Shloka 8
Rudra’s Removal of Brahmahatyā; Kapālamocana and Avimukta Māhātmya; Origins of Nara and Karṇa
link to Arjuna/Karna query
त्राहित्राहीति मां विष्णो नरादस्माच्च शत्रुहन् । ब्रह्मणा निर्मितः पापो म्लेच्छरूपो भयंकरः
trāhitrāhīti māṃ viṣṇo narādasmācca śatruhan | brahmaṇā nirmitaḥ pāpo mleccharūpo bhayaṃkaraḥ
“Selamatkan aku, selamatkan aku, wahai Viṣṇu—pembinasa musuh—daripada lelaki ini! Brahmā telah mencipta seorang yang berdosa, menggerunkan, berwajah mleccha.”
Unspecified petitioner (a frightened speaker addressing Viṣṇu)
Concept: Calling upon Viṣṇu in संकट (distress) with direct, heartfelt prayer activates divine protection; nāma and address (‘trāhi trāhi’) are themselves salvific gestures.
Application: In crisis, articulate your fear plainly in prayer; name the refuge you trust, and seek protection without shame.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A trembling supplicant falls near Viṣṇu’s hermitage threshold, hands raised, crying ‘Trāhi, trāhi!’ while a shadowy, monstrous figure looms at the forest edge. Viṣṇu’s calm presence radiates assurance, turning the clearing into a circle of safety amid fear.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu","frightened petitioner (Trilocana or devotee figure)","the mleccha-rūpa terrifying being (as a looming presence)"],"setting":"forest hermitage threshold with sacred trees, a small altar, and a protective aura around Viṣṇu","lighting_mood":"moonlit fear at the edges, divine radiance at the center","color_palette":["midnight blue","pale silver","lotus pink","golden yellow","shadow black"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu seated serenely with gold leaf halo and ornate jewelry; supplicant kneeling with folded hands, tearful eyes; the monstrous mleccha-form hinted in darker tones at the border; rich reds/greens, gold embellishment emphasizing protection.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate devotional scene with delicate forest details; supplicant in humble posture, Viṣṇu calm and luminous; the threatening figure rendered as a distant dark silhouette; cool blues and silvers with soft pink highlights.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, expressive pleading gesture; Viṣṇu frontal with large eyes and bright pigments; the fearsome being stylized with darker palette; clear narrative contrast between refuge and threat.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Viṣṇu in deep blue with ornate floral borders; supplicant at his feet; outer ring shows dark forest and the looming threat; lotus motifs and gold detailing symbolizing divine shelter."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["soft conch","temple bells","night insects","gentle wind through leaves"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्राहित्राहीति = त्राहि + त्राहि + इति; नरादस्माच्च = नरात् + अस्मात् + च; ब्रह्मणा निर्मितः = ब्रह्मणा + निर्मितः
FAQs
It portrays a desperate appeal for refuge in Viṣṇu, while describing a terrifying being said to be created by Brahmā.
Literally it means “having a mleccha-form,” a Purāṇic label for someone seen as outside orthodox norms; in this verse it functions primarily as a marker of fearsome, impure, or hostile appearance/character.
In danger and fear, the devotee seeks protection from the divine (Viṣṇu), highlighting reliance on dharmic refuge rather than retaliation.