Shloka 33
The Greatness of the Gaṇḍakī River and the Śālagrāma Stone
शालग्रामाः समाः पूज्याः समेषु द्वितयं नहि । विषमा एव संपूज्या विषमेषु त्रयं नहि
śālagrāmāḥ samāḥ pūjyāḥ sameṣu dvitayaṃ nahi | viṣamā eva saṃpūjyā viṣameṣu trayaṃ nahi
جو شالگرام شِلا ہموار (متناسب) ہوں وہ پوجا کے لائق ہیں؛ ہموار شِلاؤں میں جوڑا مقرر نہیں۔ مگر جو ناہموار (غیر متناسب) ہوں وہ بھی یقیناً پوجنیہ ہیں؛ ناہموار شِلاؤں میں تین کا مجموعہ مقرر نہیں۔
Unknown (context not provided; likely within a Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue typical of Pātālakhaṇḍa)
Concept: Devotion is strengthened by śāstra-guided discernment in worship—right objects and right numbers matter in arcana.
Application: In daily pūjā, prefer one properly consecrated focus-object over collecting many; follow lineage/śāstra guidance rather than aesthetic impulse.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A quiet shrine where a devotee arranges Śālagrāma stones on a clean altar, carefully separating symmetrical and asymmetrical forms. A palm-leaf manuscript lies open beside a small conch and a tulasī sprig, emphasizing rule-bound devotion and sacred geometry.","primary_figures":["Vaiṣṇava devotee (gṛhastha or brāhmaṇa)","Śālagrāma-śilā (multiple forms)","Viṣṇu (subtle presence as arcā)"],"setting":"Temple alcove or home pūjā room with stone pedestal, copper vessels, and a small Gaṇḍakī-water pot","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp-flame amber","basalt black","conch white","tulasī green","vermillion red"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a richly ornamented altar with Śālagrāma-śilās arranged by symmetry, gold-leaf halo motifs behind a subtle Viṣṇu presence, deep maroon backdrop, emerald borders, gem-studded vessels, crisp South Indian iconographic detailing, intricate floral filigree around the shrine niche.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: an intimate indoor shrine scene with delicate linework, a devotee consulting a palm-leaf text while placing Śālagrāmas in measured groupings, cool muted palette with soft greens and slate blacks, refined facial features, patterned textiles, and a lyrical stillness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments showing a devotee before a sanctum-like niche, Śālagrāma stones on a pedestal, conch and lamp prominent, stylized eyes and ornamental borders, warm reds/yellows/greens with a calm devotional symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a devotional altar composition framed by lotus and tulasī garlands, Śālagrāma-śilās depicted as sacred black ovals with white markings, ornate floral borders, deep indigo ground with gold accents, peacocks at the corners, emphasizing ritual order and purity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","soft conch shell","oil-lamp crackle","low drone (tanpura)","silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: No major external sandhi beyond standard visarga changes in recitation; forms given are already pada-separated.
FAQs
A Śālagrāma is a sacred stone (traditionally associated with Viṣṇu) worshipped in Vaiṣṇava practice; the verse gives a rule about how many may be worshipped together based on their form.
It states a counting/combination rule: among symmetrical Śālagrāmas, worshipping them as a pair is not prescribed; among asymmetrical Śālagrāmas, worshipping them as a set of three is not prescribed.
It reflects Vaiṣṇava ritual discipline—emphasizing that devotion is supported by specific procedural norms (vidhi) regarding sacred objects of worship.