Shloka 21
The Glory of Tulasī and Dhātrī (Āmalakī): Protection from Yama and Attainment of Vaikuṇṭha
धात्रीपत्रैः फलैर्विप्र श्रीहरिं चार्चयेद्द्विज । कोटिजन्मार्जितं पापं पूजया नश्यति सकृत्
dhātrīpatraiḥ phalairvipra śrīhariṃ cārcayeddvija | koṭijanmārjitaṃ pāpaṃ pūjayā naśyati sakṛt
اے برہمن! دھاتری (آملکی) کے پتّوں اور پھلوں سے شری ہری کی پوجا کر؛ ایسی ایک ہی عبادت سے کروڑوں جنموں کا جمع شدہ پاپ نَشٹ ہو جاتا ہے۔
Unspecified (narratorial instruction within Brahma-khaṇḍa context)
Concept: Even a single sincere act of worship to Śrī Hari using Dhātrī leaves/fruits can annihilate immense accumulated sin—bhakti’s disproportionate grace.
Application: Offer simple, available items with devotion (patra/puṣpa/phala); do not postpone worship waiting for perfection; repeat small daily acts consistently.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A brāhmaṇa devotee offers glossy green Dhātrī leaves and pale golden fruits at a small shrine of Śrī Hari beneath the spreading Āmalakī tree. As the offering is placed, dark smoke-like strands symbolizing sins unravel and vanish into a clear, luminous air, while the deity’s presence feels immediate and forgiving.","primary_figures":["Śrī Hari (Viṣṇu)","Brāhmaṇa devotee","Dhātrī (Āmalakī) tree"],"setting":"Under an Āmalakī tree beside a simple stone or wooden Viṣṇu shrine; offering plate with leaves/fruits; lamp and incense nearby.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp gold","leaf green","stone gray","lotus pink","deep blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu seated or standing with śaṅkha-cakra, heavy gold-leaf halo; devotee offering Dhātrī leaves and fruits on a plate; Āmalakī tree arching overhead with gold highlights; sins depicted as dark tendrils dissolving into the gold background; rich reds/greens, ornate border, jewel-like detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate worship scene under a delicately painted Āmalakī tree; Viṣṇu icon small but radiant; devotee in white with gentle posture; subtle visual metaphor of fading dark wisps; cool, refined palette with lyrical naturalism and fine brushwork.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Viṣṇu in blue with stylized ornaments; Āmalakī leaves patterned; devotee offering fruits; dark pāpa-forms as curling black motifs dissolving near the deity; warm red/yellow/green pigments, temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Viṣṇu shrine framed by Āmalakī and lotus borders; offering plate prominent; decorative smoke motifs transforming into floral patterns to show sin-destruction; deep blue ground with gold highlights, intricate vines, peacocks and lotuses around."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["oil lamp crackle","soft bell","incense waft (suggested)","tanpura drone","gentle conch at cadence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: फलैर्विप्र = फलैः + विप्र (visarga before v -> r). चार्चयेत् = च + अर्चयेत्. कोटिजन्मार्जितम् = कोटि + जन्म + आर्जितम् (internal sandhi).
FAQs
The verse presents dhātrī offerings as especially meritorious for Śrī Hari worship, highlighting a devotional practice where simple, sattvic natural offerings are treated as spiritually potent.
It teaches that a direct act of worship (pūjā) to Śrī Hari—performed with devotion—has transformative power, surpassing vast karmic accumulation and underscoring devotional practice as a primary means of purification.
It encourages consistent, sincere worship using accessible offerings, emphasizing personal responsibility for purification and the idea that even a single heartfelt act of devotion can initiate profound moral and spiritual renewal.