Shloka 19
The Deception of Vṛtra
सहस्राक्षो महाप्राज्ञो भवता सह सत्तम । मैत्रमिच्छति वै कर्तुं तत्कथं न करोषि किम्
sahasrākṣo mahāprājño bhavatā saha sattama | maitramicchati vai kartuṃ tatkathaṃ na karoṣi kim
हे सत्तमा, सहस्राक्ष महाप्राज्ञ इंद्र तुझ्याशी खरोखर मैत्री करू इच्छितो; मग तू ते का करीत नाहीस?
Unspecified (contextual narrator/speaker not provided in the input)
Concept: Even a rival’s offer of peace should be weighed rationally; refusing conciliation without cause perpetuates saṁsāric cycles of retaliation.
Application: When a sincere peace-offer is extended, examine motives but do not reject dialogue out of pride; ask ‘what prevents agreement?’ honestly.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A messenger-figure or sage-like counselor addresses Vṛtra with open palms, pointing toward a distant, radiant Indra seated on a cloud-throne. The composition balances two powers across a calm horizon, emphasizing negotiation over combat.","primary_figures":["Vṛtra","Indra (Sahasrākṣa)","Counselor/voice of persuasion (sage or envoy)"],"setting":"Sky-meets-earth vista: a battlefield edge with a visible celestial court in the distance, suggesting two realms in dialogue.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["pale gold","cloud white","steel blue","maroon","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Indra on a jeweled throne atop stylized clouds with gold-leaf radiance; Vṛtra in regal armor at left; an envoy in the center gesturing peace; rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, gold leaf highlighting Indra’s aura and the envoy’s dharmic gesture.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: airy landscape with soft dawn wash; Indra small but luminous in the upper distance; Vṛtra large in the foreground listening; delicate facial expressions conveying persuasion; cool blues and muted maroons with fine linework.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Indra with characteristic large eyes and ornate crown, seated amid stylized cloud bands; Vṛtra facing him; central speaker with emphatic hand-mudrā; bold outlines and warm pigment blocks emphasizing moral dialogue.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical layout with Indra framed by lotus medallions above, Vṛtra below; floral borders and peacocks; deep blue ground with gold highlights; the envoy as a vertical axis of reconciliation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["conch shell in the distance","murmur of wind","soft drum pulse","brief pauses for rhetorical question"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मैत्रमिच्छति = मैत्रम् + इच्छति; तत्कथं = तत् + कथम्; सहस्राक्षो/महाप्राज्ञो इति विसर्ग-लोपः पदान्ते।
FAQs
“Sahasrākṣa” (the thousand-eyed) is a common epithet of Indra, the king of the devas.
It promotes reconciliation and forming friendly relations when approached with goodwill, especially by a wise and powerful party.
The verse reflects the importance of maitri (alliance/friendship) and prudent diplomacy—accepting sincere friendship rather than prolonging conflict.