Shloka 21
The Churning of the Ocean
Milk Ocean Episode: Kālakūṭa, Hari-nāma, and Alakṣmī/Jyeṣṭhā
परदाररता यत्र परद्रव्यापहारिणः । विप्रसज्जनवृद्धानां यत्र पूजा न विद्यते । तत्र स्थाने सदा तिष्ठ पापदारिद्र्यदायिनी
paradāraratā yatra paradravyāpahāriṇaḥ | viprasajjanavṛddhānāṃ yatra pūjā na vidyate | tatra sthāne sadā tiṣṭha pāpadāridryadāyinī
परदाररता यत्र परद्रव्यापहारिणः। विप्रसज्जनवृद्धानां यत्र पूजा न विद्यते। तत्र स्थाने सदा तिष्ठ पापदारिद्र्यदायिनी॥
Unspecified (context-dependent within Brahma-khaṇḍa narrative)
Concept: Violation of marital fidelity, property-rights, and reverence for the worthy invites pāpa and daridratā—misfortune is karmically and socially generated.
Application: Guard senses (especially kāma), practice honest livelihood, and cultivate daily respect/service to elders and the virtuous; build a home culture of satya and maryādā.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A street of a decaying town: a thief slips away with a purse, while a man casts a lustful glance toward another’s spouse; nearby, an aged elder and a serene brāhmaṇa are ignored, their offering bowl empty. Above the scene, Alakṣmī hovers like a smoky eclipse, sprinkling dust that turns coins to ash.","primary_figures":["Alakṣmī","thief (paradravya-apahārī)","man pursuing another’s spouse","brāhmaṇa","elder (vṛddha)","sajjana (virtuous person)"],"setting":"Urban lane with a small wayside shrine and a neglected rest-platform for elders; moral disorder shown through scattered sandals, broken lamps, and torn garlands.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["soot black","rust red","muddy ochre","faded teal","pale bone white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: moral tableau with Alakṣmī as a dark goddess at the top register, gold leaf halo rendered as tarnished; below, narrative vignettes—stolen wealth, illicit pursuit, and ignored brāhmaṇa/elder—set in ornate architecture; rich reds/greens, embossed frames, gem-like highlights on objects that appear spiritually 'heavy'.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: sequential storytelling in one frame—three small episodes across a lane; delicate faces showing shame, indifference, and sorrow; Alakṣmī as a translucent grey figure; cool palette with fine textile detail, subtle symbolism (withered lotus, cracked water pot).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, simplified yet expressive gestures; Alakṣmī centered above as a looming presence; brāhmaṇa and elder seated in calm dignity; strong red/yellow/green blocks, temple-wall narrative clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: border of thorny vines replacing floral motifs; central panel shows a darkened lotus pond with Alakṣmī near the bank; side panels depict theft and disrespect; deep indigo with restrained gold, intricate patterning used to contrast dharma vs adharma."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["sharp hand cymbals (kartāl) accents","distant market noise","sudden hush","single bell strike at 'pāpa-dāridrya'"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: परद्रव्यापहारिणः = परद्रव्य + अपहारिणः; विप्रसज्जनवृद्धानाम् = विप्र + सज्जन + वृद्धानाम्; पापदारिद्र्यदायिनी = पाप + दारिद्र्य + दायिनी.
FAQs
It warns that adultery, theft, and the absence of respect for brāhmaṇas, virtuous people, and elders create a spiritually degraded society where sin and poverty naturally prevail.
The verse highlights vipras (brāhmaṇas), sajjanas (the virtuous/good), and vṛddhas (elders) as deserving reverence.
Protect marital fidelity, avoid taking what is not given, and cultivate respect for spiritual teachers, upright people, and elders—these are presented as safeguards against moral and material decline.