Shloka 93
The Bhīma-Dvādaśī
Kalyāṇinī) Vow and the Anangadāna-Vrata (with a Courtesan-Conduct Discourse
वेश्यानामपि यो धर्मस्तं नो ब्रूहि तपोधन । कथयिष्ये वदत्तासां यद्दाल्भ्यश्चैकितायनः
veśyānāmapi yo dharmastaṃ no brūhi tapodhana | kathayiṣye vadattāsāṃ yaddālbhyaścaikitāyanaḥ
Wahai khazanah tapa, beritahulah kami dharma dan tata laku yang terpakai bahkan bagi para pelacur istana. Aku akan menuturkan apa yang telah dinyatakan oleh Dālbhya dan Caikitāyana tentang mereka.
Narrator/sage addressing another ascetic (tapodhana); specific names not explicit in this single verse
Concept: Dharma is not suspended by social status; even courtesans have a code of conduct that can align life toward purification and merit.
Application: Avoid moral absolutism that dehumanizes; ask ‘what is the next right action’ for any person’s situation; support ethical pathways and reform rather than condemnation.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A circle of ascetics sits beneath a banyan, respectfully questioning a radiant tapodhana about the dharma applicable even to courtesans. Palm-leaf texts lie open, and the atmosphere is compassionate—seeking guidance rather than judgment.","primary_figures":["tapodhana (austerity-rich sage)","inquiring sages/disciples","Dālbhya","Caikitāyana"],"setting":"forest gurukula clearing with banyan tree, deer nearby, manuscripts and water pot (kamaṇḍalu)","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["banyan green","sandalwood beige","sunrise gold","terracotta","ink black"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a central tapodhana seated on a carved wooden seat, disciples in semicircle, palm-leaf manuscripts and kamaṇḍalu in foreground; ornate gold leaf haloing, rich reds/greens, temple-like framing, stylized flora, jewel-toned garments.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: gentle dawn in a forest classroom; delicate faces, soft shadows; the sage gestures in teaching mudrā while disciples listen; cool greens, pale gold sky, fine textile patterns, minimal gilding.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: teaching scene with bold outlines; the guru’s large eyes and calm smile; disciples in rhythmic arrangement; red/yellow/green pigments, floral borders, wall-painting texture.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: instructional tableau framed by lotus and creeper borders; central medallion of the guru teaching; side motifs of lamps and lotuses; deep indigo background with gold detailing, Nathdwara ornamental density."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["birds at dawn","rustling leaves","soft mridanga drone (subtle)","silence between question and answer"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वेश्यानाम्+अपि → वेश्यानामपि; धर्मः+तम् → धर्मस्तम्; तम्+नः → तं नो; यत्+दाल्भ्यः+च+एकितायनः → यद्दाल्भ्यश्चैकितायनः.
FAQs
It introduces a discussion on dharma (ethical conduct) specifically as it applies to veśyās (courtesans), framed as an authoritative teaching attributed to sages Dālbhya and Caikitāyana.
It primarily sets up the teaching: the speaker asks for the dharma to be explained and promises to narrate what earlier sages stated.
It implies that dharma is not limited to a single class or life-situation; moral responsibility and norms of conduct are discussed as applicable across social roles.