Shloka 18
The Account of Sunīthā
within the Vena Narrative
अपां संस्पर्शनात्पानात्स्नानात्तत्र महाधियः । मुनयः सिद्धिमायांति बाह्याभ्यंतरक्षालिताः
apāṃ saṃsparśanātpānātsnānāttatra mahādhiyaḥ | munayaḥ siddhimāyāṃti bāhyābhyaṃtarakṣālitāḥ
ಆ ಪವಿತ್ರ ಜಲವನ್ನು ಸ್ಪರ್ಶಿಸಿ, ಪಾನಮಾಡಿ, ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ನಾನಮಾತ್ರದಿಂದ ಮಹಾಧೀ ಮುನಿಗಳು ಬಾಹ್ಯ-ಅಂತರ ಶುದ್ಧರಾಗಿ ಸಿದ್ಧಿಯನ್ನು ಪಡೆಯುತ್ತಾರೆ।
Unspecified (narrative voice within the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa section describing tīrtha-water purification).
Concept: Sacred waters, approached with reverence, cleanse both body and mind; such purification supports spiritual accomplishment (siddhi).
Application: When visiting sacred waters, combine snāna with prayer, japa, and ethical resolve; at home, emulate the principle by daily cleanliness plus inner purification through remembrance of Vishnu.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At a luminous tīrtha, sages step into crystal waters: one touches the surface with cupped hands, another drinks, and others immerse in a calm snāna, while a subtle inner radiance rises from their hearts as if impurities dissolve. The riverbank is lined with ancient trees and small shrines, and the air feels washed clean.","primary_figures":["munis/ṛṣis (great-minded sages)","pilgrims","tīrtha-devatā presence (subtle)"],"setting":"Sacred river ghat with stone steps, flowering trees, hanging bells, and a small Viṣṇu shrine; water shown as clear and sanctified.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["aqua turquoise","sunrise gold","conch white","stone gray","lotus pink"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: sacred ghat scene with sages performing sparśa-pāna-snāna, shimmering river rendered with stylized waves, a small Viṣṇu shrine with śaṅkha-cakra, gold leaf highlights on water sparkles and halos, rich reds/greens in borders, gem-like ornamentation on shrine elements.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: tranquil riverbank at dawn, delicate brushwork showing ripples and reflections, sages in simple white garments, cool blues and greens with warm sunrise accents, distant hills and trees, refined faces conveying serenity and wonder.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and flat yet vibrant river composition, sages in rhythmic poses of touch-drink-bathe, decorative ghat architecture, red/yellow/green palette with turquoise water, temple mural border motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate tīrtha panel with lotus-filled water motifs, peacocks and floral borders, deep blue and gold accents, central river as devotional axis, small Viṣṇu symbols above the ghat, intricate textile patterning throughout."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["flowing water","conch shell","temple bells","morning birds","chanting murmurs"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: संस्पर्शनात्पानात्स्नानात् = संस्पर्शनात् + पानात् + स्नानात् (त्-सन्धि); सिद्धिमायांति = सिद्धिम् + आयान्ति; बाह्याभ्यंतरक्षालिताः = बाह्य + अभ्यन्तर + क्षालिताः (आ + अ → आ).
FAQs
The verse lists three water-related acts: touching the sacred waters, drinking them, and bathing in them.
It indicates purification on two levels: external bodily cleanliness and internal purification of mind and intention.
Association with a sacred tīrtha—especially through water-contact—supports spiritual attainment by fostering both outer discipline and inner purity.