Shloka 19
Honoring the Mother (Mātṛpūjanam): Consent, Equity, and Dana to Restore Household Dharma
को गच्छेद्द्वीपिवदनं कः केशान्सुहरेर्हरेत् । को निषीदति धारायां खङ्गस्या काशभासिनः ॥ १९ ॥
ko gaccheddvīpivadanaṃ kaḥ keśānsuharerharet | ko niṣīdati dhārāyāṃ khaṅgasyā kāśabhāsinaḥ || 19 ||
புலியின் முகத்தை நோக்கி யார் செல்வார்? சிங்கத்தின் மயிரை யார் பிடிப்பார்? காசப் புல்லைப் போல ஒளிரும் வாளின் கூர்மையான धारையில் யார் அமர்வார்? அதுபோல் அறிந்தே யார் இத்தகைய பேராபத்தில் புகுவார்?
Narada (instructional/narrative voice within Uttara-Bhaga)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It uses vivid danger-similes (tiger, lion, sword-edge) to teach dharma-nīti: a seeker should not knowingly rush into spiritually or morally hazardous situations, especially in the disciplined setting of tirtha practice.
Bhakti is not mere emotion; it requires viveka (discernment) and self-restraint. The verse implies that a devotee protects their sādhana by avoiding reckless choices that can lead to downfall or distraction from worship.
No specific Vedāṅga technique is taught directly; the verse functions as nīti-illustration. Practically, it supports śāstra-based discipline (ācāra) that underlies correct ritual conduct in tīrtha-yātrā and vrata observance.