Shloka 17
The Glory of Prayāga
Mahātmyā of the Confluence
स्वस्थो भव महाराज भुक्त्वा राज्यमकंटकम् । पुनर्द्रक्ष्यसि राजेंद्र यजमानो विशेषतः
svastho bhava mahārāja bhuktvā rājyamakaṃṭakam | punardrakṣyasi rājeṃdra yajamāno viśeṣataḥ
மகாராஜா! நலமுடன் இரு. முள்ளற்றது போல் (துன்பமற்ற) அரசாட்சியை அனுபவித்து, அரசர்களின் தலைவனே, நீ மீண்டும் என்னைக் காண்பாய்—சிறப்பாக யஜமானனாய் யாகம் நடத்தும் வேளையில்.
Unclear from the single-verse excerpt (context needed to identify the dialogue speaker reliably).
Concept: Worldly well-being and a trouble-free reign are harmonized with sacrificial duty; the king’s role as yajamāna is spiritually significant.
Application: Lead with steadiness: remove ‘thorns’ (avoidable harms), uphold duties, and dedicate achievements to the divine through ethical action and worship.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a serene royal court, a sage offers a blessing to a crowned king, promising health and a thornless reign. In the background, a sacrificial pavilion stands ready—smoke of clarified butter rising gently as priests arrange kuśa grass and vessels, hinting that the king’s true glory culminates in yajña.","primary_figures":["a dharmic king (rājā)","a blessing sage (ṛṣi)","Vedic priests (ṛtvijas)"],"setting":"palace hall opening into a yajña-śālā with vedi, kuṇḍa, and ritual implements","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["royal maroon","burnished gold","sandalwood beige","smoke-grey","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a crowned king seated on a lion-throne receiving a sage’s blessing gesture (āśīrvāda), behind them a stylized yajña-śālā with sacred fire, heavy gold leaf on crown, throne, and halos, rich reds/greens, ornate pillars, gem-like detailing on ornaments and vessels.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate court scene with refined faces, soft architectural lines, a small yajña pavilion with delicate smoke curls, cool pastel background with warm saffron firelight, intricate textile patterns on shawls and carpets, lyrical compositional balance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal king and sage with bold outlines, large expressive eyes, ritual fire rendered as stylized flames, priests in rhythmic poses, dominant reds/yellows/greens, mural-like symmetry and sacred icon feel.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ceremonial court with ornate borders of floral creepers, repeated kalasha and lamp motifs, central blessing scene framed like a shrine, deep reds and blues with gold highlights, patterned textiles and ritual vessels rendered with intricate linework."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["low Vedic chanting","crackling fire","temple bells","soft drum (mridang)","silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: राज्यमकंटकम् = राज्यम् + अकण्टकम्; पुनर्द्रक्ष्यसि = पुनः + द्रक्ष्यसि; राजेंद्र = राजेन्द्र (voc.); श्लोके विरामचिह्नानुसार पदच्छेदः।
FAQs
It literally means “a kingdom without thorns,” i.e., rule that is free from obstacles, internal unrest, and afflictions—an idiom for stable, trouble-free kingship.
“Yajamāna” is the patron who commissions and ritually ‘hosts’ a Vedic sacrifice; the verse highlights the king’s dharmic role as sponsor of public rites for prosperity and order.
It links well-being and successful rulership with dharmic conduct—especially the responsibility to uphold order and support sacred rites—suggesting governance and spiritual duty are interconnected.