Shloka 118
Slaying of Andhaka; Hymn to the Sun; Glory of Brahmins; Gayatri Nyasa and Pranayama
भुंजंति चासुरास्तत्र प्रेता दैत्याश्च राक्षसाः । तस्माद्ब्राह्मणमाहूय तेषु कर्माणि कारयेत्
bhuṃjaṃti cāsurāstatra pretā daityāśca rākṣasāḥ | tasmādbrāhmaṇamāhūya teṣu karmāṇi kārayet
Di sana para Asura, Preta, Daitya dan Rakṣasa turut menikmati persembahan. Oleh itu, hendaklah memanggil seorang Brahmana dan melaksanakan upacara yang telah ditetapkan berkenaan hal itu.
Unspecified (narrative instruction within the Adhyaya; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma discourse typical of this section)
Concept: Because multiple unseen beings are implicated around offerings, one should employ a brāhmaṇa to ensure rites are correctly directed and protected.
Application: When undertaking sensitive rites (śrāddha, śānti, homa), prioritize competence, clarity, and ethical purity; avoid casual handling of sacred procedures.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At the edge of a yajña pavilion, shadowy pretas and rākṣasas linger beyond a protective ring of kusa grass and mantra-inscribed lines. A brāhmaṇa priest, calm and focused, completes the rite with precise gestures, and the shadows recede as the fire flares bright—order restored through correct performance.","primary_figures":["brāhmaṇa priest","householder yajamāna","shadowed pretas/daityas/rākṣasas (peripheral)","Agni"],"setting":"Yajña-śālā with a visible protective boundary (kusa ring, chalk mandala), offering vessels, and a bright central fire.","lighting_mood":"firelit protective glow","color_palette":["flame orange","protective white","charcoal black","saffron yellow","bronze"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: brāhmaṇa priest by a blazing Agni with gold leaf flames; a luminous protective mandala around the altar; shadowy peripheral beings outside the boundary; rich reds and greens, gem-like highlights, ornate frame emphasizing ‘rakṣā’ and auspicious completion.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: night-time yajña with warm firelight; delicate depiction of a protective circle and faint shadow-figures beyond; serene priest and attentive yajamāna; subtle gradients and refined linework, cool dark background with warm focal glow.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, strong contrast—bright central fire and priestly mudrā; stylized dark figures at the margins; red-yellow-green pigments, symmetrical protective geometry, temple-wall narrative clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central fire-altar framed by lotus borders; protective circular motif rendered as ornate floral mandala; peripheral shadow beings minimized into decorative silhouettes; deep blue ground with gold filigree and intricate border patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["crackling fire","soft bell","conch at completion","night insects (subtle)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चासुराः = च + असुराः; असुरास्तत्र = असुराः + तत्र; दैत्याश्च = दैत्याः + च; तस्माद्ब्राह्मणम् = तस्मात् + ब्राह्मणम्; ब्राह्मणमाहूय = ब्राह्मणम् + आहूय.
FAQs
It warns that improperly handled ritual offerings can be appropriated by non-beneficial beings (asuras/pretas/daityas/rakṣasas), implying the need for correct procedure and ritual safeguarding.
It advises calling a qualified Brāhmaṇa and having the appropriate prescribed ceremonies (karmāṇi) carried out correctly for that situation.
The verse emphasizes disciplined observance of dharma: sincerity is supported by right method, qualified guidance, and ritual correctness to ensure offerings and intentions reach their proper spiritual destination.