Shloka 19
The Greatness of the Jayantī Vow
Fast, Vigil, and Worship of Hari/Kṛṣṇa
नारद उवाच । केनकेन कृता पूर्वं कथयस्व पितामह । ब्रह्मोवाच । कार्तवीर्येण कर्णेन कुमारेण च धीमता
nārada uvāca | kenakena kṛtā pūrvaṃ kathayasva pitāmaha | brahmovāca | kārtavīryeṇa karṇena kumāreṇa ca dhīmatā
नारद उवाच—केन केन कृता पूर्वं कथयस्व पितामह। ब्रह्मोवाच—कार्तवीर्येण कर्णेन कुमारेण च धीमता।
Nārada (question) and Brahmā (reply)
Concept: Vrata authority is established through precedent: great figures performed it earlier; therefore it is venerable and efficacious.
Application: When motivation wanes, recall exemplars and keep a record of one’s own observances; learn the accompanying kathā to internalize the vow’s meaning, not just its mechanics.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In Brahmā’s luminous assembly, Nārada stands with vīṇā raised in inquiry, while Brahmā gestures toward a visionary tableau: Kārtavīrya Arjuna with many arms and regal splendor, Karṇa with radiant armor and a gift-giving posture, and a youthful wise prince holding a vow-thread and water pot. The scene feels like a living ‘kathā’ about to unfold, with the Jayantī vrata symbolized by a fasting lamp and a calendar leaf floating between them.","primary_figures":["Nārada","Brahmā","Kārtavīrya Arjuna","Karṇa","wise prince (kumāra)"],"setting":"Celestial court (Brahmaloka) with lotus pillars, cosmic backdrop, and a hovering vision-panel showing the exemplars.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["cosmic violet","lotus pink","gold leaf","ivory white","royal blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Brahmā seated on a lotus throne with gold leaf halo, Nārada with vīṇā in respectful inquiry; to one side a vision tableau of Kārtavīrya (multi-armed regal), Karṇa (golden kavaca, dāna-mudrā), and a young prince with vow symbols; heavy gold embellishment, ornate arches, rich reds/greens, gem-studded crowns.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined celestial dialogue—Brahmā and Nārada in a lotus pavilion; a delicate inset scene shows Kārtavīrya, Karṇa, and a youthful prince; cool luminous palette, fine facial features, airy cosmic landscape, subtle narrative clarity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: icon-like Brahmā and Nārada with bold outlines and stylized eyes; secondary panel with heroic figures (Kārtavīrya, Karṇa, kumāra) in strong poses; natural pigments, symmetrical temple-wall composition, radiant aura fields.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate floral borders and lotus medallions framing a central dialogue of Brahmā and Nārada; side panels depict the three exemplars in stylized heroic stances; deep blue background with gold detailing, intricate textile patterns, peacocks perched along the border."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["veena drone (Nārada)","soft conch shell","celestial chimes","temple bells (distant)","hushed assembly ambience"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ब्रह्मोवाच = ब्रह्मा + उवाच (आ + उ → ओ). केनकेन: पदद्वयम् ‘केन केन’ (पुनरुक्ति).
FAQs
The verse is a dialogue: Nārada asks a question, and Brahmā (addressed as “Grandfather,” pitāmaha) answers.
Brahmā lists Kārtavīrya (Arjuna), Karṇa, and a “wise prince” (kumāra) as those who did it formerly.
By citing renowned royal exemplars, the text frames the discussed act as something accomplished by illustrious and capable figures, implying it is a deed associated with power, merit, or exemplary conduct.