Shloka 67
Yayāti’s Ascent to Heaven
and Entry into Vaikuṇṭha
वापीकुंडतडागैश्च सारसैरुपशोभितैः । हंसकारंडवाकीर्णैः कल्हारैरुपशोभितैः
vāpīkuṃḍataḍāgaiśca sārasairupaśobhitaiḥ | haṃsakāraṃḍavākīrṇaiḥ kalhārairupaśobhitaiḥ
สถานนั้นประดับด้วยบ่อ น้ำพุ สระและอ่างน้ำ งดงามด้วยทะเลสาบทั้งหลาย; แน่นด้วยหงส์และนกการัณฑวะ และยิ่งรุ่งเรืองด้วยดอกบัวกัลหารถที่บานสะพรั่ง
Unspecified (narrative description within the Adhyaya; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue frame of the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Outer purity (sacred waters, lotuses, serene creatures) mirrors inner purity; the tīrtha environment invites calm devotion and ethical refinement.
Application: Use water-rituals as mindfulness: bathe with prayer, keep local water bodies clean, create small ‘kuṇḍa-like’ routines—regular purification, gratitude, and gentle speech.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A chain of crystal-clear wells, tanks, and lotus lakes encircles the sacred precinct, their steps carved in stone and their surfaces dotted with blooming kalhāra lotuses. Swans and kāraṇḍava birds glide through misty morning air, while pilgrims pause at the ghāṭa with folded hands, the water reflecting temple spires like a second sky.","primary_figures":["pilgrims/devotees","swans (haṃsa)","kāraṇḍava birds","temple guardians/priests (optional)"],"setting":"Stone ghāṭas around vāpis and kuṇḍas, lotus-filled lakes, distant Viṣṇu temple towers, flowering banks with reeds and kalhāra clusters.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["water turquoise","lotus white","soft rose pink","mist gray","temple gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: stepped temple tank with kalhāra lotuses and swans, gold leaf shimmering on water highlights and temple spires, ornate borders, pilgrims offering arghya at the ghāṭa, rich jewel tones with embossed gold detailing on architecture and lotus petals.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: tranquil lake scene with delicate ripples, swans and kāraṇḍavas rendered with fine brushwork, pale dawn mist, cool blues and gentle pinks, distant temple silhouette, pilgrims in simple garments at stone steps, lyrical naturalism.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized temple tank with bold outlines, rhythmic lotus motifs, birds in decorative arcs, warm reds/yellows/greens with deep blue water fields, pilgrims in profile performing snāna/ācamana gestures, mural-like symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: lotus-lake mandala filled with repeating kalhāra blooms, swans arranged in patterned rings, deep indigo water with gold highlights, ornate floral borders, central sacred tank aligned to a Viṣṇu emblem, intricate textile geometry and devotional calm."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["flowing water","waterfowl calls","soft temple bell","morning conch","gentle breeze"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वापीकुंडतडागैश्च = वापीकुण्डतडागैः + च; सारसैरुपशोभितैः = सारसैः + उपशोभितैः; हंसकारंडवाकीर्णैः = हंस + कारण्डव + आकीर्णैः (समास/सन्धि-लेखनभेदः); कल्हारैरुपशोभितैः = कल्हारैः + उपशोभितैः।
FAQs
It portrays a tīrtha-like landscape as water-rich and carefully maintained—marked by wells, ponds, tanks, and lakes—suggesting abundance, hospitality to pilgrims, and ritual suitability.
Indirectly: by idealizing a serene, pure environment filled with auspicious signs (swans, lotuses), it frames sacred space as conducive to worship, remembrance, and devotional acts performed at tīrthas.
It reflects a cultural ideal of dharmic stewardship—protecting water bodies and maintaining public resources—since such care is presented as beautifying and sanctifying the land.