Shloka 23
Rite of Tree Consecration and the Merit of Planting Sacred Trees
तीर्थेषु पिंडदानादीन्रोपकाणां ददंति ते । यत्नेनापि च राजेंद्र अश्वत्थारोपणं कुरु
tīrtheṣu piṃḍadānādīnropakāṇāṃ dadaṃti te | yatnenāpi ca rājeṃdra aśvatthāropaṇaṃ kuru
ณสถานที่แสวงบุญทั้งหลาย เขาย่อมถวายปิณฑทานและทานอื่น ๆ อย่างแน่นอน ถึงกระนั้น ข้าแต่ราชेंद्र จงเพียรพยายามให้การปลูกต้นอัศวัตถะ (ต้นโพธิ์/ไทรศักดิ์สิทธิ์) เป็นกิจที่ตั้งใจมั่นของท่าน
Unspecified narrator addressing a king (rājendra) (exact dialogue pair not identifiable from this single verse alone).
Concept: Pilgrimage charity is praised, yet deliberate aśvattha-planting is urged as a higher, enduring dharma that continually gives shade, oxygen, and sanctity.
Application: When visiting temples/tīrthas, add a ‘living donation’: plant or sponsor a sacred tree with long-term care (watering plan, protection, community stewardship).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king stands at a bustling riverbank tīrtha where priests perform piṇḍa-dāna rites amid incense and chanting. A sage points beyond the crowd to a quiet patch of earth where an aśvattha sapling is being planted, suggesting a dharma that outlives the moment—roots taking hold as pilgrims look on with newfound reverence.","primary_figures":["a king (rājendra)","a teaching sage","pilgrims","priests performing piṇḍa-dāna","aśvattha sapling"],"setting":"Riverbank tīrtha with ghāṭa steps, offering trays, kusa grass, and a nearby open ground prepared for planting.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["river-silver","saffron","leaf green","earth brown","smoke gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a royal patron at a ghāṭa with priests offering piṇḍas, while a sage gestures to an aśvattha sapling being planted; ornate gold leaf borders, rich maroon and green garments, jewel-toned crowns, stylized river waves, and a radiant halo around the sapling to signify sacredness.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a serene riverside pilgrimage scene with fine lines; the king in modest regal attire listens to a sage; pilgrims and priests in soft colors; the aśvattha sapling delicately rendered with heart-shaped leaves; distant hills and a pale sky create contemplative space.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal, iconic figures—sage instructing the king; rhythmic arrangement of pilgrims; bold outlines; warm yellow-red background; the aśvattha shown with stylized leaves and a protective circular motif; temple-lamp ambiance even at the riverbank.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a tīrtha-ghāṭa framed by lotus borders; central aśvattha sapling treated like a deity icon; peacocks perched on railings; deep blue river with gold highlights; intricate floral patterns around offering plates and garlands."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["flowing water","pilgrim murmurs","hand bell","conch shell","soft drum (mridangam)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पिंडदानादीन्रोपकाणां = पिण्डदानादीन् + रोपकाणाम् (न् + र → न्र); यत्नेनापि = यत्नेन + अपि (सन्धि-लोप/स्वर-सन्धि)
FAQs
It urges the deliberate planting of an aśvattha (sacred fig) tree, presented as a highly meritorious act alongside offerings made at tīrthas.
It acknowledges established tīrtha practices (piṇḍa-dāna and other gifts) while highlighting that dharma also includes constructive, lasting acts—here, tree planting.
Religious merit is not only gained through ritual giving at holy places; one should also perform purposeful, beneficial actions that support life and the community, such as planting sacred trees.