Shloka 160
Puṣkara Mahatmya: Brahmā’s Lotus-Tīrtha, Sacrifice, Initiation, and Kṣetra-Dharma
किं मनुष्यैरुतस्त्रीभिरुत वर्णाश्रमान्वितैः । वसद्भिः किमनुष्ठेयमेतत्सर्वं ब्रवीहि मे
kiṃ manuṣyairutastrībhiruta varṇāśramānvitaiḥ | vasadbhiḥ kimanuṣṭheyametatsarvaṃ bravīhi me
फक्त पुरुषांचेच काय—स्त्रियांचेही, तसेच वर्णाश्रमधर्मात स्थित असलेल्यांचेही? तेथे वास करणाऱ्यांनी काय-काय अनुष्ठान करावे—हे सर्व मला सांगा।
Unspecified interlocutor (questioner in the ongoing dialogue of Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa 15)
Concept: Spiritual practice at a sacred place is not restricted to one demographic; the essential question is: what should be done (anuṣṭhāna) by anyone who resides there?
Application: Ask ‘what practice should I adopt now?’ rather than ‘what label am I?’—choose daily disciplines (japa, charity, restraint, worship) suited to your station.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A respectful questioner gestures toward a mixed gathering—men and women, ascetics and householders—assembled near the sacred grove, all awaiting guidance. The sage’s calm presence suggests a single dharmic thread that can be tailored to each life-stage, while the tīrtha landscape quietly sanctifies the scene.","primary_figures":["Questioner (interlocutor)","Teaching sage","Men pilgrims","Women pilgrims","Ascetics and householders"],"setting":"Tīrtha assembly near a forest clearing with a view of Puṣkara Lake/ghats implied, ritual platforms and shade trees","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["warm amber","indigo","sandalwood tan","leaf green","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: sage on a decorated seat addressing a diverse assembly of men and women across āśramas, hands folded; gold leaf on halos and ornaments, rich vermillion and emerald garments, ornate lotus-border framing the inclusive congregation at a tīrtha.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined group scene with varied figures—ascetic in ochre, householder couple, elderly pilgrim—listening to a sage; delicate brushwork, soft earth tones with cool blues, lyrical trees and water hinted in the background.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: tiered audience composition, bold outlines, expressive eyes, sage central with teaching gesture; natural pigments, strong reds/yellows/greens, stylized trees and water bands.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: congregation arranged around a central teaching medallion, floral borders with lotus and vine motifs, deep blue ground with gold highlights; intricate textile patterning, devotional community atmosphere."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["murmur of pilgrims","temple bells","wind through trees","soft water lapping"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: उतस्त्रीभिः → उत + स्त्रीभिः (त् + स् → त्स्). वर्णाश्रमान्वितैः → वर्ण + आश्रम + अन्वितैः (अ + आ → आ; समास). किमनुष्ठेयम् → किम् + अनुष्ठेयम् (म् + अ → मा). एतत्सर्वम् → एतत् + सर्वम् (त् + स → त्स).
FAQs
The verse asks what religious or ethical practices (anuṣṭhāna) should be followed by all residents—men, women, and those aligned with varṇa-āśrama duties.
No. By explicitly mentioning men, women, and varṇa-āśrama followers and still asking “what should be practiced,” it frames a broader, inclusive inquiry into proper conduct for all.
It implies that right practice should be clearly taught and accessible to everyone living in a place or situation, not limited to a single social or ritual classification.