Shloka 17
Right Conduct, Offenses Against Brāhmaṇas, Truthfulness, and the Greatness of the Cow
Go-Māhātmya
नावमन्येत्ततो विप्रं क्षुधया गृहमागतम् । न ददामीति यो ब्रूयाद्देवाग्निब्राह्मणेषु सः
nāvamanyettato vipraṃ kṣudhayā gṛhamāgatam | na dadāmīti yo brūyāddevāgnibrāhmaṇeṣu saḥ
ฉะนั้นอย่าดูหมิ่นพราหมณ์ผู้มาถึงเรือนด้วยความหิว ผู้ใดกล่าวว่า “เราจะไม่ให้” ผู้นั้นย่อมมีโทษต่อเหล่าเทวะ ต่อไฟศักดิ์สิทธิ์ และต่อพราหมณ์ทั้งหลาย
Unspecified (narrative injunction within Padma Purāṇa; speaker not identifiable from the single verse alone)
Concept: Do not insult a hungry brāhmaṇa guest; refusal to give (‘na dadāmi’) constitutes an offense against gods, sacred fire, and brāhmaṇas—i.e., against the pillars of dharma.
Application: Keep a portion for guests/need; speak kindly even when unable; offer what is possible (water, fruits, respectful words) rather than contempt.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At a lamp-lit doorway, a hungry brāhmaṇa stands with folded hands; inside, the household fire (agni) glows in a small altar, and faint divine presences seem to watch. The householder’s mouth is caught between refusal and generosity, while the scene subtly reveals that saying ‘I will not give’ offends not only a person but the sacred order itself.","primary_figures":["hungry brāhmaṇa atithi","householder","Agni (as sacred fire personified or as altar flame)","subtle deva presences (suggested silhouettes)"],"setting":"Traditional courtyard home with a visible agni-kunda/household altar near the threshold; offering vessels, water pot, simple food plate.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit with warm hearth glow","color_palette":["ghee-lamp gold","terracotta","coconut brown","cream white","deep teal"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: richly ornamented doorway scene—brāhmaṇa atithi at threshold, householder holding a ladle and offering plate near a glowing agni-kunda; gold leaf highlights on flame, halos, and border; rich reds/greens, intricate jewelry minimal for realism, sacred thread and Vedic marks detailed.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate domestic courtyard with soft evening light; delicate rendering of the agni flame and brass vessels; expressive, compassionate faces; refined linework, gentle shadows, floral creepers along the wall.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: iconic threshold composition with agni as central sacred motif; bold outlines, patterned garments, warm reds/yellows/greens; deva presences hinted in stylized cloud forms above the doorway.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional domestic ‘anna-dāna’ tableau framed by lotus and tulasi borders; deep blue background with gold highlights; symmetrical vessels and kalash motifs; peacocks at corners, emphasizing auspicious giving."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["crackling sacred fire","soft bell","evening birds","water poured into a vessel","quiet conch"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: nāvamanyet = na + avamanyet; gṛhamāgatam = gṛham + āgatam; dadāmīti = dadāmi + iti; brūyāddevāgnibrāhmaṇeṣu = brūyāt + deva-agni-brāhmaṇeṣu.
FAQs
It teaches atithi-dharma and dāna: do not insult a hungry brāhmaṇa who comes to one’s home, and do not refuse giving (food/alms) when one is able.
In Purāṇic dharma, honoring brāhmaṇas and sustaining Agni (sacred fire/ritual order) is closely linked to honoring the devas; refusing charity is framed as an offense impacting all three.
A householder should treat a hungry visitor—especially a learned brāhmaṇa—with respect and provide food or support, avoiding harsh refusal that violates the duty of hospitality.