Shloka 28
अप्येकं भोजयेद्विप्रं पुष्करारण्यमाश्रितः । तेनैति पूजितांल्लोकान्ब्रह्मणः सदने स्थितान्
apyekaṃ bhojayedvipraṃ puṣkarāraṇyamāśritaḥ | tenaiti pūjitāṃllokānbrahmaṇaḥ sadane sthitān
పుష్కరారణ్యంలో ఆశ్రయించి ఎవడైనా ఒక్క బ్రాహ్మణునికైనా భోజనం పెట్టినచో, ఆ కర్మవల్ల బ్రహ్మసదనంలో ఉన్న పూజిత లోకాలను పొందుతాడు।
Unspecified (narrative voice within the Adhyāya; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue frame typical of Svarga-khaṇḍa sections)
Concept: Even minimal, sincere hospitality (feeding one brāhmaṇa) performed in a sanctified field yields exalted post-mortem destinations.
Application: Practice atithi-sevā: feed someone in need or support a learned/virtuous person; when visiting sacred places, prioritize charity and service over mere sightseeing.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In the quiet Puṣkara forest, a simple hermitage hut stands beneath neem and peepal trees; a pilgrim offers a leaf-plate meal to a serene brāhmaṇa, while unseen light opens above them like a doorway to Brahmā’s radiant abode. The humility of the meal contrasts with the grandeur of the celestial destination hinted in the sky.","primary_figures":["pilgrim donor","brāhmaṇa guest","subtle vision of Brahmā’s abode (Brahma-sadana)"],"setting":"Forest hermitage near Puṣkara, earthen hut, cooking fire, water pot, leaf plates, distant glimpse of lake through trees","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["leaf green","earth brown","saffron cloth","sky gold","ash white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: forest hermitage scene with a pilgrim feeding a brāhmaṇa on a leaf plate; above, a gold-leaf Brahma-sadana vision with ornate arches and a lotus motif; rich reds/greens, detailed textiles, gold leaf on the celestial doorway and halos, traditional iconographic framing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate woodland hospitality with delicate foliage, soft shadows, refined facial expressions of gratitude and serenity; a subtle luminous cloud-window revealing Brahmā’s abode; cool greens and gentle ochres with fine brushwork.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of donor and brāhmaṇa, stylized trees and hut, rhythmic patterns for leaves; a bright aureole in the upper register suggesting Brahma-loka; red/yellow/green palette with strong compositional bands like a temple mural.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central act of anna-dāna framed by ornate floral borders; peacocks and lotuses as auspicious motifs; the Brahma-sadana vision rendered as a decorative golden pavilion above; deep blues/greens with gold highlights and intricate patterning."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["forest birds","crackling cooking fire","soft bell chime","wind through leaves","distant water"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अप्येकम् = अपि + एकम्; भोजयेद्विप्रम् = भोजयेत् + विप्रम्; पुष्करारण्यमाश्रितः = पुष्करारण्यम् + आश्रितः; तेनैति = तेन + एति; पूजितांल्लोकान् = पूजितान् + लोकान्
FAQs
The verse praises brāhmaṇa-bhojana—feeding even a single brāhmaṇa—especially while residing in the sacred Puṣkara region.
It states that one attains honored realms located in Brahmā’s abode (Brahmā-loka), indicating elevated posthumous merit.
A small act of generosity, performed with reverence in a sacred context, is portrayed as spiritually potent—emphasizing hospitality, charity, and respect for learned persons.