Shloka 180
Merit of Causeways and Crossings, Temple Construction Rewards, and the Rudrākṣa Mahātmya
गुणान्येतानि सर्वाणि अष्टवक्त्रस्य धारणात् । नवास्यं भैरवं प्रोक्तं धारयेद्यस्तु बाहुतः
guṇānyetāni sarvāṇi aṣṭavaktrasya dhāraṇāt | navāsyaṃ bhairavaṃ proktaṃ dhārayedyastu bāhutaḥ
คุณความดีทั้งปวงนี้บังเกิดจากการทรงไว้ซึ่งรูปแปดพักตร์ แต่ภควานภैरพเก้าพักตร์นั้นทรงประกาศว่าสูงยิ่งกว่า; ผู้ใดทรงไว้—โดยเฉพาะในรูปหลายกร—ย่อมบรรลุผลนั้น
Unspecified (context not provided; likely within a Pulastya–Bhīṣma or Śiva–Pārvatī style discourse in Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa)
Concept: Dhāraṇa (bearing/keeping) of specific sacred forms (aṣṭavaktra, navāsya Bhairava) is said to generate extraordinary merit and protection.
Application: If taken literally: follow authorized sampradāya guidance for yantra/mūrti-dhāraṇa; if taken ethically: ‘bearing the form’ as internalizing vigilance, restraint, and protective discipline.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A fierce yet controlled Bhairava form appears as a protective mandala: eight faces radiate outward like a compass, while a ninth face crowns the center, all encircled by flames that do not burn the devotee. The devotee wears a consecrated talisman/pendant bearing the icon, standing fearless amid swirling darkness.","primary_figures":["Bhairava (aṣṭavaktra and navāsya symbolism)","a devotee wearing a consecrated pendant/yantra","optional: attendant gaṇas as guardians"],"setting":"liminal cremation-ground edge transformed into a sanctified circle; protective mandala space with trident motifs and mantra scripts","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["flame orange","charcoal black","vermillion","antique gold","bone white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central navāsya Bhairava mandala with heavy gold-leaf flames, gem-like highlights on ornaments, rich red and green background, symmetrical eight-face ring with a ninth central visage; devotee below holding a lamp, ornate border with mantra-like patterns.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: stylized fierce deity rendered with refined lines rather than gore; cool night sky, subtle flame halos, devotee in simple attire; delicate script bands around the mandala, restrained yet powerful composition.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, intense reds/yellows/greens; Bhairava faces arranged in a circular yantra-like layout; large expressive eyes; flame border and trident motifs; devotee shown in profile with folded hands, temple-wall iconography feel.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a central protective mandala framed by lotus and vine borders; flames stylized as floral tongues; deep indigo ground with gold detailing; symmetrical decorative patterning, minimal narrative clutter, devotional geometry emphasized."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["damaru rhythm","low drone","conch shell bursts","crackling fire (symbolic)","sudden pauses for mantra-like weight"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गुणान्येतानि = गुणानि + एतानि. नवास्यं = नव + आस्यम्. धारयेद्यस्तु = धारयेत् + यः + तु.
FAQs
Bhairava is a fierce, protective manifestation associated with Śiva; here the verse refers to specific iconographic/meditative forms (eight-faced and nine-faced) used for dhāraṇā (focused contemplation).
It emphasizes dhāraṇā—‘bearing/holding’ a deity’s form in concentrated meditation—suggesting that contemplating the nine-faced Bhairava is considered especially efficacious.
The verse frames spiritual progress in terms of disciplined concentration on a sacred form, implying that steadiness of mind and correct focus are key to gaining the stated merits.