Shloka 38
Brahmā’s Puṣkara Sacrifice: Kokāmukha Tīrtha, Varāha’s Aid, and the Arrival of Gāyatrī
यज्ञाद्गतिं कामन्वैच्छत्कथं यज्ञे मतिः कृता । एष मे संशयो ब्रह्मन्नेष मे संशयः परः
yajñādgatiṃ kāmanvaicchatkathaṃ yajñe matiḥ kṛtā | eṣa me saṃśayo brahmanneṣa me saṃśayaḥ paraḥ
เมื่อปรารถนาคติอันสูงที่ได้จากยัญญะ แล้วเหตุใดจิตปณิธานของเขาจึงตั้งมั่นในยัญญะ? โอ้พราหมณ์ นี่คือความสงสัยของข้า—แท้จริงนี่คือความสงสัยอันยิ่งใหญ่ของข้า
Unspecified questioner addressing a Brahman (contextual speaker not provided in the excerpt)
Concept: Spiritual attainment from yajña depends on the inner resolve (mati) and its correct object; the verse foregrounds sincere questioning as the doorway to right understanding.
Application: When performing duties—ritual, work, service—ask: ‘What is my intention and to whom is it offered?’ Use doubt constructively by seeking guidance from learned, humble teachers.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A respectful questioner stands with folded hands before a seated Brahman-sage beside a glowing sacrificial fire, the air thick with incense and mantra. The questioner’s face shows earnest doubt, while the sage’s calm gaze promises clarification, as if the flames themselves are listening.","primary_figures":["questioner (disciple/king/seeker)","Brahman-sage (teacher)","Agni (sacrificial fire personified subtly)"],"setting":"Yajña-śālā with vedi altar, ladles, kusa grass, ghee pot, and Vedic manuscripts; quiet assembly at the edges.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["fire orange","smoke gray","saffron","dark teak brown","warm gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: interior yajña hall with ornate pillars; sage seated on a low āsana, disciple in añjali mudrā asking a question; central agni with gold leaf flames, ritual vessels rendered with metallic highlights, rich maroon and emerald textiles, embossed halo around the sage.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate sacrificial scene with delicate flames, soft shadows, and refined expressions; disciple leaning forward in inquiry, sage poised to answer; cool background tones with warm fire glow, fine detailing of kusa grass and utensils.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized yajña fire as a bold motif, sage and disciple in profile with strong outlines; ritual objects simplified into iconic shapes; dominant reds/yellows with deep green accents, temple-wall composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical yajña scene framed by floral borders; central fire as lotus-flame motif, sage and disciple mirrored on either side; intricate patterns, deep indigo border with gold and saffron highlights."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["crackling fire","low mantra murmur","gentle bell","stillness after the question"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: yajñādgatiṃ = yajñāt + gatim (t/d sandhi); kāmanvaicchat = kāman + vaicchat; brahmanneṣa = brahman + eṣaḥ (n-sandhi).
FAQs
Here gati implies a higher spiritual outcome—an elevated state or destination believed to arise from properly performed sacrifice and its accompanying intention.
It highlights that ritual action is not merely external; the inner resolve and understanding (mati) are central to directing the sacrifice toward its intended spiritual fruit.
The verse models sincere inquiry: one should not perform religious acts mechanically, but should question and understand how desire, intention, and right practice connect to the promised results.