Shloka 38
The Deeds of Cyavana
in the Context of Guru-tirtha Glorification
सूत उवाच । तैः प्रोक्तं तु महातीर्थैर्देवराजं यशस्विनम् । कस्मात्त्वया समाहूता देवदेव वदस्व नः
sūta uvāca | taiḥ proktaṃ tu mahātīrthairdevarājaṃ yaśasvinam | kasmāttvayā samāhūtā devadeva vadasva naḥ
சூதர் கூறினார்—அப்போது அந்த மகாதீர்த்தங்கள் புகழ்மிக்க தேவராஜனை நோக்கி, “தேவதேவா! நீ எதற்காக எங்களை அழைத்தாய்? எங்களுக்குச் சொல்வாயாக” என்றன.
Sūta
Concept: Tīrthas are not merely places but sanctifying agencies whose presence and speech signal dharma’s cosmic administration.
Application: Approach pilgrimage and sacred practices with humility and inquiry—ask the ‘why’ behind rites, not only the ‘how’.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A vast celestial court where luminous tīrthas appear as radiant sages and river-goddesses, their bodies shimmering with water-light and lotus fragrance. They stand in a respectful semicircle before Indra’s jeweled throne, palms joined, asking the reason for their summons as clouds drift like incense.","primary_figures":["Indra (Devarāja)","Personified Mahātīrthas (river-goddesses, sages of sacred fords)","Celestial attendants (Gandharvas, Apsarās)"],"setting":"Svarga-like sabhā with crystal pillars, lotus pools, and a distant view of Mandara-like peaks and floating clouds","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["gold leaf","sapphire blue","lotus pink","pearl white","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Indra seated on a gem-studded golden throne beneath an ornate arch, halo blazing; personified tīrthas as serene sages and river-devis with lotuses and water-pots, heavy gold leaf embellishment on crowns and jewelry, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, traditional South Indian iconographic symmetry, intricate floral borders and embossed gold background.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a lyrical celestial assembly on a terrace above clouds; Indra in refined profile with delicate jewelry, tīrthas as graceful river-devis holding lotus and kamaṇḍalu, cool blues and soft greens, fine brushwork, gentle facial expressions, distant Himalayan-like ridges and drifting mist, elegant calligraphic linework.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and flat natural pigments; Indra with large expressive eyes and elaborate crown, tīrthas arranged in rhythmic rows with water motifs, temple-wall aesthetic with red/yellow/green dominance, stylized lotus pools and cloud bands, ornamental borders filled with creepers and conch patterns.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a grand lotus-filled court with ornate floral borders; tīrthas depicted as river-devis emerging from stylized waves, peacocks and swans at the margins, deep indigo background with gold highlights, intricate lotus motifs throughout, devotional symmetry and textile-like detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft conch shell","temple bells","gentle drone (tanpura)","distant celestial murmurs"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: महातीर्थैर्देवराजं = महातीर्थैः + देवराजम् (visarga sandhi: ः + द → र्द). कस्मात्त्वया = कस्मात् + त्वया (त् + त् → त्त्).
FAQs
It treats tīrthas not only as places but as powerful sacred presences capable of speaking and participating in divine assemblies.
Indra is presented as the “king of the gods” who convenes or summons sacred powers, indicating a formal divine deliberation or purpose behind the gathering.
It highlights accountability in leadership: even exalted authority is expected to explain the reason and dharmic purpose behind calling others to act.