Shloka 98
The Account of King Yayāti: Kāmasaras, Rati’s Tears, and the Birth of Aśrubindumatī
within the Mātā–Pitṛ Tīrtha Narrative
श्रुतिरेवं वदेद्राजन्पुत्रे भ्रातरि भृत्यके । जरा संक्राम्यते यस्य तस्यांगे परिसंचरेत्
śrutirevaṃ vadedrājanputre bhrātari bhṛtyake | jarā saṃkrāmyate yasya tasyāṃge parisaṃcaret
श्रुतिरेवं वदति राजन्—पुत्रे भ्रातरि भृत्यके वा। यस्य यत्र जरा संक्राम्यते तस्याङ्गे सा परिसंचरति॥
Unspecified narrator quoting Śruti (addressing a King)
Concept: Aging is a transferable/assignable condition under the governance of destiny (daiva/kāla); bodily states are not the self and can ‘move’ as effects within prakṛti.
Application: Cultivate humility and compassion: bodily decline is not moral failure; prepare through spiritual practice and service rather than denial of impermanence.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A translucent figure labeled ‘Śruti’—like a luminous scroll-spirit—appears above the court, speaking to the king. Within a faint anatomical silhouette, a gray mist representing jarā drifts from one limb to another, illustrating the uncanny ‘movement’ of aging as a destiny-driven force.","primary_figures":["Personified Śruti (as a radiant manuscript or goddess-like presence)","A king (rājan)","Symbolic figures: son, brother, servant (as three silhouettes)"],"setting":"Court transformed into a visionary tableau: floating palm-leaf texts, a cosmic wheel of time behind, and three human figures at the margins representing relational roles.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["silver gray","midnight blue","pale gold","ash white","indigo violet"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: personified Śruti as a radiant deity-like form emerging from a golden manuscript, gold leaf halo and ornate borders, the king below with folded hands, three smaller figures (son/brother/servant) to the side, symbolic gray ‘jarā’ mist rendered with textured shading against rich blues and reds.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: dreamlike composition with delicate clouds, a floating scroll emitting light, the king seated in profile, three figures in separate vignettes, a subtle gray wash moving through a body outline, cool nocturnal palette with fine detailing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized Śruti figure with bold outlines holding a palm-leaf manuscript, the king listening, three role-figures arranged rhythmically, jarā shown as a serpentine gray band moving across a simplified body form, strong reds/yellows/greens with dark blue background.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central mandala of Kāla-wheel with manuscript motifs, the king and Śruti in symmetrical arrangement, decorative borders of lotuses and script patterns, jarā depicted as a flowing gray ribbon, deep indigo cloth with gold and white highlights."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low conch drone","rustle of palm leaves","distant thunder","temple bells"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: श्रुतिरेवम् = श्रुतिः + एवम्; वदेद्राजन् = वदेत् + राजन्; राजन्पुत्रे = राजन् + पुत्रे; तस्यांगे = तस्य + अङ्गे.
FAQs
It emphasizes the inevitability and impartiality of old age (jarā): it comes to whomever it is destined for, regardless of social role or family relation.
By citing Śruti (Vedic revelation), the statement is presented as authoritative doctrine rather than mere opinion, grounding the teaching in Vedic legitimacy.
Since decline and aging are unavoidable and not controllable through status or proximity, one should govern and live with humility, detachment, and timely commitment to dharma.