Shloka 48
Praise of the Merits of Sacred Ponds, Tree-Planting, and Water-Charities
बहुपान्थे समायाते ग्रीष्मवर्षाशरत्स्वपि । अगरुकादि सौगंध्यं जलं पूगं सचंद्रकम्
bahupānthe samāyāte grīṣmavarṣāśaratsvapi | agarukādi saugaṃdhyaṃ jalaṃ pūgaṃ sacaṃdrakam
Apabila ramai musafir datang—sama ada pada musim panas, musim hujan atau musim luruh—hendaklah dihidangkan air harum yang disemarakkan dengan agaru dan seumpamanya, bersama pūga (pinang) serta minuman penyejuk laksana bulan (candrak).
Unspecified (narrative/instructional voice within Padma Purāṇa, Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa)
Concept: True charity is attentive and refined: offer not merely water, but thoughtfully prepared refreshment—fragrant, cooling, and accompanied by small comforts—especially when many travelers arrive.
Application: Practice ‘seasonal compassion’: in heat provide cool water; in rains provide dry seating; in travel seasons stock cups and hygiene—small additions (fragrance, cleanliness) make service dignified.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a shaded roadside pavilion, lines of travelers arrive with dust on their feet; attendants pour cool, clear water perfumed with agaru into brass and clay cups. Areca-nuts and a ‘moon-like’ cooling drink are offered on leaf plates, while the scene subtly shifts through three seasonal backdrops—summer glare, monsoon clouds, and autumn clarity—showing uninterrupted service.","primary_figures":["Prapā attendants","Travelers (pilgrims, merchants, families)","Donor (in the background, humble)"],"setting":"Roadside maṇḍapa with water jars, brass vessels, leaf plates, fragrant resin (agaru) container; seasonal vignettes blended in one composition.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["cool silver","monsoon indigo","agarwood brown","lotus pink","antique gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: bustling prapā pavilion with attendants offering agaru-scented water in ornate vessels, areca-nut on leaf plates, a luminous ‘moon-cool’ drink; gold-leaf highlights on cups and pavilion carvings, rich reds/greens, gem-like detailing, triptych-like seasonal panels (summer/rain/autumn).","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate hospitality scene with delicate gestures—water being poured, travelers resting; soft seasonal cues (rain clouds, autumn sky) in the background, cool palette, refined faces expressing relief.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized attendants and travelers in rhythmic rows, bold outlines; prominent water pot and vessel motifs; background bands indicating seasons with simple iconography (sun, rain, clear sky), natural pigments and temple-wall composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central pavilion framed by lotus borders; attendants offering perfumed water and cooling drink, peacocks and cows nearby; deep blue ground with gold and white ornament, intricate floral patterns suggesting fragrance and refreshment."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["water pouring","soft crowd murmur","rain in distance (seasonal)","birds","small bell chime"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śaratsvapi = śaratsu api; sacaṃdrakam = sa-candrakam.
FAQs
It recommends atithi-sevā (hospitality): offering scented water (perfumed with agaru and similar substances), along with areca-nut and a cooling refreshment, especially when many travelers arrive.
The verse frames hospitality as a consistent duty across changing conditions, while also implying season-sensitive care—cooling and refreshing offerings are particularly meaningful during heat, humidity, and post-monsoon travel.
Thoughtful generosity: serving basic comforts (water, fragrance, simple provisions) to wayfarers without discrimination, making dharma practical through everyday care for others.