Shloka 19
The Glory of the Mother-and-Father Sacred Ford
Mātāpitṛ-tīrtha-māhātmya
वेदैरपि च किं विप्रा पिता येन न पूजितः । माता न पूजिता येन तस्य वेदा निरर्थकाः
vedairapi ca kiṃ viprā pitā yena na pūjitaḥ | mātā na pūjitā yena tasya vedā nirarthakāḥ
ಹೇ ವಿಪ್ರರೇ, ತಂದೆಯನ್ನು ಗೌರವಿಸದವನಿಗೆ ವೇದಗಳಿಂದಲೂ ಏನು ಪ್ರಯೋಜನ? ತಾಯಿಯನ್ನು ಪೂಜಿಸದವನಿಗೆ ವೇದಗಳು ಅರ್ಥಹೀನವಾಗುತ್ತವೆ।
Unspecified narrator/speaker (context not provided in input; verse is a general ethical injunction addressed to vipras).
Concept: Scriptural learning without honoring parents is void; dharma is the meaning of the Veda, not its ornament.
Application: Audit one’s ‘spiritual résumé’: if daily speech and behavior toward parents is harsh or neglectful, prioritize reconciliation and service over accumulating new rituals or study.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stern sage addresses a circle of brāhmaṇas; behind them, a glowing stack of Veda manuscripts fades into shadow as a symbolic warning. In the foreground, an elderly mother and father sit quietly, their neglected presence contrasting with the pride of scholarship.","primary_figures":["admonishing sage/narrator","assembly of vipras","mother","father"],"setting":"a village sabhā or āśrama courtyard with a low platform, manuscripts, and ritual implements set aside","lighting_mood":"dramatic chiaroscuro","color_palette":["smoky indigo","burnt umber","ash gray","golden ochre","crimson accent"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a central sage with raised hand in instruction; vipras seated in rows; Veda manuscripts rendered with gold leaf that dims toward the edges; parents depicted with gentle gold halos to signify their sanctity; ornate arch border, rich reds/greens, jewel-like highlights on vessels.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: expressive faces showing admonition and introspection; delicate lines; a manuscript bundle in the corner; parents seated under a simple canopy; cool palette with a warm golden focal glow around the parents, Himalayan-style trees framing the scene.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; the sage’s gesture prominent; stylized manuscripts and ritual items; parents drawn with calm, large-eyed dignity; red-yellow-green palette with black contouring and patterned floor motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: moral tableau framed by floral borders; manuscripts and yajña items arranged like decorative motifs; parents’ feet subtly centered as the true ‘altar’; deep blue background with gold and white detailing, peacock motifs at corners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["firm hand-clap cadence (subtle)","temple bell (single strikes)","silence between lines","distant wind"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वेदैरपि → वेदैः + अपि.
FAQs
It teaches that reverence toward one’s parents—especially honoring father and mother—is a foundational dharma; without it, even Vedic learning loses its purpose and fruit.
It asserts that scriptural knowledge (the Vedas) is not merely intellectual; it must be grounded in lived virtue—beginning with gratitude, service, and honor to parents.
Treat parents with respect and care (pūjā as honor/service), seeing this as a primary duty; religious study or ritual is considered incomplete without this basic moral discipline.