Shloka 156
The Manifestation of Viṣṇu’s Footprints: Vāmana–Trivikrama, Bāṣkali’s Subjugation, and the Rise of Viṣṇupadī
Gaṅgā
मक्षिकापादमात्रं तु भूमिरस्य प्रतिग्रहः । विनाशमेष्यसि क्षिप्रं सत्यंसत्यं मया श्रुतम्
makṣikāpādamātraṃ tu bhūmirasya pratigrahaḥ | vināśameṣyasi kṣipraṃ satyaṃsatyaṃ mayā śrutam
แม้รับแผ่นดินจากเขาเพียงเท่ารอยเท้าแมลงวัน ก็เป็นโทษแห่งการรับทาน ท่านจักถึงความพินาศโดยเร็ว—จริงแท้ จริงแท้ เราได้ยินมาเช่นนั้น
Unspecified (context-dependent admonisher; likely within a narrated dialogue)
Concept: Even the smallest improper acceptance (pratigraha) can become spiritually ruinous; dharma is subtle and uncompromising.
Application: Refuse benefits that compromise integrity; scrutinize the source of gifts, conflicts of interest, and “small” ethical lapses; keep livelihood and religious acts free from tainted patronage.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A severe guru raises a cautioning hand as a disciple stands with a tiny clod of earth on a leaf—‘no bigger than a fly’s foot’—symbolizing how even a minute tainted gift can topple dharma. In the background, a shadowy scale tilts toward ruin, while a faint lotus-emblem of Viṣṇu suggests the higher standard of purity.","primary_figures":["a stern guru (brāhmaṇa-ācārya)","a conflicted disciple","subtle symbolic presence of Viṣṇu (lotus/śaṅkha emblem)"],"setting":"Forest hermitage courtyard with kusa grass seats, a small sacrificial fire, and a boundary line of earth marking land-gift symbolism","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["smoky umber","saffron ochre","ash gray","deep maroon","muted gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a brāhmaṇa guru seated on a carved wooden āsana, right hand raised in admonition, disciple offering a tiny pinch of earth on a betel leaf; gold leaf halo around a faint Viṣṇu lotus emblem in the upper corner, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments minimal and austere, intricate floral borders, sacred fire rendered with gold highlights.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: quiet hermitage scene with delicate brushwork; guru and disciple in profile, the tiny earth-gift emphasized by fine detailing; cool earthy palette, pine-like trees and distant hills, lyrical naturalism, refined facial features, a subtle ominous shadow falling across the offering leaf.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, expressive eyes, guru’s gesture dramatic; the tiny earth clod stylized; warm red/yellow/green pigments, sacred fire and palm-leaf textures, a small Viṣṇu symbol (śaṅkha-padma) glowing above as moral witness.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symbolic composition—central offering leaf with tiny earth, surrounded by lotus motifs and a border of warning inscriptions; deep indigo background with gold highlights; a small Viṣṇu emblem above, peacocks subdued, floral borders intricate, devotional yet cautionary tone."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["single temple bell strike","low fire crackle","brief silence after 'satyaṃ satyaṃ'","distant wind through trees"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: bhūmirasya = bhūmiḥ + asya; satyaṃsatyaṃ = satyaṃ + satyaṃ (emphatic repetition).
FAQs
It warns that accepting even a tiny gift (especially land) from an unworthy or tainted source leads to rapid spiritual and worldly downfall.
It is a hyperbolic measure—“as small as a fly’s foot”—used to stress that even the smallest improper acceptance is harmful.
Discernment in receiving gifts (pratigraha): one should avoid donations that compromise integrity, purity of livelihood, or dharma.