Shloka 55
Instruction on All Dharma
in the context of Rāma’s Aśvamedha
नाश्नंतीं स्त्रियमीक्षेत तेजःकामो नरोत्तमः । मुखेनोपधमेन्नाग्निं नग्नां नेक्षेत योषितम्
nāśnaṃtīṃ striyamīkṣeta tejaḥkāmo narottamaḥ | mukhenopadhamennāgniṃ nagnāṃ nekṣeta yoṣitam
തേജസ് (ആത്മീയ ദീപ്തി) ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്ന ഉത്തമപുരുഷൻ സ്ത്രീ ഭക്ഷിക്കുമ്പോൾ അവളെ നോക്കരുത്. വായാൽ അഗ്നിയിൽ ഊതരുത്; നഗ്നയായ സ്ത്രീയെ നോക്കുകയും അരുത്।
Unspecified (instructional/normative verse; speaker not identifiable from the single verse alone)
Concept: To preserve tejas, one should practice sensory restraint, modesty, and careful conduct in daily acts.
Application: Cultivate respectful gaze and boundaries; avoid voyeurism and objectifying attention; use safe methods for tending fire (tools, breath control) and keep speech gentle and measured.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A contemplative moral tableau: the householder sits near a small sacred fire, using a fan or bellows rather than blowing with his mouth; his gaze is lowered in disciplined modesty. Around him, faint temptations appear as translucent scenes—improper looking and distraction—dissolving into a calm aura of tejas depicted as a steady golden radiance around his head and heart.","primary_figures":["householder (gṛhastha)","sacred fire (agni) as a living presence","allegorical Tejas (aura)"],"setting":"simple ritual corner with fire pit, bellows/fan, water pot, mala, modest domestic space","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["embers orange","aura gold","charcoal black","cream white","deep teal"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: disciplined gṛhastha beside agni, gold leaf aura of tejas, ornate yet restrained composition, rich reds/greens, gem-like detailing on ritual implements, moral allegory rendered with traditional iconographic clarity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate interior with delicate fire glow, subtle psychological expression, cool shadows, refined linework; translucent temptation vignettes fading at the margins.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, agni rendered as stylized face/flame, strong tejas halo, earthy pigments, clear didactic posture and lowered gaze.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central figure with golden aura, agni motif framed by lotus borders; deep blue background with gold highlights; intricate floral patterns symbolizing purity and restraint."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft fire crackle","gentle bell","controlled breath (not blowing)","night silence","tanpura drone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नाश्नंतीं = न + अश्नन्तीम्; स्त्रियमीक्षेत = स्त्रियम् + ईक्षेत; मुखेनोपधमेन् = मुखेन + उपधमेत्; उपधमेन्नाग्निम् = उपधमेत् + न + अग्निम्; नग्नां नेक्षेत = नग्नाम् + न + ईक्षेत
FAQs
It prescribes restraint and etiquette for one seeking tejas (spiritual vitality): avoid improper gazing, maintain modesty norms, and follow disciplined conduct in ordinary actions.
It reflects a traditional purity/etiquette rule: the mouth (associated with breath and saliva) should not be used to fan sacred or domestic fire, encouraging cleanliness and reverence in ritualized daily life.
It frames spirituality as supported by niyama (disciplined observance). Tejas is presented as something protected by careful conduct, not only by formal worship.