Shloka 78
Kroṣṭu–Yādava Lineages, the Syamantaka Jewel, Krishna’s Birth Context, and the Māyāmoha Account
हत्वा ऋक्षः प्रसेनं च ततस्तं मणिमाददात् । प्रसेनं तु हतं श्रुत्वा गोविंदः परिशंकितः
hatvā ṛkṣaḥ prasenaṃ ca tatastaṃ maṇimādadāt | prasenaṃ tu hataṃ śrutvā goviṃdaḥ pariśaṃkitaḥ
Tendo matado Prasena, o urso tomou aquela joia. Mas, ao ouvir que Prasena fora morto, Govinda ficou desconfiado e apreensivo.
Narrator (Purāṇic narration; specific dialogue speaker not explicit in this single verse)
Concept: Even the blameless can be shadowed by suspicion; dharma requires patient inquiry before judgment.
Application: When hearing alarming news, pause, verify facts, and act to restore clarity rather than reacting defensively.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A tense moment in Dvārakā’s royal precincts: messengers whisper of Prasena’s death while Govinda stands still, eyes lowered in concern, the air heavy with unspoken accusation. In the distance, the forest line darkens like a looming question, hinting at the hidden cave and the jewel’s fate.","primary_figures":["Govinda (Krishna)","messengers","Yādava courtiers"],"setting":"Dvārakā palace corridor opening toward the city gates; distant forest silhouette beyond the walls","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["sapphire blue","smoky indigo","lamp-gold","ivory white","deep maroon"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Govinda in sapphire-blue garments with gold-leaf halo stands composed yet concerned in a palace corridor; courtiers and messengers cluster with anxious gestures; ornate pillars, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, gold leaf detailing on jewelry and architectural borders, traditional South Indian iconography with crisp symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Krishna in refined profile with delicate brushwork, cool twilight palette; courtiers whispering; Dvārakā architecture rendered lightly; distant forest as a soft wash; lyrical naturalism, fine textiles, subtle emotion in eyes and hands.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments; Govinda with characteristic large eyes and serene face, yet a slight furrow of concern; palace lamps and patterned walls; red/yellow/green palette with deep blue accents; temple-wall aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Krishna-centered composition with ornate floral borders; palace setting stylized with lotus motifs; attendants in rhythmic arrangement; deep blues and gold; peacocks at the margins as omens; intricate textile patterns and decorative symmetry."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low palace murmurs","distant conch shell","soft temple bells","night insects"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ततस्तं → ततः तम्; मणिमाददात् → मणिम् आददात्; प्रवाहानुसार ‘आददात्’ लङ्-रूप (आ-दा) ग्रहणम्।
FAQs
Prasena is the person said to have been killed; after his death, a bear (ṛkṣa) takes the jewel (maṇi), traditionally identified with the Syamantaka gem.
On hearing that Prasena has been slain, Govinda anticipates complications—misattribution of blame, loss of the jewel, and social suspicion—so he becomes wary and concerned.
The verse highlights how sudden violence and the loss of valuable property can trigger suspicion and social unrest, implying the need for careful inquiry, truth-seeking, and responsible leadership to prevent false accusations.