Shloka 18
The Abduction/Seduction of Ahalyā and Indra’s Mark
Sahasrākṣa
देवकार्यादिकं त्यक्त्वा वक्तुं नार्हसि मे प्रभो । सर्वं जानासि धर्मज्ञ पुण्यानां निश्चयं मुने
devakāryādikaṃ tyaktvā vaktuṃ nārhasi me prabho | sarvaṃ jānāsi dharmajña puṇyānāṃ niścayaṃ mune
ข้าแต่พระผู้เป็นเจ้า ท่านไม่ควรปฏิเสธจะตอบข้าพเจ้า ทั้งที่ได้วางกิจแห่งเทวะและกิจอื่น ๆ ไว้ก่อนแล้ว โอ้มุนีผู้รู้ธรรม ท่านย่อมรู้ทุกสิ่ง แม้ความแน่แท้แห่งบุญกุศล
Unspecified (a disciple/interlocutor addressing a sage)
Concept: A dharma-jña sage is urged to teach the ‘niścaya’ (true determination) of puṇya—implying that merit is not mere ritual accumulation but correct discernment and intention.
Application: Seek clarity from trustworthy teachers; ask for principles (what counts as real merit) rather than only procedures.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A respectful interlocutor bows with folded hands, imploring a radiant sage to speak on the true measure of merit. The sage sits composed, surrounded by palm-leaf manuscripts and ritual implements, as if the very air is waiting for dharma to be articulated.","primary_figures":["a dharma-jña sage (muni)","a questioning disciple/interlocutor"],"setting":"a hermitage study corner or temple-side pavilion with manuscripts, water pot, kusa grass seat, and a small Viṣṇu emblem in the background","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["ochre","sage green","copper","cream","lapis blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: seated sage on a raised āsana with gold leaf halo; disciple kneeling with añjali; manuscripts and a small Viṣṇu shrine behind; ornate borders, rich reds/greens, gold highlights on texts and ornaments, devotional didactic mood.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: quiet hermitage veranda, delicate brushwork; sage with calm gaze, disciple in humble posture; soft dawn sky; refined facial features, gentle naturalism, muted mountain-like palette even if not mountainous.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; sage and disciple in clear didactic tableau; warm yellow-red background with green accents; stylized manuscripts and ritual vessels; serene authority in the sage’s eyes.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: framed teaching scene with floral borders; subtle Viṣṇu symbols (śaṅkha-cakra motifs) in corners; deep blues and gold; decorative lotus patterns emphasizing ‘puṇya’ and sacred learning."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["rustle of palm leaves","soft wind","distant temple bell","flowing water","silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नार्हसि = न + अर्हसि; देवकार्यादिकम् treated as देवकार्य + आदिक (tatpuruṣa) with neuter accusative ending -म्.
FAQs
The speaker urges the addressed sage/lord to speak and explain, emphasizing that he already knows the true nature and certainty of meritorious deeds (puṇya).
It points to a definitive understanding of what truly counts as merit—i.e., which actions reliably produce spiritual or ethical benefit according to dharma.
It underscores that guidance should be sought from those grounded in dharma, and that moral clarity comes from competent, principled teaching rather than speculation.