Shloka 13
Prayāga’s Supremacy Among Tīrthas: Faith, Yoga, Charity, and the Ethics of Attainment
प्रधानहेतुं वक्ष्यामि श्रद्दधत्सु च भारत । यथा सर्वेषु भूतेषु सर्वत्रैव तु दृश्यते
pradhānahetuṃ vakṣyāmi śraddadhatsu ca bhārata | yathā sarveṣu bhūteṣu sarvatraiva tu dṛśyate
ஓ பாரதா, நம்பிக்கையுடையோர்க்கு நான் முதற்காரணத்தை உரைப்பேன்—அது எல்லா உயிர்களிலும், எங்கும் எவ்வாறு காணப்படுகின்றதோ அவ்வாறே.
Unspecified narrator addressing Bhārata (likely within a teacher-to-disciple dialogue)
Concept: The ‘fundamental cause’ (pradhāna-hetu) is to be explained to the faithful: a universal principle pervading all beings and places.
Application: Approach spiritual study with śraddhā and attentiveness; look for the divine presence in all beings, which supports compassion and ethical restraint.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A venerable teacher gestures toward a vast panorama: villagers, animals, trees, and distant temples all subtly shimmer with the same inner light. The listener ‘Bhārata’ sits respectfully with folded hands, as if the world itself is becoming a classroom for the revelation of the universal cause.","primary_figures":["a sage-teacher (ācārya)","Bhārata (disciple/listener)"],"setting":"open landscape blending hermitage edge, village path, and distant temple—symbolizing ‘everywhere’","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["warm amber","sky blue","leaf green","chalk white","soft violet"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a seated sage instructing Bhārata, pointing to a world-scene filled with beings, each with tiny gold-leaf halos indicating the same inner principle, ornate arch framing, rich reds/greens, embossed gold detailing on halos and teacher’s aura.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: teacher-disciple under a tree with a sweeping landscape behind, delicate brushwork showing many beings, subtle luminous wash uniting them, cool yet bright palette, refined faces and gentle gestures.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of guru and disciple, background filled with stylized beings and trees, repeated inner flame motif in each chest, natural pigments, temple-wall composition with rhythmic symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central guru-disciple vignette framed by lotus borders, the background patterned with repeating motifs of beings each containing a small lamp/lotus-heart, deep blues and gold accents, devotional textile richness."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["birds","rustling leaves","soft drone (tanpura)","distant bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्रधानहेतुं = प्रधान + हेतुं; सर्वत्रैव = सर्वत्र + एव.
FAQs
It indicates the primary underlying cause or principle behind phenomena, presented here as something perceivable throughout all beings and places.
The teaching is framed as intended for receptive listeners; śraddhā implies trust and attentiveness needed to grasp subtle philosophical instruction.
Seeing a single underlying principle reflected in all beings encourages humility, reverence toward life, and steadiness in spiritual inquiry.