Shloka 15
The Account of Women
Householder Ethics, Fault, Merit, and Govinda-Nāma as Purification
वृषकेतुसदाख्यान सप्रतिष्ठे हिमे गिरौ । प्रणिपत्य महात्मा वै पप्रच्छ पार्वतीं मुनिः
vṛṣaketusadākhyāna sapratiṣṭhe hime girau | praṇipatya mahātmā vai papraccha pārvatīṃ muniḥ
ณ สถานศักดิ์สิทธิ์อันมั่นคงชื่อ “วฤษเกตุ-สดาขฺยาน” บนภูเขาหิมาลัย มหาฤๅษีได้กราบลง แล้วทูลถามพระแม่ปารวตี
Narrator (describing the sage’s action); the sage is about to speak to Pārvatī
Concept: Praṇipāta (bowing) precedes praśna (question): humility is the doorway to receiving subtle instruction.
Application: When seeking counsel—spiritual or worldly—first establish respect (listen, bow inwardly), then ask clearly and sincerely.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At a consecrated Himalayan shrine marked by stone steps and a small sanctum, Nārada bows low before Pārvatī seated in serene majesty. Prayer-smoke curls upward, and the mountain air feels still, as if the very rocks are listening to the coming question.","primary_figures":["Nārada","Pārvatī"],"setting":"Himalayan tīrtha with a modest shrine platform, fluttering pennants, incense brazier, and distant snow peaks.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["vermillion red","mountain slate","snow white","marigold gold","deep forest green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Pārvatī enthroned on a lotus pedestal with gold leaf halo and ornate jewelry; Nārada prostrating at her feet; shrine pillars and arch with heavy gold embellishment, rich reds/greens, gem-like highlights, traditional South Indian decorative borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate hillside shrine scene with delicate detailing—Pārvatī calm and luminous, Nārada in humble bow; cool Himalayan blues and greys, soft cloud bands, refined expressions and gentle narrative composition.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Pārvatī frontal with large expressive eyes, bold outlines; Nārada in añjali and praṇāma; stylized mountain backdrop, saturated reds/yellows/greens, temple-wall symmetry and ornamental vines.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional frame with floral borders and lotus motifs; central vignette of Pārvatī and bowing sage; deep indigo background with gold accents, intricate textile-like patterning and symmetrical ornamentation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["incense crackle","soft bell chimes","mountain breeze","low drone of tanpura","distant waterfall"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पाठे ‘वृषकेतुसदाख्यान’ इति समास/विभक्त्यभावः दृश्यते; अर्थानुसारं ‘वृषकेतु-सदाख्याने’ (सप्तमी) इति ग्रहणम्।
FAQs
It situates the narrative at a named sacred site (Vṛṣaketu-sadākhyāna) on the Himālaya, reflecting the Purāṇic habit of anchoring teachings in specific, sanctified locations (tīrthas).
The sage’s praṇipāta (prostration) before inquiry models devotional humility—reverence precedes questioning, suggesting that knowledge is approached through respectful surrender.
The verse teaches proper conduct in seeking wisdom: approach the worthy with humility, honor sacred contexts, and ask questions after showing respect.