Puṣkara Mahatmya: Brahmā’s Lotus-Tīrtha, Sacrifice, Initiation, and Kṣetra-Dharma
शुभोऽशुभो वा शब्दोरेयं त्रैलोक्यस्य दिवौकसाम् । भगवन्यदि जानासि किमेतत्कथयस्व नः
śubho'śubho vā śabdoreyaṃ trailokyasya divaukasām | bhagavanyadi jānāsi kimetatkathayasva naḥ
เสียงนี้เป็นมงคลหรืออัปมงคล—เป็นเสียงของเหล่าเทวะผู้สถิตในไตรโลกหรือ? ข้าแต่พระผู้เป็นเจ้า หากพระองค์ทรงทราบ โปรดบอกเราว่านี่คือสิ่งใด
Unspecified (a group addressing a revered interlocutor within the dialogue)
Concept: When confronted with omens, the dharmic response is humble inquiry to a knower rather than panic or speculation.
Application: In moments of anxiety, ask a qualified guide/śāstra-based source; replace rumor with discernment and prayerful listening.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A vast celestial expanse trembles with an unseen reverberation; the Maruts and other divaukasa pause mid-flight, their banners and garlands quivering. In the foreground, a circle of radiant beings turns toward a revered figure, palms joined, asking whether the sound is auspicious or ominous.","primary_figures":["Maruts","divaukasa (devas)","a revered interlocutor (Vishnu or a senior deva/sage, seated)"],"setting":"Sky-palace terrace above cloud oceans, with distant glimpses of the three worlds layered like luminous strata.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","cloud white","gold leaf","pearl silver","lotus pink"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a celestial court on a jeweled cloud-terrace, Maruts with wind-swept scarves and golden crowns gathered in a semicircle, hands in añjali, questioning a central revered figure; heavy gold leaf halos, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, gem-studded ornaments, ornate arch motifs framing the three-world vista.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate devas on pale blue clouds, subtle tremor lines in the air, refined faces showing wonder and concern; cool gradients of sky, distant layered worlds, lyrical naturalism with fine brushwork and soft pink-gold highlights.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, stylized Maruts with dynamic postures and flowing ribbons, central seated authority figure with large expressive eyes; flat yet vibrant fields of red, yellow, green, and deep blue, temple-wall composition with decorative borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a cosmic lotus-and-cloud mandala backdrop, devas arranged symmetrically around a central figure, intricate floral borders and hanging garlands; deep indigo ground with gold detailing, peacock-feather motifs and lotus rosettes emphasizing auspicious/inauspicious inquiry."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["wind gusts","distant conch shell","low celestial drone","temple bells (faint)","sudden hush"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शुभोऽशुभो = शुभः + अशुभः; शब्दोरेयं = शब्दः + इयम्; किमेतत् = किम् + एतत्.
The speakers ask whether a heard sound is auspicious or inauspicious and request an explanation from a revered, knowledgeable person.
Divaukasām literally means “dwellers of heaven,” i.e., gods or celestial beings; the verse describes the sound as associated with them and the three worlds (trailokya).
It models humility and discernment: when confronted with uncertain signs, one should seek clarification from the wise rather than speculate or react impulsively.