Shloka 2
The Story of Sukalā
Episode: Ugrasena and Padmāvatī’s Return to Vidarbha
सर्वधर्मार्थतत्त्वज्ञो वेदज्ञः श्रुतवान्बली । दाता भोक्ता गुणग्राही सद्गुणान्वेत्ति भूपतिः
sarvadharmārthatattvajño vedajñaḥ śrutavānbalī | dātā bhoktā guṇagrāhī sadguṇānvetti bhūpatiḥ
พระราชานั้นทรงรู้แก่นแท้แห่งธรรมและอรรถทั้งปวง ทรงรู้พระเวท เป็นผู้รอบรู้และมีกำลัง ทรงเป็นทานบดี เสวยอย่างมีธรรม รู้คุณค่าแห่งคุณงาม และทรงจำแนกสัทคุณได้
Unspecified (narrative voice; broader dialogue context not provided in the input).
Concept: An ideal ruler embodies śāstra-jñāna, strength, generosity, responsible enjoyment, and guṇa-grāhitā (discernment of virtue).
Application: Leadership ethic: study, self-discipline, generosity, and merit-recognition; enjoy resources without exploitation; reward virtue and support learning.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A composed king sits in open court, listening to Vedic recitation while petitioners approach—some seeking justice, others receiving charity. The scene emphasizes balanced power: a sword rests unused beside a scripture stand, symbolizing strength guided by śāstra and compassion.","primary_figures":["ideal king (rājā)","court brāhmaṇas reciting Veda","subjects/petitioners"],"setting":"Royal sabhā with dharma-śāsana: manuscript stand, donation vessels, guards at a respectful distance.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["antique gold","deep maroon","ivory","indigo","bronze"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: enthroned dharmic king with gold leaf throne-back, one hand in dāna-mudrā, Vedic scholars seated with palm-leaf texts, ornate court pillars, rich reds/greens, gem-like detailing on crown and ornaments, symbolic sword and scripture prominently displayed.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined court interior with delicate textiles, the king’s calm face and restrained posture, scholars chanting, petitioners in soft colors, subtle architectural lines, emphasis on moral serenity rather than opulence.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized sabhā with rhythmic pillar patterns, king with large eyes and elaborate crown, dāna scene to the side, warm red-yellow-green palette, didactic clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: allegorical ‘dharma-rājā’ tableau framed by floral borders, lotus medallions containing symbols—Veda, dāna-pātra, scales of justice—deep blue ground with gold highlights, devotional undertone that dharma serves Hari."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"didactic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low Vedic chant drone","court bell chime","soft mridanga (distant)","quiet footsteps","measured silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: श्रुतवान्बली = श्रुतवान् + बली (न् + ब → न्ब); सद्गुणान्वेत्ति = सद्गुणान् + वेत्ति (न् + व → न्व)।
FAQs
The verse defines an ideal king as one grounded in dharma and artha, learned in the Vedas, strong, generous, capable of rightful enjoyment, and skilled at recognizing and valuing virtue in others.
No. In the context of rāja-dharma, “bhoktā” indicates a ruler who partakes of rightful enjoyments and resources responsibly—without violating dharma—and who can administer prosperity with discernment.
Power is not enough: rulership is legitimized by knowledge, generosity, moral discernment, and the ability to recognize and uphold noble qualities (sad-guṇāḥ) in oneself and in society.