Shloka 183
Merit of Causeways and Crossings, Temple Construction Rewards, and the Rudrākṣa Mahātmya
हरवद्वरवेश्मस्थो गणेशो नात्र संशयः । पन्नगाश्च विनश्यंति दशवक्त्रस्य धारणात्
haravadvaraveśmastho gaṇeśo nātra saṃśayaḥ | pannagāśca vinaśyaṃti daśavaktrasya dhāraṇāt
हरवद्वरवेश्मस्थो गणेशो नात्र संशयः। दशवक्त्रधारणेन पन्नगाश्च विनश्यन्ति॥
Unspecified (narrative voice within the Adhyaya context)
Concept: Sacred bearing of specific forms/marks is said to confer protection (against serpents) and divine residence-like prosperity.
Application: Treat protective practices as supports for dharma—combine them with non-harming and cleanliness to reduce real-world ‘serpent’ dangers (fear, toxicity, deceit) and cultivate steadiness.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Gaṇeśa sits serenely within a grand mansion reminiscent of Śiva’s abode—pillared halls, ash-white stone, and a crescent-moon motif—while outside, a protective aura flares as serpents recoil and dissolve into mist. A ten-faced emblem glows like a seal at the threshold, turning the doorway into a boundary of safety.","primary_figures":["Gaṇeśa","Śiva (Hara) as an implied presence/icon","Serpents (nāgas)","Devotee holding the ten-faced emblem"],"setting":"A divine mansion courtyard with a sanctified threshold, guardian lamps, and carved lintels bearing auspicious symbols.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["vermilion","ash white","antique gold","deep green","midnight blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Gaṇeśa enthroned in a Hara-like mansion with gold-leaf pillars and ornate archways; a radiant ten-faced emblem at the doorway; serpents rendered at the base recoiling; rich reds, greens, and heavy gold embellishment, jewel-toned ornaments, traditional iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: an elegant palace pavilion with delicate columns; Gaṇeśa calm and benevolent; a glowing ten-faced seal near the threshold; serpents stylized and retreating; cool palette with refined facial features, lyrical architecture, and soft atmospheric perspective.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Gaṇeśa large-eyed and front-facing within a stylized mansion; the ten-faced emblem as a mandala-like motif; serpents simplified into rhythmic curves; dominant reds/yellows/greens with temple-wall compositional balance.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate border of vines and lotuses; central Gaṇeśa in a palace niche; threshold marked by a radiant ten-faced emblem; serpents at the lower band as decorative-yet-warded motifs; deep indigo ground with gold detailing and floral filigree."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["temple bells","hand cymbals (tāla)","low drum pulse","hissing wind motif","conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: हरवद्वरवेश्मस्थो = हरवत् + वरवेश्मस्थः. नात्र = न + अत्र. पन्नगाश्च = पन्नगाः + च. विनश्यंति (IAST) = विनश्यन्ति. दशवक्त्रस्य = दश + वक्त्रस्य (द्विगु).
FAQs
It affirms Gaṇeśa’s exalted, Śiva-like splendor and mentions a traditional protective belief: that bearing the “ten-faced” (Daśavaktra/Rāvaṇa) is said to ward off or destroy serpents.
Daśavaktra literally means “ten-faced” and commonly refers to Rāvaṇa. The verse links his “dhāraṇā” (bearing/wearing/holding) with protection against serpents.
It underscores reverence for Gaṇeśa’s divine status and reflects Purāṇic culture where remembrance or symbolic bearing of powerful figures/names is associated with protection—encouraging faith and disciplined devotional practice.