Shloka 54
Brahmā’s Puṣkara Sacrifice: Ṛtvij System, Sāvitrī’s Reconciliation, Tīrtha-Catalogue, Śrāddha & Initiation Rites, and Vrata Fruits
पृच्छस्वेमां वरारोहां गौरीं पर्वतनंदिनीम् । लक्ष्मीं चैतां विशालाक्षीमिंद्राणीं वा शुभानने
pṛcchasvemāṃ varārohāṃ gaurīṃ parvatanaṃdinīm | lakṣmīṃ caitāṃ viśālākṣīmiṃdrāṇīṃ vā śubhānane
โอ้ผู้มีพักตร์ผ่องใส จงถามนางเถิด—สตรีผู้สูงศักดิ์นี้คือ พระคาวรี ธิดาแห่งขุนเขา; หรือพระลักษมีผู้มีเนตรกว้าง; หรือพระอินทราณี
Unspecified (context needed to identify the dialogue speaker reliably)
Concept: Seek guidance from the worthy—divine exemplars of śakti—according to one’s faith and inner alignment.
Application: When confused, consult a trusted, virtuous authority; choose mentors aligned with your values; ask clearly and respectfully.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: mountain
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A fair-faced seeker stands at a crossroads of divine counsel, with three radiant goddesses subtly indicated—Gaurī with mountain symbolism, Lakṣmī with lotus and wide eyes, and Indrāṇī with regal celestial ornaments. The composition suggests discernment: whom to approach, whom to ask, and how faith guides the choice.","primary_figures":["Gaurī (Pārvatī)","Lakṣmī","Indrāṇī","a questioning devotee/attendant (śubhānanā)"],"setting":"A celestial hall opening into three symbolic vistas: a snow-peaked mountain backdrop, a lotus lake, and Indra’s jeweled court.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["snow white","lotus pink","sapphire blue","gold leaf","storm-cloud gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: triptych-like composition with Gaurī (with Himalayan motifs), Lakṣmī on a lotus with wide eyes, and Indrāṇī in regal attire; thick gold leaf halos, ruby-green garments, ornate jewelry, symmetrical framing, embossed lotus borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: three goddesses in a refined courtly scene; cool mountain tones behind Gaurī, soft lotus pond behind Lakṣmī, delicate palace architecture behind Indrāṇī; fine brushwork, lyrical naturalism, gentle expressions, detailed textiles.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and flat pigments; three divine feminine forms with characteristic large eyes and stylized crowns; patterned backgrounds indicating mountain/lotus/celestial palace; dominant reds, yellows, greens with black contouring.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Lakṣmī-centered lotus field with ornate floral borders; side medallions featuring Gaurī with mountain motifs and Indrāṇī with celestial symbols; deep indigo ground, gold highlights, intricate vine and lotus patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["tanpura drone","soft cymbals","distant birds","gentle wind"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: pṛcchasvemāṃ = pṛcchasva + imām; caitāṃ = ca + etām; viśālākṣīmiṃdrāṇīṃ = viśāla-akṣīm + indrāṇīm; śubhānane = śubha-ānane.
FAQs
The verse groups prominent goddesses from different divine spheres—Śaiva (Gaurī), Vaiṣṇava (Lakṣmī), and Vedic/Deva realm (Indrāṇī)—to indicate that the question may be directed to any of these authoritative divine figures, depending on context.
No. The construction uses “vā” (or), presenting alternatives rather than ranking them; it emphasizes suitability and authority rather than superiority.
It highlights humility and proper inquiry: when seeking clarity, one should approach a worthy and knowledgeable authority (here, revered goddesses) rather than speculate.