Shloka 39
Protection of Brāhmaṇas
प्राणा ममापि गच्छंतु सुखी भवतु बालकः । बालकार्थे द्विजार्थे च स्वाम्यर्थे ये जना इह
prāṇā mamāpi gacchaṃtu sukhī bhavatu bālakaḥ | bālakārthe dvijārthe ca svāmyarthe ye janā iha
«Que até o meu próprio sopro de vida se vá; que o menino seja feliz. Aqueles que aqui agem pelo bem do menino, pelo bem de um brāhmaṇa e pelo bem de seu senhor são dignos de honra.»
Unspecified (context-dependent; speaker not identifiable from the single verse alone)
Concept: Self-sacrifice for the welfare of the dependent (child), reverence for brāhmaṇas, and faithful service are praised as honor-worthy dharma.
Application: Prioritize protection of dependents, support teachers/learned persons, and act with integrity in responsibilities—even at personal cost.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A solemn household scene: an elder or guardian, eyes moist yet steady, offers a blessing that the child may live happily even if his own breath must depart. The child stands near a small altar with a lotus motif, while onlookers—brāhmaṇas and attendants—witness the vow-like utterance of self-giving.","primary_figures":["a compassionate sage/guardian","a young brāhmaṇa boy","household attendants","brāhmaṇa elders"],"setting":"threshold of a traditional courtyard home with a small yajña-vedi in the background, tulasī planter at the edge, ritual vessels and kusa grass subtly placed","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp-flame amber","lotus pink","sandalwood beige","deep maroon","antique gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a compassionate sage in white garments raises a blessing hand toward a young brāhmaṇa boy beside a small yajña-altar; gold leaf halos, rich maroon backdrop, emerald-green borders, gem-studded ornaments on ritual vessels, stylized lotus medallions, South Indian iconographic symmetry, ornate arch frame.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtyard scene with delicate brushwork; the sage’s tender expression and the boy’s innocence emphasized; cool pastel walls, fine textile patterns, small yajña-vedi with thin smoke, lyrical trees and a tiny tulasī pot, refined facial features and gentle gestures.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and warm natural pigments; the sage and boy in frontal three-quarter poses, large expressive eyes; red-ochre floor, yellow-green background foliage, stylized ritual implements, rhythmic decorative borders like temple wall art.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional courtyard with lotus motifs and ornate floral borders; include a subtle Viṣṇu presence via a śaṅkha-cakra emblem above the altar; deep indigo ground, gold highlights, peacocks at the border, intricate textile patterning around the child as an auspicious center."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","low yajña fire crackle","distant conch shell","night insects","brief silence after the vow"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ममापि → मम + अपि; गच्छंतु → गच्छन्तु; बालकार्थे/द्विजार्थे/स्वाम्यर्थे = (समास) + सप्तमी एकवचन; स्वाम्यर्थे → स्वामि-अर्थे (यण्-सन्धि/लोप in recitation)
FAQs
It elevates self-sacrifice and protective duty—valuing another’s welfare (especially a child) even above one’s own life, and honoring service done for vulnerable dependents, brāhmaṇas, and one’s rightful superior.
They represent classical dharma-priorities: protecting the vulnerable (the child), supporting sacred/social responsibility (dvija/brāhmaṇa), and fulfilling entrusted duty or loyalty (svāmī/master).
The wording praises action done “for the master’s sake” within a dharma frame; traditional readings treat svāmī as a legitimate superior (guardian, patron, ruler, or lord), not as a license for unethical harm.