Shloka 17
The Supremacy of Food-Charity and the Rāma–Śambūka Episode
Child Revived through Rājadharma
प्राह वाक्यं तदा द्वास्थं प्रवेशय त्वरान्वितः । किमर्थं तु त्वया द्वारि निरुद्धा मुनिसत्तमाः
prāha vākyaṃ tadā dvāsthaṃ praveśaya tvarānvitaḥ | kimarthaṃ tu tvayā dvāri niruddhā munisattamāḥ
तदा रामो द्वास्थं वाक्यमाह— ‘त्वरान्वितः प्रवेशय; किमर्थं त्वया द्वारि मुनिसत्तमाः निरुद्धाः?’
Unspecified (a superior authority addressing the gatekeeper in the narrative context)
Concept: Never obstruct the holy; prompt hospitality to sages is a non-negotiable duty, and negligence at the threshold is adharma.
Application: Remove bureaucratic delays when someone deserving needs help; correct gatekeeping that blocks wisdom, compassion, or sacred duties.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Inside the palace gatehouse, a commanding figure points toward the open doors, voice sharp with righteous urgency. The gatekeeper stands chastened, while beyond the threshold the foremost sages wait in calm dignity, their presence itself a silent indictment of delay.","primary_figures":["Śrī Rāma or royal authority figure","gatekeeper (dvāstha)","foremost sages (muni-sattamāḥ)"],"setting":"Gatehouse corridor with heavy wooden doors, carved lotus panels, and a glimpse of sages outside","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["burnished gold","deep maroon","smoke gray","royal blue","warm amber"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a royal authority (Śrī Rāma) issuing a swift command to the dvāstha, finger extended toward the gate; sages visible beyond with serene halos; gold leaf on door carvings and ornaments, rich reds and greens, dramatic yet devotional composition.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate gatehouse scene with restrained drama; the authority figure in elegant posture, the gatekeeper slightly bowed; sages outside rendered with soft glow; cool stone textures, delicate lines, subtle emotional tension.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined figures—authority figure with intense eyes, gatekeeper humbled; sages outside with luminous aureoles; warm yellow-red background, ornamental borders, temple-wall narrative clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: the palace gate framed by lotus borders; sages arranged in rhythmic symmetry outside; central figure commanding entry; deep blues and gold highlights, intricate floral motifs emphasizing the sanctity of the threshold."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["door bolts sliding","sharp footfalls","brief silence after rebuke","temple bells in distance"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: द्वास्थम् = द्वार-स्थम् (तत्पुरुष). त्वरान्वितः = त्वरा-अन्वितः. मुनिसत्तमाः = मुनि-सत्तमाः. (किमर्थम् treated as interrogative avyaya; underlying compound किम्+अर्थ).
FAQs
It emphasizes dharma through immediate hospitality and reverence toward realized sages, condemning unnecessary obstruction at the threshold.
Not explicitly; it primarily conveys social-religious dharma (satkāra of munis). In the Purāṇic worldview, honoring sages supports spiritual merit and proper conduct.
The verse itself does not name the speaker; it presents an authority figure instructing the gatekeeper to admit the sages immediately.