Shloka 118
Slaying of Andhaka; Hymn to the Sun; Glory of Brahmins; Gayatri Nyasa and Pranayama
भुंजंति चासुरास्तत्र प्रेता दैत्याश्च राक्षसाः । तस्माद्ब्राह्मणमाहूय तेषु कर्माणि कारयेत्
bhuṃjaṃti cāsurāstatra pretā daityāśca rākṣasāḥ | tasmādbrāhmaṇamāhūya teṣu karmāṇi kārayet
അവിടെ അസുരന്മാർ, പ്രേതങ്ങൾ, ദൈത്യന്മാർ, രാക്ഷസന്മാർ എന്നിവരും (അർപ്പണത്തിൽ) പങ്കു കൈക്കൊള്ളുന്നു; അതുകൊണ്ട് ബ്രാഹ്മണനെ വിളിച്ചു ആ വിധികർമങ്ങൾ നടത്തിക്കൊള്ളണം।
Unspecified (narrative instruction within the Adhyaya; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma discourse typical of this section)
Concept: Because multiple unseen beings are implicated around offerings, one should employ a brāhmaṇa to ensure rites are correctly directed and protected.
Application: When undertaking sensitive rites (śrāddha, śānti, homa), prioritize competence, clarity, and ethical purity; avoid casual handling of sacred procedures.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At the edge of a yajña pavilion, shadowy pretas and rākṣasas linger beyond a protective ring of kusa grass and mantra-inscribed lines. A brāhmaṇa priest, calm and focused, completes the rite with precise gestures, and the shadows recede as the fire flares bright—order restored through correct performance.","primary_figures":["brāhmaṇa priest","householder yajamāna","shadowed pretas/daityas/rākṣasas (peripheral)","Agni"],"setting":"Yajña-śālā with a visible protective boundary (kusa ring, chalk mandala), offering vessels, and a bright central fire.","lighting_mood":"firelit protective glow","color_palette":["flame orange","protective white","charcoal black","saffron yellow","bronze"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: brāhmaṇa priest by a blazing Agni with gold leaf flames; a luminous protective mandala around the altar; shadowy peripheral beings outside the boundary; rich reds and greens, gem-like highlights, ornate frame emphasizing ‘rakṣā’ and auspicious completion.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: night-time yajña with warm firelight; delicate depiction of a protective circle and faint shadow-figures beyond; serene priest and attentive yajamāna; subtle gradients and refined linework, cool dark background with warm focal glow.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, strong contrast—bright central fire and priestly mudrā; stylized dark figures at the margins; red-yellow-green pigments, symmetrical protective geometry, temple-wall narrative clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central fire-altar framed by lotus borders; protective circular motif rendered as ornate floral mandala; peripheral shadow beings minimized into decorative silhouettes; deep blue ground with gold filigree and intricate border patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["crackling fire","soft bell","conch at completion","night insects (subtle)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चासुराः = च + असुराः; असुरास्तत्र = असुराः + तत्र; दैत्याश्च = दैत्याः + च; तस्माद्ब्राह्मणम् = तस्मात् + ब्राह्मणम्; ब्राह्मणमाहूय = ब्राह्मणम् + आहूय.
FAQs
It warns that improperly handled ritual offerings can be appropriated by non-beneficial beings (asuras/pretas/daityas/rakṣasas), implying the need for correct procedure and ritual safeguarding.
It advises calling a qualified Brāhmaṇa and having the appropriate prescribed ceremonies (karmāṇi) carried out correctly for that situation.
The verse emphasizes disciplined observance of dharma: sincerity is supported by right method, qualified guidance, and ritual correctness to ensure offerings and intentions reach their proper spiritual destination.