinasaan raksasa), dan juga “Yama” (chant).
Unspecified narrator addressing a king (rājan) within the ongoing dialogue context of Adhyaya 27
Concept: Ritual sound (sāman) is a form of protection and cosmic ordering when correctly placed and performed.
Application: Create ‘gatekeeping’ for the mind: begin daily worship with a protective invocation and a vow of gentleness (go-sevā, ahiṃsā, gratitude).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At a grand yajña enclosure, the western gateway is draped with mango leaves and garlands while Sāma-chanters sit in a semicircle, singing from palm-leaf manuscripts. Their voices form a visible aura—like ripples of light—pushing back shadowy rākṣasa silhouettes beyond the boundary, while cows stand calmly inside the protected space.","primary_figures":["Sāmagas (Sāma-chanters)","a listening king (rājan)","ritual attendants","cows (go)","subtle rākṣasa-forms at the perimeter"],"setting":"Yajña-śālā with four gates, western gate emphasized; altar smoke, kusa grass, ritual banners, cow-pen nearby","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["smoke gray","saffron gold","deep maroon","leaf green","moonstone white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a richly ornamented yajña pavilion with the western gate framed by gold-leaf arches; Sāma-chanters in traditional white with red borders singing, palm-leaf texts in hand; serene cows inside the boundary; faint dark rākṣasa shapes outside; heavy gold leaf embellishment on gate, lamps, and ornaments; rich reds and greens, gem-studded details, South Indian iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a lyrical yajña courtyard with delicate linework; the western gate marked by a painted torana; Sāma-chanters seated on patterned rugs, singing; soft night sky transitioning to dawn; cows resting peacefully; subtle shadow-figures beyond the fence; cool yet warm-balanced palette, refined faces, gentle naturalism.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments; the western gate as a stylized temple doorway; Sāma-chanters with expressive eyes and rhythmic hand gestures; swirling mantra-aura as patterned bands; cows rendered with decorative motifs; strong red/yellow/green palette with lamp-lit ambience.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a sacred enclosure with ornate floral borders and lotus motifs; the western gate guarded by singing priests; cows central and auspicious; peacocks perched on the torana; deep indigo background with gold highlights; intricate textile-like detailing, Nathdwara-inspired ornamentation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","low drone of sāman chanting","crackling ghee lamps","distant conch shell","night insects"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: राजन्पश्चिमद्वारमाश्रिताः = राजन् + पश्चिमद्वारम् + आश्रिताः (final -न् + p- → np; द्वारम् + आश्रिताः: m+a → mā by sandhi in writing).
FAQs
It suggests a ritual or ceremonial arrangement with designated chanters positioned at specific gates/directions, indicating an ordered sacred space (such as a temple, enclosure, or ritual arena) where protective and auspicious chants are assigned by location.
“Rakṣoghna” literally means “slayer of rākṣasas” or “destroyer of malign forces,” implying a protective chant/hymn intended to ward off evil influences during a rite.
The verse highlights disciplined sacred order: placing trained chanters in appointed directions and employing protective hymns reflects the principle that spiritual life and ritual success depend on right arrangement, vigilance, and adherence to prescribed duties.