Shloka 148
Right Conduct, Offenses Against Brāhmaṇas, Truthfulness, and the Greatness of the Cow
Go-Māhātmya
निषिंचेद्यो गवां शृंगं मस्तकेनैव तज्जलम् । प्रतीच्छेत निराहारस्तस्य पुण्यं निबोधत
niṣiṃcedyo gavāṃ śṛṃgaṃ mastakenaiva tajjalam | pratīccheta nirāhārastasya puṇyaṃ nibodhata
จงรู้ถึงบุญนี้: หากผู้ใดรินน้ำจากเขาโค แล้วรับน้ำนั้นลงบนศีรษะของตนเอง พร้อมทั้งถือศีลอด (นิราหาร) ก็จงฟังเถิดถึงบุญกุศลที่บังเกิดแก่เขา
Unspecified (narratorial instruction within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Concept: A small, precise rite—water poured from a cow’s horn and received on the head while fasting—yields great puṇya through humility, bodily discipline, and reverence to dharma’s living support.
Application: Adopt disciplined simplicity: occasional fasting with a sanctifying act (ablution, prayer, service) can reset habits and cultivate humility; ensure the practice is non-harmful and respectful to animals.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A fasting devotee stands still, eyes lowered, as clear water streams from a polished cow-horn into the crown of the head, like a gentle consecration. Around, cows form a protective circle, their calm presence turning the simple act into a living shrine of purity and compassion.","primary_figures":["fasting devotee","cow (with horn used as vessel)","attendant (optional)"],"setting":"Quiet cowshed mandala: earthen floor, small water pot, kusa grass, simple garlands, a dawn hush","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["crystal silver","milk white","earth brown","saffron","deep green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central devotee receiving a thin stream of water onto the head from a decorated cow horn; cows arranged symmetrically like guardians; gold leaf used for halos and ornamental borders; rich vermilion and green garments, gem-like highlights on horn and jewelry; devotional stillness emphasized by frontal composition.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate pastoral scene with delicate cows and soft foliage; transparent water stream rendered with fine white strokes; devotee in simple cloth, serene expression; cool natural palette with gentle dawn light; refined detailing and lyrical quiet.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized water stream, patterned horn and cow ornaments; devotee with large expressive eyes; flat natural pigments (red/yellow/green) and decorative borders; ritual clarity and iconic symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: cows forming a circular mandala; central figure receiving water; lotus and floral borders, peacocks at corners; deep indigo background with gold and white detailing; intricate textile-like patterning emphasizing sanctity of the act."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["silence","soft water pour","cow bells faint","single temple bell strike"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: निषिंचेद्यो = निṣिञ्चेत् + यः; मस्तकेनैव = मस्तकेन + एव; तज्जलम् = तत् + जलम्; निराहारस्तस्य = निराहारः + तस्य
FAQs
It describes pouring water from a cow’s horn and receiving that water on one’s head, performed while fasting, as a meritorious observance.
It frames reverence toward the cow and disciplined observance (fasting) as a source of spiritual merit, aligning ethical restraint and sacred regard with religious practice.
The verse highlights self-restraint (nirāhāra) and respectful ritual conduct, teaching that disciplined, reverent actions are credited with spiritual merit (puṇya).