Shloka 92
Prohibitions and Rules of Right Conduct (Ācāra): Theft, Speech, Purity, Residence, and Social Boundaries
देवतायतनं प्राज्ञा देवानां चैव सत्रिणाम् । नाक्रामेत्कामतश्छायां ब्राह्मणानां च गोरपि
devatāyatanaṃ prājñā devānāṃ caiva satriṇām | nākrāmetkāmataśchāyāṃ brāhmaṇānāṃ ca gorapi
Ó sábios, não se deve pisar o recinto de uma deidade, nem os lugares pertencentes aos deuses ou aos sacrificadores; nem, por mero capricho, pisar a sombra de um brāhmaṇa ou mesmo de uma vaca.
Unspecified (narratorial/didactic voice within Svarga-khaṇḍa Adhyaya 55)
Concept: Do not violate sacred precincts or the dignity of brāhmaṇas and cows—even subtly; reverence is practiced through careful bodily awareness.
Application: In temples and ritual spaces, move attentively; avoid careless disrespect toward elders/teachers and animals; practice ‘micro-ahimsa’—small acts of consideration that train the heart for bhakti.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A temple complex is shown with clearly marked sacred precincts—stone thresholds, ritual platforms, and a yajña pavilion where sacrificers gather. A brāhmaṇa and a gentle cow pass by; the devotee steps aside carefully, avoiding even their shadows, conveying a heightened sensitivity to sanctity that turns ordinary walking into worship.","primary_figures":["devotee practitioner","brāhmaṇa","cow","sacrificers (satrins/yajamānas)","deity presence implied in temple"],"setting":"Temple courtyard with yajña-śālā, boundary stones, shaded colonnades casting long shadows, and a calm procession path.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sunlit gold","ivory white","sacred vermilion","peacock green","shadow violet"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: grand temple courtyard with gold-leaf embellished gopura and pillars, a yajña pavilion with satrins, a serene cow and brāhmaṇa walking, the devotee stepping aside to avoid their shadows, rich reds/greens, ornate jewelry on temple iconography, intricate floor patterns and threshold markers.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: soft dawn light casting long violet shadows across a courtyard, delicate figures of brāhmaṇa and cow, the devotee poised mid-step in respectful avoidance, refined architectural lines, gentle naturalism with trees beyond the temple wall.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized temple precinct with bold outlines and patterned floors, cow rendered with iconic grace, brāhmaṇa with traditional features, devotee in añjali stepping away from shadows, strong red/yellow/green palette with decorative borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: courtyard framed by elaborate floral and lotus borders, cow central as auspicious motif, temple and yajña pavilion stylized, deep blue background with gold highlights, peacocks near pillars, devotee carefully avoiding shadows as a devotional gesture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["temple bells","low Vedic chanting from yajña pavilion","cow bells","morning birds","conch shell (distant)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: nākrāmet → na + ākrāmet; caiva → ca + eva; kāmataś chāyām → kāmataḥ + chāyām; gor api → goḥ + api.
FAQs
It instructs one not to trample or disrespect deity-precincts and places connected with divine worship or sacrificial rites, emphasizing reverence for sacred environments.
In Purāṇic ethics, brāhmaṇas (as custodians of Vedic learning/ritual) and cows (as symbols of sustenance and sanctity) are treated as highly venerable; avoiding even their “shadow” expresses heightened restraint and respect.
Cultivate mindfulness and humility: avoid casual or impulsive disrespect toward sacred places and revered beings, and practice careful, considerate movement and behavior.