Shloka 13
Praise of Digging Wells and Building Water-Reservoirs
The Merit of Water-Works
विशोऽक्षयं धनं विद्याज्जन्मजन्मसु यत्प्रियम् । शूद्रादयोन्त्यजाश्चान्ये लभंते स्वर्गतिं मुहुः
viśo'kṣayaṃ dhanaṃ vidyājjanmajanmasu yatpriyam | śūdrādayontyajāścānye labhaṃte svargatiṃ muhuḥ
จงรู้เถิดว่า สำหรับไวศยะ ทรัพย์อันไม่สิ้นคือสิ่งที่ยังเป็นที่รักในชาติแล้วชาติเล่า แม้ศูทระ เหล่าอันตยชะที่ถูกเรียกว่า ‘ต่ำสุด’ และผู้อื่น ก็ยังบรรลุคติสวรรค์ได้เนือง ๆ
Unspecified (context-dependent within Sṛṣṭi-khaṇḍa Adhyāya 57)
Concept: Merit yields fitting fruits for each station—wealth for vaiśyas as ‘akṣaya’ continuity—yet even those deemed low-born can repeatedly attain heavenly paths through dharmic means.
Application: Do not gatekeep spirituality: cultivate generosity and integrity; support social uplift; measure people by conduct and devotion; pursue ‘inexhaustible wealth’ as virtues and good deeds rather than mere accumulation.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A compassionate montage shows people of varied communities offering simple gifts—water, grains, lamps—before a serene Viṣṇu shrine, while a golden path rises upward symbolizing svarga-gati. In the foreground, a merchant’s scales transform into a glowing emblem of ‘akṣaya wealth’—virtue that persists across births.","primary_figures":["vaiśya merchant devotee","śūdra and antyaja devotees","a serene Viṣṇu murti (implied)","temple priest/sage"],"setting":"Village temple courtyard with a small sanctum, offering tables, and a distant sky-path motif","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp gold","deep indigo","turmeric yellow","leaf green","stone gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu shrine at center with gold-leaf halo; devotees of diverse attire and occupations offering lamps, water pots, and grains; ornate arch (prabhāvali) with gem-like detailing; rich reds/greens and gold leaf emphasizing inclusivity and auspiciousness.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate temple courtyard scene with delicate faces and textiles; a merchant with scales, workers and outcast figures respectfully offering; soft evening light, cool blues and greens, gentle narrative realism with flowering trees.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized Viṣṇu icon with bold outlines; rows of devotees of different social markers offering; strong red/yellow/green palette, rhythmic composition, lamp flames as repeating motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central shrine framed by lotus borders; many small devotee figures in processional arrangement; deep blue background with gold floral filigree; peacocks and lotuses symbolizing grace available to all."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["temple bells","soft chorus response","hand cymbals","evening insects","gentle drone (tanpura)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विशोऽक्षयम् = विशः + अक्षयम्; विद्याज् = विद्यात् (त् + ज् → ज्ज्); शूद्रादयोन्त्यजाः = शूद्रादयः + अन्त्यजाः; चान्ये = च + अन्ये
FAQs
It states that even Śūdras, those labeled as antyaja, and other groups can repeatedly attain svarga-gati—implying spiritual reward is not restricted to a single social category.
Akṣaya-dhana literally means imperishable wealth. In context it points to a form of wealth or merit considered enduring across lifetimes—often interpreted in Purāṇic literature as dharma, punya (merit), or spiritually aligned prosperity rather than merely temporary possessions.
The verse emphasizes inclusivity in moral/spiritual outcomes: sustained goodness and spiritually meaningful “wealth” can benefit beings across births, and access to heavenly reward is not portrayed as exclusive to higher social ranks.