Shloka 42
Description of the Demons’ Austerities
Why the Gods Won
स्नेहं दशागतं प्रेक्ष्य दीपस्यापि महाबलम् । प्रकाशं याति वेगेन तमश्च वर्द्धते पुनः
snehaṃ daśāgataṃ prekṣya dīpasyāpi mahābalam | prakāśaṃ yāti vegena tamaśca varddhate punaḥ
جب دیکھا جائے کہ چراغ کا تیل آخری حالت کو پہنچ گیا ہے، تو اگرچہ چراغ بڑا قوی ہو، اس کی روشنی تیزی سے مدھم پڑتی ہے—اور تاریکی پھر بڑھ جاتی ہے۔
Unspecified (narrative voice within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa context)
Concept: Power without sustaining ‘fuel’ declines; when the inner support is exhausted, light diminishes and darkness returns.
Application: Maintain the ‘oil’ of discipline—sleep, ethics, prayer, study—so clarity does not fade at critical moments.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A strong lamp stands tall, but its oil level is visibly low; the flame gutters and leans, throwing restless shadows that swell across the floor. The moment captures the instant when brightness collapses into dimness, and darkness reclaims the room like a tide.","primary_figures":["symbolic lamp (deepa) as central motif","optional: a contemplative sage observing impermanence"],"setting":"quiet inner chamber with stone floor, brass lamp, and faintly visible manuscripts or prayer beads nearby","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["smoky amber","charcoal black","brass gold","ashen white","indigo"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central brass deepa with ornate carvings, gold leaf on the lamp and halo; the flame is small and wavering, with stylized smoke; shadows rendered as dark curling motifs expanding outward; rich maroon background, green accents, gem-like highlights on the lamp stand.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate interior scene with delicate shading; a nearly spent diya on a low platform, flame thin and pale; long soft shadows stretch across a cool-toned room; a sage sits quietly with mala, observing the fading light; restrained palette and lyrical stillness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, simplified forms; the lamp’s oil shown as a low band, flame reduced; darkness depicted as thick black-green bands rising; the observer’s large eyes convey sober awareness; earthy reds and yellows with deep black contrast.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional allegory—deepa before a small Vishnu altar, but the flame wanes; lotus borders and floral vines surround, while dark swirling patterns creep inward; deep blue cloth ground with gold detailing, intricate ornamentation around the lamp."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft lamp crackle","gentle exhale pauses","distant night insects","silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दीपस्यापि = दीपस्य + अपि; तमश्च = तमः + च.
FAQs
A lamp’s brightness depends on its oil; when the oil is nearly spent, even a strong lamp cannot maintain light, and darkness returns—symbolizing the decline that follows the exhaustion of sustaining causes (time, merit, vitality, resources).
It warns against complacency: when the supports of life or virtue are depleted, clarity and goodness can quickly diminish. The implied lesson is to replenish inner “fuel” through discipline, virtue, and devotion before decline sets in.
No. This śloka is a general teaching using a household image (lamp and oil) rather than naming deities, places, or tīrthas.