Shloka 57
Qualities of the Five Great Elements; Description of Sudarśana-dvīpa and Mount Meru
उत्तरोत्तरमेतेभ्यो वर्षमुद्रिच्यते गुणैः । आयुः प्रमाणमारोग्यं धर्मतः कामतोऽर्थतः
uttarottarametebhyo varṣamudricyate guṇaiḥ | āyuḥ pramāṇamārogyaṃ dharmataḥ kāmato'rthataḥ
これらの彼方にある次々の国土は、徳相においていよいよ勝れ、より長き寿命、身丈と気力の正しいほど、病なき安穏を授け、さらにダルマ・カーマ・アルタの成就をもたらす。
Unspecified (narratorial voice within Svargakhaṇḍa 3.57; dialogue frame not provided in the input)
Concept: Sattva and dharma-aligned living yield wholeness: longevity, health, and balanced human aims (puruṣārthas).
Application: Prioritize dharma as the governing aim; cultivate sattvic habits (truthfulness, restraint, clean diet, worship) so artha and kāma remain measured and non-harming.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sweeping cosmic panorama of successive northern realms, each terrace-like land brighter and more refined than the last, with subtle shifts from earthy greens to luminous gold. Ethereal figures move through fragrant air as the landscape itself suggests increasing sattva—clear skies, orderly groves, and radiant horizons promising health and long life.","primary_figures":["personified Bhū-devī","celestial sages (ṛṣis)","gandharvas (optional)"],"setting":"tiered celestial-continental landscape with ascending plateaus and distant shining peaks","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","lotus pink","pale jade","sunlit gold","pearl white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a tiered cosmic landscape of successive realms becoming increasingly auspicious, Bhū-devī seated on a lotus at the center with symbolic puruṣārthas (dharma wheel, prosperity pot, flower of desire) around her, heavy gold leaf halos, rich vermilion and emerald borders, gem-studded ornamentation, traditional South Indian iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical ascending valleys and plateaus fading into mist, delicate brushwork showing increasingly refined groves and clear streams, small sages in white garments indicating sattva, cool blues and soft greens transitioning to warm gold near the horizon, refined facial features and airy Himalayan atmosphere.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined cosmic tiers with stylized trees and clouds, Bhū-devī and attendant devas rendered with characteristic large eyes, flat yet vibrant fields of red, yellow, and green, ornamental bands suggesting dharma-artha-kāma balance, temple-wall aesthetic with rhythmic patterning.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a symbolic landscape of ascending auspicious realms framed by intricate floral borders, lotus motifs multiplying as the realms improve, deep indigo background with gold highlights, peacocks and sacred flora indicating prosperity and health, central medallion suggesting dharma as the governing axis."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft tanpura drone","temple bells (distant)","gentle wind","silence between pādas"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: उत्तरोत्तरमेतेभ्यः = उत्तरोत्तरम् + एतेभ्यः (म् + ए → मे); वर्षमुद्रिच्यते = वर्षम् + उद्रिच्यते (म् + उ → मु); कामतोऽर्थतः = कामतः + अर्थतः (अः + अ → 'अ).
FAQs
It describes a gradation of excellence: as one proceeds to successive regions, their qualities improve—especially longevity, balanced vitality, and health—alongside the flourishing of dharma, kāma, and artha.
In Purāṇic cosmology, varṣa commonly denotes a distinct terrestrial region or division of the world, often discussed in sequences with differing characteristics.
It explicitly links improved regions with the attainment of dharma (righteous order), kāma (legitimate enjoyment), and artha (prosperity), implying that environmental/spiritual conditions can support these aims.