Shloka 70
Narrative of the Śūdra’s Renunciation of Greed
with the Tulādhāra Greatness Prelude
इत्युक्ते क्षपणश्चासौ स्मितो वचनमब्रवीत् । विज्ञातुं चैव वो धर्ममहं विष्णुरिहागतः
ityukte kṣapaṇaścāsau smito vacanamabravīt | vijñātuṃ caiva vo dharmamahaṃ viṣṇurihāgataḥ
इत्युक्ते स क्षपणः स्मितपूर्वं वचनमब्रवीत्— ‘वो धर्मं विज्ञातुमेव अहं विष्णुरिहागतः।’
An ascetic (kṣapaṇa) revealing himself as Viṣṇu
Concept: Viṣṇu humbly approaches devotees to ‘learn’ dharma—signaling that true dharma is lived devotion, not mere status or display.
Application: Practice humility even when knowledgeable; approach ethical questions as a learner. Treat guests/ascetics with reverence—divinity may be present in simple forms.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The ascetic’s smile is calm and luminous as he gently reveals, ‘I am Viṣṇu,’ while the listener’s posture shifts from suspicion to reverence. A subtle transformation occurs: the mendicant’s plain cloth seems to ripple into a hint of yellow silk, and a soft aura suggests conch and discus without fully manifesting them.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu in ascetic disguise (kṣapaṇa)","astonished devotee/brāhmaṇa listener"],"setting":"a quiet hermitage clearing with a small tulāsi-less altar space, water-pot, and kusa mat—minimalism emphasizing the revelation","lighting_mood":"divine radiance emerging from simplicity","color_palette":["butter-yellow","ash white","sky blue","soft gold","earth brown"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu as a smiling ascetic at center with a radiant gold-leaf halo; faint conch and discus motifs embossed in the aura; the devotee kneels with folded hands; ornate arch frame, rich reds/greens, gem-like highlights on the halo and border, traditional iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate two-figure composition under a tree; the ascetic’s face serene, eyes compassionate; a delicate aura wash behind him; the listener’s expression transitions to devotion; cool blues and greens, fine linework, gentle shading, lyrical atmosphere.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Viṣṇu-ascetic with stylized large eyes and a controlled halo; minimal props (kamandalu, staff); the listener in añjali-mudrā; warm red/yellow/green palette with blue accents for divinity, temple-wall compositional balance.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central figure as ascetic-Viṣṇu with decorative halo; surrounding border of floral motifs and small conch/discus patterns; deep blue ground with gold highlights; peacocks and lotuses as auspicious fillers, Nathdwara-like ornamentation adapted to a revelation scene."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft tanpura drone","single bell strike at ‘ahaṃ viṣṇuḥ’","forest birds","gentle wind"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ityukte = iti + ukte; kṣapaṇaścāsau = kṣapaṇaḥ + ca + asau; vacanamabravīt = vacanam + abravīt; caiva = ca + eva; dharmamahaṃ = dharmam + aham; viṣṇurihāgataḥ = viṣṇuḥ + iha + āgataḥ
FAQs
It presents Viṣṇu in a humble, inquisitive role—appearing as an ascetic and stating that he has come to understand the dharma of those addressed.
Not explicitly; it sets a devotional-theological tone by portraying Viṣṇu’s presence and intent, often a narrative prelude to teachings that culminate in dharma grounded in devotion.
Even the highest authority models humility and inquiry; learning dharma is shown as worthy of respectful investigation rather than mere assertion of status.