Shloka 153
Merit of Causeways and Crossings, Temple Construction Rewards, and the Rudrākṣa Mahātmya
तत्फलं लभते धीरः स्वर्गं चानंतमश्नुते । त्रिवक्त्रं धारयेद्यस्तु स च ब्रह्मसमो भुवि
tatphalaṃ labhate dhīraḥ svargaṃ cānaṃtamaśnute | trivaktraṃ dhārayedyastu sa ca brahmasamo bhuvi
ధీరుడు ఆ ఫలాన్ని పొందుతూ అనంత స్వర్గసుఖాన్ని అనుభవిస్తాడు. అయితే ఎవడు త్రివక్త్ర (త్రిముఖ) రూపాన్ని ధరిస్తాడో, వాడు భూమిపై బ్రహ్మసమానుడవుతాడు.
Unspecified narrator within the Adhyaya (context not provided in the input excerpt)
Concept: Steadfast observance yields svarga; adopting/‘bearing’ the tri-vaktra form grants brahma-sāmya (status like Brahmā) while living.
Application: Cultivate dhairya (steadfastness) in sādhana; treat ritual symbols (forms, marks, vows) as reminders to live in alignment with dharma rather than as mere external badges.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A steadfast practitioner stands before a radiant fire-altar; above him opens a layered vision of Svarga—terraced celestial gardens, jeweled pavilions, and apsarā-like figures in the distance. Over the practitioner’s head appears a symbolic tri-faced aura-mask, hinting at the mysterious ‘tri-vaktra’ bearing that elevates him toward Brahmā-like dignity.","primary_figures":["a dhīra sādhaka/yajamāna","symbolic Tri-vaktra form (aura-mask)","celestial beings (gandharvas/apsarās)"],"setting":"Ritual ground transitioning into a visionary celestial panorama of Svarga.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["celestial white-gold","lapis blue","emerald green","pearl pink","sunrise orange"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the practitioner centered with a tri-faced aureole above, Svarga depicted as a gold-leaf celestial court with ornate arches; heavy gold leaf on crowns, pillars, and halo; rich reds/greens in garments; gem-studded ornaments; symmetrical composition emphasizing elevation to brahma-sāmya.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a poetic split-scene—lower panel shows homa with delicate smoke; upper panel reveals Svarga gardens with cool blues and greens, fine architectural lines, and refined celestial figures; the tri-vaktra symbol rendered subtly as a translucent three-faced glow.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and flat yet vibrant pigments; the tri-vaktra emblem as a stylized mask above the devotee; Svarga as layered temple-like terraces; dominant reds/yellows/greens with rhythmic ornamental borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate border of lotuses and vines; central figure before sacred fire; above, a circular mandala of Svarga with peacocks and floral motifs; deep blues with gold highlights; intricate textile patterns suggesting endless heaven."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell (soft)","temple bells","tanpura drone","crackling fire","distant celestial chimes (suggested)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tatphalaṃ = tat + phalam. cānaṃtam = ca + anantam. anantamaśnute = anantam + aśnute. dhārayedyastu = dhārayet + yaḥ + tu.
FAQs
It promises the attainment of the stated spiritual merit: the steadfast person gains the fruit of the practice and reaches endless heaven; and the one who bears the “three-faced” form is said to become equal to Brahmā on earth.
The verse itself only says “three-faced” and does not name the referent; without the surrounding passage, it is safest to treat it as a ritual or iconographic reference whose identity is clarified by the chapter’s context.
It emphasizes steadiness and disciplined observance: firm commitment yields spiritual reward, and deeper identification with the prescribed sacred form or vow is portrayed as elevating one’s status to Brahmā-like dignity.