Shloka 41
Teaching of Karma-yoga
Student Conduct, Vedic Study, and Gāyatrī Supremacy
कृतकंठस्तथाऽद्रोहः मेधावी गुरुकृन्नरः । आप्तः प्रियोऽथ विधिवत्षडध्याप्या द्विजातयः
kṛtakaṃṭhastathā'drohaḥ medhāvī gurukṛnnaraḥ | āptaḥ priyo'tha vidhivatṣaḍadhyāpyā dvijātayaḥ
ผู้หนึ่งพึงมีเสียงชัดเจน ปราศจากความพยาบาท มีปัญญา และอุทิศตนในการปรนนิบัติครู; เป็นที่ไว้วางใจและเป็นที่รักของผู้คน ดังนี้ผู้เป็นทวิชะที่ได้รับการฝึกตามพิธี จึงสมควรสอนวิชาหกประการแห่งพระเวทโดยชอบ
Unspecified (narrative instruction within Padma Purāṇa; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue frame typical of sections of the Purāṇa, but not explicit from the single verse alone).
Concept: Adhikāra (fitness) for teaching arises from inner virtues—non-malice, intelligence, guru-sevā, and reliability—rather than mere birth or rote learning.
Application: Cultivate speech clarity, avoid spite, keep promises, and practice daily respectful service to mentors; competence is ethical as well as intellectual.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Inside a quiet gurukula hall, a young dvija sits with composed posture, eyes lowered in humility, while the venerable guru holds palm-leaf manuscripts. The student’s demeanor—clear-throated, calm, and free of malice—is shown through serene facial expression and attentive hands poised for service.","primary_figures":["ācārya (guru)","dvija-śiṣya (student)"],"setting":"thatched or wooden gurukula classroom with palm-leaf bundles, kuśa mats, water pot, and a small Viṣṇu shrine in the background to hint Padma Purāṇa’s Vaiṣṇava frame","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","ochre","deep maroon","leaf green","antique gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a seated ācārya with palm-leaf grantha and a humble dvija student offering service, subtle Viṣṇu shrine behind them; gold leaf embellishment on halos, manuscript edges, and ornaments; rich reds and greens, gem-studded details, traditional South Indian iconography, symmetrical composition emphasizing discipline and serenity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate gurukula interior with delicate brushwork; the guru and student in refined profiles, cool muted palette with lyrical naturalism; small window opening to a Himalayan-like grove, manuscripts and kuśa mats rendered with fine linework, gentle contemplative mood.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, natural pigments; guru and śiṣya with characteristic large eyes, stylized palm-leaf manuscripts, warm red/yellow/green palette; a small Viṣṇu emblem (śaṅkha-cakra) subtly placed to signal Vaiṣṇava sanctity of learning.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a devotional scholastic scene framed by lotus borders; in the background, a small Kṛṣṇa/Viṣṇu shrine with garlands; intricate floral motifs, peacocks at the courtyard edge, deep blues and gold accents, emphasizing purity and auspicious learning."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","palm-leaf rustle","distant birds","gentle silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कृतकंठस् + तथा + अद्रोहः → कृतकंठस्तथाऽद्रोहः; प्रियः + अथ → प्रियोऽथ; विधिवत् + षडध्याप्याः → विधिवत्षडध्याप्याः
FAQs
It highlights disciplined recitation (clear voice), non-malice (adroha), intelligence (medhā), service to the guru, and being trustworthy and dear to others—ethical and social qualifications alongside learning.
The verse refers to “ṣaṭ”—commonly understood as the six Vedāṅgas (auxiliary disciplines supporting Vedic study): Śikṣā, Vyākaraṇa, Chandas, Nirukta, Kalpa, and Jyotiṣa.
Learning is not merely technical; it must be grounded in character—non-harm, humility through guru-service, reliability, and conduct that earns genuine respect and affection.