Shloka 74
Instruction to Śatrughna and the Mobilization for Rāma’s Aśvamedha
परस्त्रियं त्वं करवालवत्त्यजन्भवेर्यशोभूषणभूतिभूमिः । एवं ममादेशमथाचरंश्च लभेः परं धाम सुयोगमीड्यम्
parastriyaṃ tvaṃ karavālavattyajanbhaveryaśobhūṣaṇabhūtibhūmiḥ | evaṃ mamādeśamathācaraṃśca labheḥ paraṃ dhāma suyogamīḍyam
परस्त्रीला तलवारीसारखी टाकून दे; असे केल्याने तू समृद्धीची भूमी आणि यशाचे भूषण होशील. आणि माझा आदेश पाळून सुयोग्यांनी स्तुत्य असे परम धाम प्राप्त करशील.
Unspecified (a senior authority/teacher figure addressing a listener in an instructive tone)
Concept: Avoiding para-strī (another’s spouse) is essential; moral restraint yields reputation and prosperity, and obedience to dharmic instruction leads to the supreme abode.
Application: Maintain strict boundaries and fidelity; treat temptations as dangerous weapons; follow ethical counsel from trustworthy teachers; align livelihood and relationships with dharma to support spiritual practice.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A young prince or householder stands at a crossroads where a gleaming sword lies on the path labeled ‘temptation’; he steps away, hands folded, choosing the safer dharmic road. Above, a luminous gateway to the ‘parama dhāma’ appears like a distant Vaikuṇṭha arch, while elders or a guru-figure gestures in instruction, emphasizing obedience and restraint.","primary_figures":["a disciplined householder/prince","a guru/elder instructor","symbolic personification of temptation (optional, subtle)","Vishnu’s supreme abode (symbolic)"],"setting":"A palace garden edge transitioning into a forest path—symbolizing worldly life meeting spiritual journey.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["ivory","deep green","steel gray","saffron ochre","celestial gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central figure turning away from a jewel-handled sword on the ground, guru with raised hand of instruction, distant Vaikuṇṭha arch in gold leaf with ornate pillars; rich reds/greens, embossed gold for the ‘parama dhāma’, traditional ornaments and patterned textiles.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined courtly garden with delicate trees, the sword rendered small but sharp, protagonist stepping back with composed face; guru seated on a low platform; distant luminous palace-in-the-sky hinting at supreme abode; cool palette with gentle saffron highlights.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, symbolic sword as a strong motif, protagonist in profile with calm eyes, guru figure authoritative; background split into earthly greens and a golden celestial band representing the supreme abode; natural pigment palette and mural symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: moral allegory framed by floral borders; central figure choosing dharma path, sword motif stylized among lotuses; upper register shows Vaikuṇṭha-like pavilion with Vishnu symbols (conch, discus) amid gold and deep blue; intricate creepers and peacocks at corners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"authoritative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low temple drum (mridang)","brief bell strikes","wind through trees","measured silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: करवालवत्त्यजन् = करवालवत् + त्यजन्; त्यजन्भवेः = त्यजन् + भवेः; भवेर्यशो... = भवेः + यशो...; mamādeśamathācaraṃśca = मम + आदेशम् + अथ + आचरन् + च; suyogamīḍyam = सुयोगम् + ईड्यम्.
FAQs
It teaches strict restraint regarding another man’s wife, urging one to avoid adultery as something dangerous and destructive—“like a sword.”
It states that following the given dharmic instruction leads not only to social honor and prosperity, but also to attaining the “supreme abode” praised by the truly disciplined.
A sword signifies danger and harm; the metaphor warns that illicit desire can quickly ruin one’s life, reputation, and spiritual progress.