Shloka 30
The Glory of Truthful Oaths and Keeping One’s Promise
Satya & Pratijñā
स उवाच द्विजश्रेष्ठ दत्तं मे दक्षिणं करम् । कदाचिदन्यथाकर्तुं न शक्नोमि च सर्वथा
sa uvāca dvijaśreṣṭha dattaṃ me dakṣiṇaṃ karam | kadācidanyathākartuṃ na śaknomi ca sarvathā
स उवाच द्विजश्रेष्ठ दत्तं मे दक्षिणं करम्। कदाचिदन्यथाकर्तुं न शक्नोमि च सर्वथा॥
Unspecified male speaker (saḥ) addressing a brāhmaṇa (dvijaśreṣṭha)
Concept: A pledged right hand (promise/hand-giving) must not be reversed; satya and commitment are dharma’s backbone.
Application: Do not make promises lightly; once given, uphold them even under social pressure—especially when it protects the vulnerable and aligns with righteousness.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A solemn figure extends his right hand forward, palm marked with sacred lines, as if sealing an irrevocable pledge before a brāhmaṇa. The brāhmaṇa stands calm, holding a kusa-grass bundle and a water-pot, while relatives watch with tense faces at the edge of the ritual space.","primary_figures":["the vow-keeper (saḥ)","brāhmaṇa (dvijaśreṣṭha)","watching relatives"],"setting":"ritual courtyard with a small fire-altar, water vessel (kalaśa), kusa grass, and a threshold shrine to Viṣṇu","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["vermillion","saffron","burnished gold","ash white","peacock blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the pledge scene with the central figure offering his right hand in a vow, brāhmaṇa with kamaṇḍalu and kusa, ritual fire and vessels, heavy gold-leaf highlights on ornaments and altar, rich reds/greens, embossed halos and decorative arch framing the moment of dharma.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate vow exchange in a courtyard, delicate brushwork on hands and facial expressions, cool shadows, refined textiles, minimal altar elements, distant trees and a pale sky suggesting dawn resolve.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized figures with bold outlines, the right hand prominently extended, ritual implements simplified into iconic forms, warm red/yellow/green pigments, ornamental borders like temple wall panels.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical composition with floral borders, central vow gesture emphasized, small Viṣṇu shrine motif above, intricate textile patterns, deep blue background with gold accents and lotus medallions."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell (distant)","soft drum pulse","ritual fire crackle","hushed crowd"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कदाचिदन्यथाकर्तुं = कदाचित् + अन्यथा-कर्तुम् (त् + अ → द् + अ, जश्त्व)
FAQs
It emphasizes unwavering commitment: once a pledge is given—symbolized by giving the right hand—the speaker claims he cannot act contrary to that commitment.
In Sanskrit idiom and ritual culture, giving the right hand often signifies a formal promise or binding agreement; the verse uses it to convey irrevocability of one’s word.
It teaches steadfastness in dharma—honoring one’s word and refusing to deviate from a pledged course of action, even when circumstances change.