Shloka 31
The Glory of Plastering/Smearing (and Maintaining) Hari’s Temple
ननाम शिरसा तं वै प्रोवाच विनयान्वितः । यम उवाच । पवित्रं मंदिरं मेऽद्य पादयोस्तद्धि रेणुभिः
nanāma śirasā taṃ vai provāca vinayānvitaḥ | yama uvāca | pavitraṃ maṃdiraṃ me'dya pādayostaddhi reṇubhiḥ
அவன் தலை வணங்கி அவரை வணங்கி, பணிவுடன் பேசினான். யமன் கூறினான்—இன்று உன் திருவடித் தூளால் என் மாளிகை புனிதமாயிற்று.
Yama
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: celestial_realm
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मेऽद्य → मे अद्य; तद्धि → तत् हि
FAQs
The verse uses a common Purāṇic motif: contact with a spiritually elevated person (or devotee) sanctifies even formidable realms. “Dust of the feet” symbolizes the power of holiness, humility, and association with the virtuous.
It highlights vinaya (humility) and reverence: true spiritual stature is recognized by humility and the ability to purify others through one’s presence and conduct.
Mandira can mean “house/abode” and sometimes “temple.” Here it most naturally reads as “my abode,” i.e., Yama’s dwelling, made pure by the sacred dust of the other person’s feet.