Shloka 49
Right Conduct, Offenses Against Brāhmaṇas, Truthfulness, and the Greatness of the Cow
Go-Māhātmya
ऋषयो मुनयो देवाः सर्वे ब्रह्मविदस्तथा । देशानां पार्थिवानां च स च वध्यो भवेदिह
ṛṣayo munayo devāḥ sarve brahmavidastathā | deśānāṃ pārthivānāṃ ca sa ca vadhyo bhavediha
ఋషులు, మునులు, దేవతలు—అందరూ బ్రహ్మవిదులు—దేశాధిపతులు, రాజులలోనూ అలాంటి వాడు ఈ లోకంలో వధయోగ్యుడవుతాడని ప్రకటిస్తారు.
Unspecified (narratorial/quoted authoritative consensus within the dialogue context of Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa)
Concept: Even kings and rulers are bound by dharma; one who becomes a brahma-hantā is punishable by worldly law, affirmed by sages and gods.
Application: Hold power accountable; establish policies against harassment and coercion; treat spiritual communities with protection; recognize that status does not erase culpability.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A celestial court appears like a vast mandala: sages with matted locks and devas crowned with light stand in a semicircle, pointing toward a throne where a king’s insignia lies overturned. In the center, a scroll of dharma glows, and a symbolic executioner’s sword is held not in anger but as impersonal justice, reflecting the consensus of the wise.","primary_figures":["Assembly of ṛṣis","Munis","Devas (Indra-like figure optional)","A humbled king/ruler","Personified Dharma (as radiant manuscript or figure)"],"setting":"Celestial tribunal blending a royal sabhā with a starry firmament; pillars shaped like lotuses and conch motifs suggest Vaiṣṇava moral order.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["celestial white","lapis blue","sun-gold","crimson lacquer","sage green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: grand sabhā with devas and sages in symmetrical rows, gold leaf-heavy halos, a glowing dharma-scroll at center, overturned royal parasol and crown to show accountability; ornate pillars with lotus and conch; rich reds/greens, gem-studded ornaments, traditional iconography, thick gold borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined celestial assembly with delicate faces; the king shown small and chastened; sages’ gestures calm but decisive; cool blues and greens with fine linework; lyrical clouds and distant peaks; minimal gold, emphasis on moral drama through posture.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, flat luminous colors; devas and sages arranged in rhythmic bands; central dharma emblem glowing; dominant reds/yellows/greens with black contouring; temple-wall composition with ornamental borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: mandala-like court scene framed by floral borders; repeated lotus and tulasi motifs; central dharma-scroll as a shrine-like icon; deep blue ground with gold highlights; peacocks at corners, intricate textile detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","courtly drum (mṛdaṅga)","temple bells","echoing hall ambience","brief emphatic pause on 'vadhyaḥ'"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भवेदिह → भवेत् + इह (त् + इ → दि)
FAQs
The verse frames the judgment as endorsed by ṛṣis (seers), munis (ascetics), and even the devas (gods), all described as brahmavids—authoritative spiritual knowers.
It implies that certain violations of dharma are considered socially and politically grave enough to warrant the highest penalty, emphasizing accountability even under spiritual and divine moral scrutiny.
By mentioning deśa-pārthivas (regional rulers/kings), the verse places the enforcement of dharma within the sphere of governance, indicating that royal authority is expected to align with the moral consensus of sages and gods.