Shloka 96
Narmadā
Revā) Tīrtha Greatness: The Gandharva Maidens’ Curse Narrative (Acchodā Episode Begins
यतो धर्मविचारेऽस्मिन्प्रसक्तं मम मानसम् । तस्माच्छृणुत हे कन्या न समीहे स्वयंवरम्
yato dharmavicāre'sminprasaktaṃ mama mānasam | tasmācchṛṇuta he kanyā na samīhe svayaṃvaram
เพราะจิตของเราหมกมุ่นอยู่ในการพิจารณาธรรมะนี้ ฉะนั้นจงฟังเถิด โอ้กุมารี เรามิปรารถนาพิธีสวยัมวร (การเลือกคู่ด้วยตนเอง)
Unspecified male speaker addressing a maiden (kanyā)
Concept: When the mind is absorbed in dharma-vicāra, one should not be diverted by socially attractive but spiritually distracting ceremonies.
Application: Reduce performative choices and distractions when pursuing a serious spiritual or ethical inquiry; choose commitments that support your sādhana rather than display.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A maiden stands adorned for a svayaṃvara, garlands and jeweled lamps glowing, while the ascetic calmly raises a hand in gentle refusal. His gaze is inward, as if listening to dharma itself; the festive pavilion fades into a quieter aura around him, suggesting renunciation amid splendor.","primary_figures":["brahmacari ascetic","kanyā (maiden)","attendants holding garlands and lamps"],"setting":"Svayaṃvara pavilion with pillars, hanging flower strings, and a side view of an āśrama boundary—two worlds touching.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["ivory white","vermillion","peacock blue","marigold gold","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: svayaṃvara hall with ornate pillars and gold leaf detailing; the maiden in rich silk and jewelry offers attention, while the brahmacārī stands serene, palm raised in refusal; heavy gold halos, ruby-green borders, gem-like ornamentation, stylized lamps and garlands, devotional gravity overriding romance.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate svayaṃvara scene with refined faces; the maiden’s bright garments contrast the ascetic’s simple cloth; soft dawn light, floral festoons, a quiet corner showing a hermitage path; subtle emotional tension rendered through posture and gaze.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and saturated pigments; the maiden and attendants in rhythmic composition, the ascetic centered with calm eyes; decorative lotus bands and temple motifs; warm yellow background with red-green accents, emphasizing dharma over spectacle.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: pavilion framed by intricate floral borders; central figure of the ascetic with lotus and śaṅkha-cakra motifs subtly woven; peacocks and cows at the margins as auspicious witnesses; deep blue and gold palette, garlands cascading like a curtain of temptation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["anklet bells fading","murmur of a court","single temple bell strike","soft drone (tanpura)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: धर्मविचारेऽस्मिन् = धर्म-विचारे + अस्मिन्; अस्मिन्प्रसक्तं = अस्मिन् + प्रसक्तम्; तस्माच्छृणुत = तस्मात् + शृणुत (त् + श् → च्छ्).
FAQs
It presents a speaker whose mind is focused on dharma (ethical duty and right conduct), and who therefore declines the prospect of a svayaṃvara.
Svayaṃvara refers to a formal ceremony where a bride chooses her husband among assembled suitors; the speaker states he does not wish to pursue that route.
It emphasizes prioritizing thoughtful discernment of dharma over social or romantic arrangements, suggesting restraint and principled decision-making.