Shloka 19
Instruction on Dharma and Truth as Viṣṇu’s Own Nature
with Teaching on Impermanence and Detachment
तस्मान्मोहं परित्यज्य सदाधर्मं समाश्रय । दितिरुवाच । एवमस्तु महाभाग करिष्ये वचनं तव
tasmānmohaṃ parityajya sadādharmaṃ samāśraya | ditiruvāca | evamastu mahābhāga kariṣye vacanaṃ tava
ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಮೋಹವನ್ನು ತ್ಯಜಿಸಿ ಸದಾ ಧರ್ಮವನ್ನು ಆಶ್ರಯಿಸು. ದಿತಿ ಹೇಳಿದಳು—ಏವಮಸ್ತು, ಮಹಾಭಾಗನೇ! ನಿನ್ನ ವಚನವನ್ನು ನಾನು ಪಾಲಿಸುವೆ.
Diti (responding; the preceding instruction is spoken by an unspecified interlocutor in this isolated verse)
Concept: Abandon delusion and take steady refuge in dharma; receptivity to wise counsel transforms suffering.
Application: When overwhelmed, make a clear vow: stop feeding confusion, adopt one consistent dharmic practice (truthfulness, non-harm, daily prayer), and follow guidance from a trustworthy mentor.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Diti, eyes still wet, folds her hands and bows slightly as she accepts the counsel; the moment is quiet but decisive. The sage’s presence is steady like a mountain, and the space around them feels purified—smoke from a small fire altar rises in a thin, straight line, signaling inner alignment.","primary_figures":["Diti","Kaśyapa (implied)"],"setting":"Hermitage threshold—between inner hut and open forest path—symbolizing transition from moha to dharma.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["pale gold","saffron","forest green","clay brown","pearl white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Diti in subdued royal attire offering añjali-mudrā, Kaśyapa with gold leaf halo; a small yajña-kuṇḍa with stylized flames; embossed gold borders, rich vermilion and green textiles, jewel-like detailing on ornaments and altar vessels.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: dawn light over an āśrama; Diti’s softened face and gentle bow; fine linework on trees and hut, cool greens with warm sunrise wash, delicate textiles and minimal ornamentation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal, iconic figures; Diti’s hands in namaskāra, Kaśyapa in teaching posture; strong saffron and green blocks, bold outlines, temple mural symmetry emphasizing resolve.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central vignette of acceptance framed by lotus creepers; small altar and patterned floor cloth; deep blue border with gold floral motifs, intricate textile ornamentation, devotional stillness."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft mantra hum","crackling fire (faint)","birds at dawn","gentle bell at the vow-like response"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तस्मान्मोहम् = तस्मात् + मोहम्; सदाधर्मम् = सदा + धर्मम्; दितिरुवाच = दितिः + उवाच; एवमस्तु = एवम् + अस्तु.
FAQs
It instructs one to renounce moha (delusion) and consistently rely on dharma (righteous conduct), presenting dharma as a stable refuge.
Diti is explicitly marked as speaking (“ditiḥ uvāca”), affirming she will follow the instruction addressed to her; the instructor is not named within this single verse.
Her assent (“So be it… I shall do your word”) models humility and commitment to reform—accepting guidance and aligning one’s actions with dharma.