Shloka 114
The Birth of King Pṛthu: Vena’s Fall, the Sages’ Churning, and Earth’s Surrender
न मामर्हसि वै हंतुं श्रेयश्चेत्त्वं चिकीर्षसि । प्रजानां पृथिवीपाल शृणु देव वचो मम
na māmarhasi vai haṃtuṃ śreyaścettvaṃ cikīrṣasi | prajānāṃ pṛthivīpāla śṛṇu deva vaco mama
श्रेयश्चेत्त्वं चिकीर्षसि तर्हि मां हन्तुं न अर्हसि। पृथिवीपाल प्रजानां नाथ, देव, मम वचः शृणु।
Unspecified (a supplicant addressing a king)
Concept: Rājadharma requires restraint and listening; ‘the best’ (śreyas) is aligned with non-violence and protection of subjects rather than impulsive punishment.
Application: Before acting in anger, pause, hear the other side, and choose the option that protects life and long-term welfare.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a solemn royal court, a trembling supplicant stands with folded hands before a crowned king whose sword is half-drawn, the air thick with restrained fury. Courtiers and sages watch in silence as the supplicant invokes śreyas—true welfare—urging the ruler to listen rather than strike.","primary_figures":["a supplicant (gender ambiguous)","a king (pṛthivīpāla)","silent courtiers","a minister/sage counselor"],"setting":"pillared palace sabhā with carved lotus motifs, a dharma-śāstra palm-leaf bundle on a low stand, guards holding spears at the periphery","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["burnished gold","deep maroon","sandalwood beige","smoky indigo","ivory white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a South Indian royal sabhā with the king seated on a gem-studded throne, gold leaf halos and ornate archways, the supplicant in añjali-mudrā at the foot of the throne, rich reds and greens, heavy gold jewelry, stylized lotus borders, embossed gold detailing on pillars and crown.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: an intimate court scene with delicate brushwork, the king’s stern profile softened by a listening gesture, the supplicant pleading with downcast eyes, cool muted palette with lyrical architectural details, fine textiles, and a quiet moral tension in the composition.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, warm red-yellow-green pigments, the king with large expressive eyes and elaborate crown, the supplicant in humble posture, lamp flames and lotus patterns framing the scene, temple-wall aesthetic emphasizing dharma and restraint.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symbolic court transformed into a devotional tableau—lotus borders and floral vines, a central throne under an ornate canopy, attendants like gopas in stylized form, deep blues and gold accents, emphasizing the sanctity of righteous rule as service to Vishnu."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low temple bells","soft murmur of court","conch shell (distant)","brief silences between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मामर्हसि = माम् + अर्हसि; श्रेयश्चेत् = श्रेयः + चेत्; पृथिवीपाल (समास); no further mandatory sandhi.
FAQs
It urges choosing śreyas (the higher good) over impulsive violence, implying that killing is not the righteous option when one seeks true welfare.
By addressing the ruler as “protector of the earth” and “of the people,” it frames kingship as guardianship, where listening to counsel and acting for subjects’ welfare is central.
The excerpt does not name the speaker; it is a plea from an unnamed person addressing a king/lord, asking not to be killed and requesting a hearing.