Shloka 37
The Procedure for the Consecration of a Pond
गवां व्रतं विकीर्णं च रक्षोघ्नं च यमं तथा । गायेयुः सामगा राजन्पश्चिमद्वारमाश्रिताः
gavāṃ vrataṃ vikīrṇaṃ ca rakṣoghnaṃ ca yamaṃ tathā | gāyeyuḥ sāmagā rājanpaścimadvāramāśritāḥ
Wahai Raja, para penyanyi Sāma yang ditempatkan di pintu barat akan mendendangkan nyanyian tentang “vrata lembu”, “Vikīrṇa”, “Rakṣoghna” (pembinasa makhluk jahat) dan juga “Yama”.
Unspecified narrator addressing a king (rājan) within the ongoing dialogue context of Adhyaya 27
Concept: Ritual sound (sāman) is a form of protection and cosmic ordering when correctly placed and performed.
Application: Create ‘gatekeeping’ for the mind: begin daily worship with a protective invocation and a vow of gentleness (go-sevā, ahiṃsā, gratitude).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At a grand yajña enclosure, the western gateway is draped with mango leaves and garlands while Sāma-chanters sit in a semicircle, singing from palm-leaf manuscripts. Their voices form a visible aura—like ripples of light—pushing back shadowy rākṣasa silhouettes beyond the boundary, while cows stand calmly inside the protected space.","primary_figures":["Sāmagas (Sāma-chanters)","a listening king (rājan)","ritual attendants","cows (go)","subtle rākṣasa-forms at the perimeter"],"setting":"Yajña-śālā with four gates, western gate emphasized; altar smoke, kusa grass, ritual banners, cow-pen nearby","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["smoke gray","saffron gold","deep maroon","leaf green","moonstone white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a richly ornamented yajña pavilion with the western gate framed by gold-leaf arches; Sāma-chanters in traditional white with red borders singing, palm-leaf texts in hand; serene cows inside the boundary; faint dark rākṣasa shapes outside; heavy gold leaf embellishment on gate, lamps, and ornaments; rich reds and greens, gem-studded details, South Indian iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a lyrical yajña courtyard with delicate linework; the western gate marked by a painted torana; Sāma-chanters seated on patterned rugs, singing; soft night sky transitioning to dawn; cows resting peacefully; subtle shadow-figures beyond the fence; cool yet warm-balanced palette, refined faces, gentle naturalism.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments; the western gate as a stylized temple doorway; Sāma-chanters with expressive eyes and rhythmic hand gestures; swirling mantra-aura as patterned bands; cows rendered with decorative motifs; strong red/yellow/green palette with lamp-lit ambience.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a sacred enclosure with ornate floral borders and lotus motifs; the western gate guarded by singing priests; cows central and auspicious; peacocks perched on the torana; deep indigo background with gold highlights; intricate textile-like detailing, Nathdwara-inspired ornamentation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","low drone of sāman chanting","crackling ghee lamps","distant conch shell","night insects"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: राजन्पश्चिमद्वारमाश्रिताः = राजन् + पश्चिमद्वारम् + आश्रिताः (final -न् + p- → np; द्वारम् + आश्रिताः: m+a → mā by sandhi in writing).
FAQs
It suggests a ritual or ceremonial arrangement with designated chanters positioned at specific gates/directions, indicating an ordered sacred space (such as a temple, enclosure, or ritual arena) where protective and auspicious chants are assigned by location.
“Rakṣoghna” literally means “slayer of rākṣasas” or “destroyer of malign forces,” implying a protective chant/hymn intended to ward off evil influences during a rite.
The verse highlights disciplined sacred order: placing trained chanters in appointed directions and employing protective hymns reflects the principle that spiritual life and ritual success depend on right arrangement, vigilance, and adherence to prescribed duties.