Shloka 108
The Glory of Dhātrī (Āmalakī) and Tulasī: Ekādaśī Observance and Protection from Preta States
यथा विष्णोः प्रियालक्ष्मीर्यथाहं प्रिय एव च । तथेयं तुलसीदेवी चतुर्थो नोपपद्यते
yathā viṣṇoḥ priyālakṣmīryathāhaṃ priya eva ca | tatheyaṃ tulasīdevī caturtho nopapadyate
Sebagaimana Lakṣmī dikasihi oleh Viṣṇu, dan sebagaimana aku juga dikasihi-Nya, demikian pula Dewi Tulasī ini dikasihi; tidak timbul yang keempat sebagai kekasih.
Not explicitly identifiable from the single verse (context needed from surrounding verses).
Concept: Tulasi belongs to the innermost sphere of Viṣṇu’s beloveds, alongside Lakṣmī and Śiva; her status is uniquely non-substitutable.
Application: In worship, prioritize what is dear to Viṣṇu (Tulasi, purity, humility) and avoid treating devotion as interchangeable ritualism; cultivate respect across sectarian lines (Śiva as Viṣṇu-priya).
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a celestial pavilion, Viṣṇu sits enthroned with Lakṣmī at his side; Śiva stands nearby in serene friendship, and Tulasi-devī appears as a green-gold goddess offering a single leaf that shines brighter than jewels. The composition conveys an intimate hierarchy of beloved presences—no space left for a ‘fourth’ beyond these sacred intimates.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu","Lakṣmī","Śiva","Tulasi-devī"],"setting":"Vaikuṇṭha-like jeweled hall with lotus pillars and a Tulasi-vṛndāvana motif woven into the architecture.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","gold leaf","emerald green","pearl white","vermillion red"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu and Lakṣmī on a gem-studded throne with heavy gold leaf halos; Śiva respectfully present as Viṣṇu-priya; Tulasi-devī offering a radiant leaf in the foreground; rich reds and greens, embossed gold borders, ornate lotus and Tulasi patterns, traditional South Indian iconography with jewel detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: an airy celestial court with delicate architectural lines; Viṣṇu-Lakṣmī seated, Śiva standing in calm companionship; Tulasi-devī in soft green garments offering a leaf; cool blues and greens, refined faces, lyrical clouds and distant peaks beyond the pavilion.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Viṣṇu with large expressive eyes, Lakṣmī in red-gold, Śiva in ash tones; Tulasi-devī in green-gold presenting a leaf; warm ochre background, temple-wall symmetry, stylized lotus borders and vine motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Viṣṇu-Lakṣmī with ornate floral borders; Tulasi leaf enlarged as a sacred emblem; peacocks and lotuses framing; deep blue and gold palette, symmetrical arrangement, Nathdwara-like decorative density while keeping Viṣṇu central."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","conch shell","celestial chimes","silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: priyālakṣmīr = priyā + lakṣmīḥ; yathāhaṃ = yathā + aham; tatheyaṃ = tathā + iyam; tulasīdevī = tulasī-devī (karmadhāraya); nopapadyate = na + upapadyate.
FAQs
It presents Tulasī as exceptionally dear to Viṣṇu, placing her among the foremost beloved divine figures and thereby supporting her central role in Vaiṣṇava worship and devotion.
By highlighting who is “dear” to Viṣṇu, it implies that devotion expressed through reverence to Viṣṇu’s beloveds—especially Tulasī—aligns the devotee with intimate divine favor.
It underscores exclusivity and hierarchy in devotion: one should honor what is foremost and divinely sanctioned, avoiding distraction by lesser or competing claims to spiritual primacy.