Shloka 14
Praise of Digging Wells and Building Water-Reservoirs
The Merit of Water-Works
चतुर्हस्तप्रमाणं तु कूपं खनति यः पुमान् । परोपकारकं नित्यं कल्पं स्वर्गं तु हायने
caturhastapramāṇaṃ tu kūpaṃ khanati yaḥ pumān | paropakārakaṃ nityaṃ kalpaṃ svargaṃ tu hāyane
Sesiapa yang menggali perigi berukuran empat hasta, dan sentiasa tekun berbuat kebajikan untuk orang lain, memperoleh syurga selama satu kalpa—bahkan (walau) setahun pun ia menikmati pahala syurgawi.
Unspecified (narrative voice within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa; exact dialogue speaker not provided in the input).
Concept: Constructing a well for others (paropakāra) generates vast, long-lasting heavenly merit—service becomes a durable spiritual investment.
Application: Support public goods—water access, shelters, food distribution—quietly and consistently; make one’s spirituality measurable in reduced suffering for others.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Villagers gather as a benefactor oversees the digging of a four-cubit well; the first clear water rises, reflecting the sky like a mirror of merit. Travelers and animals drink, while a subtle celestial ledger glows above, hinting at kalpa-long reward for simple, compassionate infrastructure.","primary_figures":["a donor (gṛhastha)","well-diggers","travelers","cows and birds"],"setting":"Dusty roadside near a banyan tree with a newly built stone well and water pots","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["earth ochre","stone beige","water turquoise","banyan green","sun gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: stone well at center with shimmering water highlighted by gold leaf; donor offering a water pot to a traveler; ornate border with auspicious motifs; rich reds/greens, gold leaf on water ripples and halos, traditional South Indian decorative density.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: rural roadside scene with banyan tree, delicate figures digging and drawing water; soft atmospheric perspective, gentle morning light, cool shadows; refined facial features and patterned garments.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of a circular well, stylized banyan leaves, donor figure in profile offering water; strong red/yellow/green palette with rhythmic repetition of pots and hands, temple-wall aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central circular well framed by lotus and floral borders; processional line of travelers and animals drinking; deep blue background with gold highlights, intricate foliage and peacock motifs symbolizing auspicious public charity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["rope creak and bucket splash","village ambience","birds near banyan","soft bell chime","wind over open land"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चतुर्हस्तप्रमाणम् = चतुर् + हस्त + प्रमाणम्; परोपकारकम् = पर + उपकारकम्
FAQs
It praises digging a well of a specified measure (four cubits), presenting it as a sustained act of public benefit (paropakāra) that yields great religious merit.
The verse associates this charitable act with attainment of heaven (svarga), describing the merit as lasting as long as a kalpa (aeon), and also mentioning merit accruing for (or within) a year.
It teaches that practical compassion—creating resources that serve many, like a well—counts as high dharma, and that ongoing service to others is spiritually transformative.