Shloka 72
The Episode of Vena: Purification, the ‘Vāsudevābhidhā’ Hymn, and the Dharma of Charity
Times, Tīrthas, Worthy Recipients
प्रवक्ष्यामि नरश्रेष्ठ सुबुद्ध्या शृणु तत्परः । अमावास्या महाराज पौर्णमासी तथैव च
pravakṣyāmi naraśreṣṭha subuddhyā śṛṇu tatparaḥ | amāvāsyā mahārāja paurṇamāsī tathaiva ca
เราจักอธิบายให้ฟัง โอ้ยอดแห่งมนุษย์—จงฟังด้วยปัญญาอันผ่องใสและความตั้งใจแน่วแน่ เถิด มหาราชเอ๋ย ว่าด้วยวันอมาวาสยา (เดือนดับ) และทำนองเดียวกันวันเพ็ญ (ปูรณมาสี)—
Unspecified narrator addressing a king (mahārāja) and 'best of men' (naraśreṣṭha); likely a sage speaking to a royal interlocutor
Concept: Listen with lucid understanding: sacred observances hinge on correct knowledge of tithi—especially Amāvāsyā and Paurṇimā—where actions gain amplified spiritual efficacy.
Application: Use a pañcāṅga; mark new-moon and full-moon for restraint, charity, japa, and worship; cultivate ‘sūbuddhi’—clear discernment—before undertaking vows.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sage-teacher sits facing a crowned king, palm-leaf manuscript open, as he begins enumerating sacred lunar days. Above them, a stylized sky shows the dark disk of Amāvāsyā and the full orb of Paurṇimā like twin seals of time, while attendants hold a pañcāṅga and ritual vessels.","primary_figures":["a sage narrator/ācārya","a king (mahārāja)","scribes/attendants"],"setting":"quiet palace study-hall or hermitage pavilion with manuscripts, ink pots, and a small altar","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["moonstone white","indigo night","sandalwood beige","copper bronze","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: sage instructing a king about Amāvāsyā and Paurṇimā, gold-leaf halos, embossed lunar discs (new moon as dark medallion, full moon as bright medallion), rich maroon backdrop, ornate textiles, ritual vessels and palm-leaf manuscripts with gold accents.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate teaching scene in a pavilion, delicate brushwork, cool indigo sky with two lunar phases depicted symbolically, refined faces, soft textiles, manuscripts and a pañcāṅga scroll, gentle naturalism and calm compositional balance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, sage and king in profile with large expressive eyes, stylized moon symbols above, warm red/yellow/green pigments, ornamental borders with lotus and conch motifs, manuscript details simplified but iconic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical composition with lunar motifs and floral borders, the sage at center teaching, the king seated respectfully, deep blue ground, lotus patterns, small temple lamps, intricate white dot work suggesting stars around the full moon."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft tanpura drone","page-turning of palm leaves","distant temple bell","night insects"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तथैव = तथा + एव (स्वर-सन्धि).
FAQs
It introduces an explanation related to lunar observances—specifically Amāvāsyā (new moon) and Paurṇamāsī (full moon)—commonly important for vows, rites, and merit-bearing acts.
They are key tithis in the Hindu lunar calendar and are frequently prescribed for śrāddha, dāna (charity), vrata (vows), and other ritual duties, with special emphasis on attentiveness and correct understanding.
The speaker emphasizes disciplined listening and clear discernment—suggesting that correct practice depends on careful attention to instruction rather than mere ritual performance.