Shloka 21
The Glory of Lamp-Donation
in Kārttika
आगतास्तं समानेतुं बबंधुश्चर्मरज्जुभिः । यावन्नेतुं मनश्चक्रुः शंखचक्रगदाधराः
āgatāstaṃ samānetuṃ babaṃdhuścarmarajjubhiḥ | yāvannetuṃ manaścakruḥ śaṃkhacakragadādharāḥ
พวกเขามาถึงเพื่อจับตัวเขาและมัดด้วยสายหนัง แต่ครั้นเมื่อคิดจะพาเขาไป พระผู้เป็นเจ้าผู้ทรงสังข์ จักร และคทา ก็ทรงปรากฏขึ้น
Narratorial voice (contextual; verse is descriptive rather than direct speech)
Concept: Even when karmic forces seem to bind, the Lord’s protective presence (śaṅkha-cakra-gadā) overrides for the surrendered devotee.
Application: In crisis, reaffirm refuge in Nārāyaṇa through nāma-smaraṇa and daily worship; cultivate steady devotion rather than fear-based religiosity.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"On a shadowed threshold between worlds, stern attendants bind a trembling soul with dark leather thongs. At the instant their resolve hardens, a burst of divine radiance cleaves the gloom—Viṣṇu manifests with śaṅkha, cakra, and gadā, the air vibrating with protective authority.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu (Śaṅkha-Cakra-Gadādhara)","Yamadūtas (attendants of Yama)","the bound devotee (unnamed)"],"setting":"A liminal cremation-ground-like plain or astral corridor with swirling mist, faint embers, and distant silhouettes of judgmental architecture.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance cutting through darkness","color_palette":["sapphire blue","smoky charcoal","golden aura","ivory white","deep crimson"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu as Śaṅkha-Cakra-Gadādhara appearing behind the bound devotee, gold leaf halo and ornate crown, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, Yamadūtas recoiling at the edge, heavy gold embellishment on weapons and jewelry, temple-like arch framing the scene.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a misty otherworldly path with delicate linework; the bound devotee in the foreground, Yamadūtas with restrained ferocity; Viṣṇu’s calm blue form emerging in luminous wash, subtle gradients, refined faces, sparse trees and distant hills suggesting the border of worlds.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and flat natural pigments; Viṣṇu centered with large expressive eyes, śaṅkha-cakra-gadā clearly iconographic; Yamadūtas in earthy reds/browns; dramatic contrast between dark ground and bright yellow-gold aura.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Viṣṇu’s protective epiphany framed by lotus and floral borders; stylized clouds and celestial motifs; the devotee near a lotus pedestal; intricate gold detailing, deep indigo background, symbolic conch and discus emphasized with ornate patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low drum pulse","conch shell (distant)","wind through emptiness","sudden temple bell swell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: आगतास्तं = आगताः + तम्; बबंधुश्चर्मरज्जुभिः = बबन्धुः + चर्मरज्जुभिः; मनश्चक्रुः = मनः + चक्रुः; शंखचक्रगदाधराः is a बहुव्रीहि (implied: विष्णुदूताः) contrasting with previous दूताः.
FAQs
It is a standard epithet of Lord Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa), identifying him through his iconic emblems: śaṅkha (conch), cakra (discus), and gadā (mace).
The verse highlights divine intervention: when harm is about to be done, Viṣṇu’s presence signifies protection and the overturning of injustice at a critical moment.
It underscores the cruelty of coercion and wrongful seizure, implying that oppressive acts invite correction—here shown through the appearance of divine authority and protection.