Shloka 34
Right Conduct, Offenses Against Brāhmaṇas, Truthfulness, and the Greatness of the Cow
Go-Māhātmya
न्यायेनोपार्जितां वृत्तिं ब्रह्मस्वं हरते तु यः । अक्षयं नरकं प्राप्य पुनर्जन्म न विद्यते
nyāyenopārjitāṃ vṛttiṃ brahmasvaṃ harate tu yaḥ | akṣayaṃ narakaṃ prāpya punarjanma na vidyate
Sesiapa yang merampas nafkah yang diperoleh dengan adil—harta suci milik para brāhmaṇa (brahmasva)—akan mencapai neraka yang kekal; dan baginya tiada kelahiran semula selepas itu.
Unspecified in the provided excerpt (context needed from Adhyaya 48 to identify the dialogue pair).
Concept: Brahmasva (property meant for brāhmaṇas and sacred purposes) is inviolable; theft of it leads to extreme, enduring downfall.
Application: Maintain scrupulous integrity with donations, temple funds, scholarships, and entrusted resources; avoid exploiting religious/educational institutions; practice transparent accounting and restitution if wrong occurs.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A courtroom-like cosmic scene: a trembling offender clutches a bundle of stolen sacred wealth while Yama’s attendants loom, and a blazing inscription ‘brahmasva’ appears like fire across the sky. In the distance, a serene brāhmaṇa-sage sits in japa, untouched, emphasizing that the crime is against sacred order rather than a mere person.","primary_figures":["Yama","Yamadūtas","A brāhmaṇa sage","The offender (symbolic)"],"setting":"A liminal ‘nāraka-gate’ with pillars resembling temple architecture, blending earthly theft with cosmic judgment.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["charcoal black","flame orange","blood red","antique gold","smoky blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Yama enthroned with gold leaf crown and halo, gem-studded ornaments; the offender shown below with a bundle of coins/cloth labeled as sacred trust; ornate pillars, rich reds and greens, heavy gold embossing on Yama’s throne and the fiery ‘brahmasva’ script motif; traditional iconography with dramatic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined Yama court with delicate linework, cool slate background, controlled flames; expressive but subtle fear on the offender’s face; a calm brāhmaṇa in the corner with rosary; intricate textile patterns, restrained gold accents, lyrical yet stern mood.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, flat pigments; Yama with characteristic large eyes and elaborate crown, attendants in dynamic poses; stylized flames forming the word ‘brahmasva’ as a motif; red-yellow-green palette with deep black ground, temple-wall composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative panel framed by lotus and geometric borders; central Yama figure stylized, attendants arranged symmetrically; decorative flames and gold highlights; include small vignettes of charity vs theft along the border as moral contrast, deep blues and reds with intricate floral filigree."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["thunder-like mridanga strokes","conch shell blast","metallic bell strikes","ominous drone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: न्यायेनोपार्जिताम् = न्यायेन + उपार्जिताम्; पुनर्जन्म = पुनर् + जन्म.
FAQs
“Brahmasva” refers to property belonging to Brahmins (or what is designated for them), and by extension, goods meant for sacred/learned custodians; taking it is treated as a grave adharma.
The verse condemns depriving someone of their legitimately earned livelihood—especially by misappropriating protected or sacredly designated property—and warns of severe karmic consequences.
No. This verse is primarily a dharma-ethical warning about theft/appropriation (especially of brahmasva), rather than describing sacred geography or outlining devotional (bhakti) practice.