Shloka 17
The Glory of Guru-Tīrtha: The Guru as Supreme Pilgrimage
Prelude: Cyavana and the Parable Cycle
तस्य चिंता समुत्पन्ना एकदा तु नृपोत्तम । कदाहं ज्ञानसंपन्नो भविष्यामि महीतले
tasya ciṃtā samutpannā ekadā tu nṛpottama | kadāhaṃ jñānasaṃpanno bhaviṣyāmi mahītale
ஒருநாள், ஓ நற்பதியே, அவனுள் கவலை எழுந்தது— “இந்தப் பூமியில் நான் எப்போது உண்மையான ஞானம் பெற்றவனாவேன்?”
Narrator (contextual voice addressing a king: nṛpottama)
Concept: True knowledge arises from sustained longing and self-examination; anxiety becomes a catalyst for sādhana.
Application: Turn worry into structured practice: daily reflection, study of śāstra, and seeking guidance from realized teachers rather than rumination.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: earthly
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A noble king sits alone in a quiet palace chamber, his crown set aside, palms joined in anxious contemplation. Behind him, a lotus-carved pillar and a small Viṣṇu shrine hint that his worry is spiritual, not worldly.","primary_figures":["a contemplative king (nṛpottama)","a small shrine image of Viṣṇu (symbolic)"],"setting":"royal inner chamber with a modest household altar, palm-leaf manuscripts, and a window opening to the night sky","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["deep indigo","lamp-flame amber","lotus pink","antique gold","sandalwood beige"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a pensive crowned king seated on a low throne with crown placed beside him, hands in añjali before a small Viṣṇu shrine; gold leaf halo around the shrine, rich crimson drapery, emerald borders, gem-studded ornaments, intricate lotus motifs on pillars, South Indian iconographic detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a solitary king in a quiet palace room, delicate facial expression of yearning, cool indigo night outside a latticed window, fine linework on textiles, minimal shrine with a tiny Viṣṇu image, lyrical stillness and refined ornamentation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of a seated king with expressive eyes, warm lamp glow illuminating a small Viṣṇu panel, red-yellow-green palette with natural pigments, stylized lotus and creeper borders, temple-wall aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional interior with lotus borders and hanging garlands, a small Viṣṇu shrine framed by floral motifs, deep blue background, gold accents, peacocks perched near the window, intricate textile patterns emphasizing contemplative bhakti."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","lamp crackle","night silence","distant conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कदाहं = कदा + अहं (स्वर-सन्धि); ज्ञानसंपन्नो = ज्ञानसंपन्नः (पदान्त-रूपभेदः; visarga before voiced sound often realized as o in recitation/orthography); समुत्पन्ना = सम्+उत्+पन्ना (PPP of समुत्पद्/समुत्पद्यते).
FAQs
It highlights self-inquiry and the urgency for jñāna (true knowledge), portraying inner concern as the beginning of spiritual transformation.
The verse is framed as narration addressed to a king (“O best of kings”); the specific identity depends on the surrounding chapter’s dialogue context.
Even those with power should cultivate humility and prioritize wisdom over status, recognizing that knowledge is a higher attainment than worldly success.