Shloka 27
The Yayāti Episode
with the Glory of Mātā–Pitṛ Tīrtha
एवं तुरुं सुशप्त्वैव यदुं पुत्रमथाब्रवीत् । जरां वै धारयस्वेह भुंक्ष्व राज्यमकंटकम्
evaṃ turuṃ suśaptvaiva yaduṃ putramathābravīt | jarāṃ vai dhārayasveha bhuṃkṣva rājyamakaṃṭakam
ഇങ്ങനെ തുരുവിനെ കഠിനമായി ശപിച്ച ശേഷം രാജാവ് തന്റെ പുത്രൻ യദുവിനോട് പറഞ്ഞു— “ഇവിടെ നീ ജര (വൃദ്ധാവസ്ഥ) ധരിക്ക; കണ്ഠകരഹിതമായ (നിർവിഘ്ന) രാജ്യം അനുഭവിക്ക.”
Unspecified in the provided excerpt (a father addressing his son Yadu after cursing Turu)
Concept: Acceptance of one’s allotted burden (here, jarā) can be framed as dharmic duty, enabling orderly kingship and a ‘thornless’ realm.
Application: Carry unavoidable hardships with steadiness; focus on constructive responsibility; remove ‘thorns’ (injustice, hostility, negligence) from one’s sphere through disciplined leadership and self-restraint.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A father-king, still stern from the curse just uttered, turns with softened eyes to Yadu and places a royal emblem in his hands. Behind them, the court brightens—guards lower their spears, and a symbolic thorny hedge outside the palace gate is shown being cleared, signifying a kingdom without obstacles.","primary_figures":["the father (curse-giver, now bestowing instruction)","Yadu (the son)","court attendants and ministers"],"setting":"royal sabhā opening onto a palace gate and a road being cleared of thorns; banners and a small shrine niche in the hall","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sunlit gold","royal blue","ivory white","vermilion","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: father-king bestowing counsel to Yadu in a luminous court, handing a royal seal/sword; gold leaf on throne, crown, and architectural arches; rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments; background vignette of workers clearing thorny brush from a road to symbolize ‘akantaka rājya’.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate court moment with delicate brushwork—father leaning toward Yadu, calm yet firm expressions; soft dawn light entering through arches, refined textiles, distant landscape road being cleared; cool-to-warm gradient palette, lyrical serenity with heroic undertone.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and temple-wall composition; father and Yadu in frontal poses, expressive eyes; bright reds/yellows/greens with a golden aura; symbolic thorn-bush being removed at the gate, emphasizing ‘akantaka’ rule.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central royal blessing scene framed by lotus borders; include auspicious motifs—conch, chakra, and a small Viṣṇu shrine niche—suggesting divine sanction of rājadharma; deep blues and gold, intricate floral borders, peacocks near the palace garden."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["court drums (soft)","conch shell (auspicious)","temple bells","murmur of approval","morning birds"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सुशप्त्वैव = सुशप्त्वा + एव; पुत्रमथाब्रवीत् = पुत्रम् + अथ + अब्रवीत्; धारयस्वेह = धारयस्व + इह; राज्यमकण्टकम् = राज्यम् + अकण्टकम्
FAQs
It is an idiom for a reign without “thorns”—i.e., without obstacles such as enemies, internal rebellion, or disruptive calamities—implying stable, unhindered sovereignty.
Purāṇic narratives sometimes portray youth/old age as boons or burdens that can be assumed or exchanged, highlighting the moral and karmic weight of actions and the extraordinary consequences of curses and blessings.
The verse underscores that speech and judgment have consequences: harsh condemnation can reshape destinies, while favor can confer protection and prosperity—encouraging restraint, discernment, and responsibility in exercising authority.