Shloka 21
The Supremacy of Food-Charity and the Rāma–Śambūka Episode
Child Revived through Rājadharma
रामेण कुशलं पृष्टा ऋषयः सर्व एव ते । महर्षयो वेदविद इदं वचनमब्रुवन्
rāmeṇa kuśalaṃ pṛṣṭā ṛṣayaḥ sarva eva te | maharṣayo vedavida idaṃ vacanamabruvan
เมื่อพระรามทรงไถ่ถามสารทุกข์สุขดิบ เหล่าฤๅษีทั้งปวง—มหาฤๅษีผู้รู้พระเวท—จึงกล่าวถ้อยคำนี้
Narrator (the text) reporting the sages' reply after Rāma's inquiry
Concept: Polite inquiry into others’ well-being and attentive listening to the learned is itself dharma and the doorway to right action.
Application: Begin conversations with genuine concern; seek counsel from those grounded in śāstra before major decisions.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Rāma stands with folded palms before a circle of venerable sages, his posture both royal and humble. The sages, radiant with tapas and Vedic learning, turn toward him as if a sacred dialogue is about to unfold, the forest hermitage holding its breath in anticipation.","primary_figures":["Rāma","mahārṣis (Veda-knowing sages)"],"setting":"Āśrama grove with kuśa seats, a small fire altar, hanging water pots, and hermitage huts; Lakṣmaṇa subtly in the background as attendant.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["saffron ochre","forest green","sky blue","ash white","warm gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Rāma with serene blue complexion and royal yet ascetic attire, hands in añjali, facing a semicircle of sages seated on kuśa; gold leaf halos, ornate borders, rich reds/greens, gem-like detailing on bows and ornaments, sacred vessels highlighted with metallic sheen.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical forest hermitage at dawn, Rāma respectfully addressing sages; delicate linework, cool greens and pale blues, refined faces, gentle hills in the distance, subtle narrative intimacy and quiet anticipation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized Rāma with bold outlines and large expressive eyes, sages in ochre-white garments, ritual fire altar centered; natural pigments, temple-wall symmetry, red-yellow-green palette with rhythmic foliage motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Rāma in a devotional tableau framed by lotus and floral borders; sages arranged symmetrically, peacocks near the edges, deep blue accents and gold detailing, intricate textile patterns suggesting sacred discourse."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["rustling leaves","soft conch in distance","low fire crackle","birds at dawn"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वचनमब्रुवन् = वचनम् अब्रुवन्. (पृष्टा = पृष्टाः, visarga often not shown in continuous text).
FAQs
The verse is narrated by the text; it describes that Rāma asked the assembled sages about their welfare, and the Veda-knowing maharṣis then began their reply.
It highlights courtesy and dharmic conduct: a righteous person begins conversation by asking about others’ well-being, especially elders and spiritual authorities.
It establishes the authority and reliability of what follows: their forthcoming words are grounded in Vedic learning and the insight of realized seers.