Shloka 35
The Tale of Kāmodā and Vihuṇḍa: Tear-Born Lotuses on the Gaṅgā and the Ethics of Worship
कोटिभिः सप्तसंख्यातैः पूजयस्व महेश्वरम् । तदर्थं पूजयाम्येव ईश्वरं फलदायकम्
koṭibhiḥ saptasaṃkhyātaiḥ pūjayasva maheśvaram | tadarthaṃ pūjayāmyeva īśvaraṃ phaladāyakam
จงบูชาพระมหेशวรด้วยเครื่องสักการะจำนวนเจ็ดโกฏิ; ด้วยเหตุนี้เอง เราจึงบูชาพระอิศวร ผู้ประทานผลสำเร็จ
Unspecified (context-dependent within Adhyaya 121)
Concept: Quantity of offerings is not the measure of spiritual worth; phala-seeking worship can become spiritual materialism.
Application: Prefer consistent, sincere daily worship and ethical living over grand gestures meant to impress or to purchase outcomes.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dramatic tableau of abundance: heaps of flowers and offerings rise like small mountains before a Śiva shrine, while the worshipper speaks as if bargaining with the cosmos. The grandeur feels slightly oppressive—devotion measured in numbers, not in heart.","primary_figures":["Maheśvara (Śiva)","the worshipper making the vow/boast","attendants carrying offerings"],"setting":"Temple courtyard overflowing with baskets of blossoms, lamps in rows, priests and attendants moving in choreographed ritual labor.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["marigold orange","sandalwood beige","smoke grey","ruby red","antique gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a grand Śiva shrine with gold leaf vimāna and arch; countless flower baskets and lamps arranged symmetrically; the worshipper gestures in vow-like speech; gem-studded ornaments, rich reds/greens, gold leaf emphasizing excess and splendor.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: temple courtyard with attendants carrying baskets; delicate detailing of repeated offerings creating visual rhythm; the worshipper’s proud posture contrasts with the serene deity; soft mountain-like heaps of flowers, refined linework, gentle light.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: patterned repetition of lamps and flowers; bold outlines show the scale through rhythmic motifs; Śiva icon calm and centered while human figures bustle; warm pigments and stylized architecture.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical rows of lamps and floral heaps, ornate borders; central shrine framed by lotus motifs; deep blue ground with gold highlights, emphasizing the spectacle of offering-counts."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["many bells","chanting priests","footsteps in courtyard","conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तदर्थं = तद् + अर्थम् (अव्ययीभाव); पूजयाम्येव = पूजयामि + एव
FAQs
It frames Īśvara (Maheśvara/Śiva) as phaladāyaka—the giver of tangible spiritual and worldly results—implying worship is purposeful and outcome-bearing.
“Koṭi” means a crore (ten million). “Saptasaṅkhyātaiḥ” indicates seven in number, suggesting an immense, hyperbolic measure of offerings or acts of worship to emphasize intensity and devotion.
The verse highlights steadfast devotion and deliberate practice: worship is performed with great dedication, and the devotee turns to the Lord as the rightful source of results rather than to mere ritual alone.