Shloka 59
The Glory of Dhātrī (Āmalakī) and Tulasī: Ekādaśī Observance and Protection from Preta States
हिताय वदनस्तूर्णं सर्वलोकहितं परम् । द्विजा ऊचुः । येन चैव कृतं स्नानं जले तीर्थस्य धीमता
hitāya vadanastūrṇaṃ sarvalokahitaṃ param | dvijā ūcuḥ | yena caiva kṛtaṃ snānaṃ jale tīrthasya dhīmatā
அனைவரின் நலனுக்காக விரைந்து உரைத்து, எல்லா உலகங்களுக்கும் நன்மை தரும் பரம வாக்கை அவர் கூறினார். த்விஜர்கள் கூறினர்—இந்தத் தீர்த்தத்தின் நீரில் ஸ்நானம் செய்த ஞானி யார்?
Dwijas (brāhmaṇas) (the verse explicitly says “dvijā ūcuḥ”)
Concept: Tīrtha-snāna, when performed with wisdom and right intention, is taught as ‘sarva-loka-hita’—a universally beneficial dharma that can counteract heavy karmic states.
Application: Approach pilgrimages with ethical preparation (truth, restraint), perform snāna with mantra and humility, and translate the ‘tīrtha-mind’ into daily life through cleanliness, compassion, and remembrance of Hari.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Brāhmaṇas, intent on the welfare of all beings, lean forward as if to unveil a sacred origin-story. Behind them glimmers a calm tīrtha pool, its surface reflecting a faint celestial light, suggesting that a wise act of bathing once sanctified the waters.","primary_figures":["dvijas (brāhmaṇas)","implied wise pilgrim (dhīmat)","attentive spirits/listeners (optional)"],"setting":"river-ford with stone steps (ghāṭa), kuśa grass, small altar, banyan/peepal shade","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sunrise gold","river turquoise","sandalwood beige","leaf green","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: dvijas seated on a ghāṭa with palm-leaf texts, gesturing toward a luminous tīrtha-kunda; gold leaf on water highlights and halos; rich reds and greens, ornate borders, traditional South Indian sacred architecture in background.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: dawn at a mountain-fed river ford; delicate steps, soft mist, dvijas in white with saffron shawls; the tīrtha water painted with fine ripples; cool greens and blues with warm sunrise wash, lyrical naturalism.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized ghāṭa and river band, dvijas with bold outlines and expressive eyes; warm yellow-red palette with green accents; a small shrine and lamp; didactic composition emphasizing the question about the tīrtha’s founding bath.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central tīrtha pool as a lotus-like circle, dvijas arranged symmetrically; floral borders with lotuses and vines; deep blue-to-gold gradient background; intricate patterns on steps and water, devotional symmetry."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["flowing water","morning birds","soft bell","conch (distant)","page rustle"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चैव = च + एव; वदनस्तूर्णम् = वदन् + तूर्णम् (सन्धि/संयोग).
FAQs
It frames bathing at a tīrtha as a noteworthy, merit-bearing act, important enough that the brāhmaṇas inquire about the wise person responsible for it.
It depicts a teaching presented “for the welfare of all worlds,” followed by a respectful inquiry by the brāhmaṇas—showing dharma as something taught for universal good and clarified through question-and-answer.
The question highlights discernment and reverence: they seek the agent behind a sacred act, implying that wisdom and right conduct (not mere action alone) are central to religious merit.