Shloka 61
Instruction to Śatrughna and the Mobilization for Rāma’s Aśvamedha
वृद्धानां प्रेरणं पूर्वं मा कुर्वीथा रणं जय । पूज्यपूजातिक्रमं त्वं मा विधेहि दयान्वितः
vṛddhānāṃ preraṇaṃ pūrvaṃ mā kurvīthā raṇaṃ jaya | pūjyapūjātikramaṃ tvaṃ mā vidhehi dayānvitaḥ
ഹേ ജയ, ആദ്യം വൃദ്ധന്മാരെ യുദ്ധത്തിലേക്ക് പ്രേരിപ്പിക്കരുത്; കരുണയോടെ പൂജ്യരുടെ ബഹുമാനം ലംഘിക്കരുത്।
Unspecified (contextual speaker not provided in the input excerpt)
Concept: Do not provoke elders into battle first; do not overstep the honor due to the venerable—compassion must include reverence.
Application: In teams and families, don’t push seniors into stressful conflict; seek counsel, honor experience, and avoid disrespect disguised as efficiency.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A compassionate commander addresses a younger warrior named Jaya, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder as elders sit nearby with calm dignity. The scene emphasizes restraint: the young man’s eagerness to rush into conflict is softened into respectful listening, as lamps flicker like witnesses to dharma.","primary_figures":["Jaya (young warrior)","compassionate counselor/commander (speaker)","elders (vṛddhas) seated in council"],"setting":"War-council hall or hermitage-court with elders on raised seats, weapons set aside, and a respectful distance maintained; scrolls and ceremonial staff indicating authority.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["soft gold","earth brown","sage green","royal blue","cream"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: council scene with elders on a dais, the speaker gesturing ‘do not incite them first’; gold leaf on throne edges and lamp halos; rich reds/greens with royal blue garments; gem-studded ornaments minimal to keep humility; expressive yet serene faces emphasizing reverence.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined courtly interior with elders seated, young warrior Jaya slightly bowed; delicate textiles, pale morning light, subtle architectural arches; emphasis on respectful spacing and gentle hand gestures; cool greens and creams for calm authority.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, symmetrical council composition; elders with dignified posture, speaker with compassionate mudra; natural pigments—mustard yellow, red, green; temple-wall didactic clarity with minimal background clutter.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central medallion of ‘vṛddha-pūjā’—elders framed by lotus borders; repeating motifs of folded hands and lamps; deep blue ground with gold vine-work; peacocks at corners symbolizing vigilance and decorum."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft council murmurs","temple bell (distant)","rustle of cloth","morning birds","quiet drum far away"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: Compound: पूज्यपूजातिक्रमम् = पूज्य + पूजा + अतिक्रम; दयान्वितः = दया + अन्वितः.
FAQs
It teaches restraint in conflict and insists on honoring elders and the reverence due to those who are worthy of respect, warning against incitement and disrespect.
It implies a fault of overstepping or violating proper honor—acting in a way that breaches the respect owed to venerable or worship-worthy persons.
It frames dharma as self-control and humility: a righteous person should not provoke elders into war and must avoid actions that dishonor respected figures, even amid conflict.