Shloka 176
Right Conduct, Offenses Against Brāhmaṇas, Truthfulness, and the Greatness of the Cow
Go-Māhātmya
ताम्रपृष्ठीं रौप्यखुरां तथा कांस्योपदोहनाम् । शोभितां गंधपुष्पैश्च सर्वालंकारभूषितां
tāmrapṛṣṭhīṃ raupyakhurāṃ tathā kāṃsyopadohanām | śobhitāṃ gaṃdhapuṣpaiśca sarvālaṃkārabhūṣitāṃ
താമ്രവർണ്ണ പൃഷ്ഠമുള്ളവൾ, വെള്ളിഖുരങ്ങളുള്ളവൾ, കാംസ്യ ദോഹനപാത്രയുക്ത—സുഗന്ധപുഷ്പങ്ങളാൽ ശോഭിതയും സർവാഭരണങ്ങളാൽ അലങ്കൃതയുമായ ഗോവു.
Unspecified in provided excerpt (context needed from surrounding verses; commonly a narrator within a dialogue frame in Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa).
Concept: Ritual gifting is performed with beauty, completeness, and reverence—outer adornment expressing inner intention (bhāva) and dharmic order.
Application: When giving—time, resources, help—offer it thoughtfully and respectfully; let presentation reflect sincerity, not vanity.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ceremonial kapilā cow is depicted like a moving altar: copper-hued back shimmering, silver hooves catching the light, and a bronze milking vessel placed beside her on a bed of fresh grass. Garlands of fragrant flowers drape her neck while ritual attendants prepare offerings, turning the act of dāna into a visual hymn of auspiciousness.","primary_figures":["Kapilā cow","Ritual attendants (brāhmaṇa assistants)"],"setting":"Sacrificial courtyard with kusa grass, flower baskets, bronze vessels, and a low altar; calm domestic-sacred atmosphere.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["burnished copper","sterling silver","bronze brown","marigold orange","jasmine white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: richly ornamented kapilā cow with gold-leaf highlights on garlands and jewelry; copper-toned body with stylized sheen, silver hooves rendered with metallic paint effect; bronze vessel near lotus motifs; ornate arch and deep red-green background, gem-studded borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtyard scene with delicate floral garlands; subtle metallic suggestion for silver hooves; refined faces of attendants, soft shadows, detailed textile patterns; gentle, lyrical realism with warm earth tones.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: iconic cow with patterned copper body, bold outlines; stylized silver hooves and bronze vessel as flat symbolic shapes; rhythmic floral motifs, lamp-lit sanctity, temple-wall composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: cow centered amid dense floral borders and lotus creepers; bronze vessel and garlands integrated into symmetrical ornament; deep blue or maroon ground with gold detailing, intricate textile-like patterning."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","flower rustle","soft chanting of dāna-mantras","clink of metal vessels"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गंधपुष्पैश्च = गन्धपुष्पैः + च; सर्वालंकारभूषितां = सर्व + अलंकार + भूषिताम् (समास/संयोग).
FAQs
The verse describes a richly ornamented cow—specified with a copper-colored back, silver hooves, and a bronze milking vessel—decorated with fragrant flowers.
Such details typically signal an idealized ritual gift (dāna), emphasizing auspiciousness, sincerity, and the donor’s intention to offer something complete and honorable.
Not directly in this standalone line; it functions as descriptive imagery (often within a dāna/rite context). The ethical or devotional lesson depends on the surrounding dialogue and purpose of the described offering.