Shloka 21
The Supremacy of Food-Charity and the Rāma–Śambūka Episode
Child Revived through Rājadharma
रामेण कुशलं पृष्टा ऋषयः सर्व एव ते । महर्षयो वेदविद इदं वचनमब्रुवन्
rāmeṇa kuśalaṃ pṛṣṭā ṛṣayaḥ sarva eva te | maharṣayo vedavida idaṃ vacanamabruvan
جب رام نے ان سب رشیوں سے خیریت دریافت کی تو وہ سب مہارشی، ویدوں کے جاننے والے، یہ کلمات بولے۔
Narrator (the text) reporting the sages' reply after Rāma's inquiry
Concept: Polite inquiry into others’ well-being and attentive listening to the learned is itself dharma and the doorway to right action.
Application: Begin conversations with genuine concern; seek counsel from those grounded in śāstra before major decisions.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Rāma stands with folded palms before a circle of venerable sages, his posture both royal and humble. The sages, radiant with tapas and Vedic learning, turn toward him as if a sacred dialogue is about to unfold, the forest hermitage holding its breath in anticipation.","primary_figures":["Rāma","mahārṣis (Veda-knowing sages)"],"setting":"Āśrama grove with kuśa seats, a small fire altar, hanging water pots, and hermitage huts; Lakṣmaṇa subtly in the background as attendant.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["saffron ochre","forest green","sky blue","ash white","warm gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Rāma with serene blue complexion and royal yet ascetic attire, hands in añjali, facing a semicircle of sages seated on kuśa; gold leaf halos, ornate borders, rich reds/greens, gem-like detailing on bows and ornaments, sacred vessels highlighted with metallic sheen.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical forest hermitage at dawn, Rāma respectfully addressing sages; delicate linework, cool greens and pale blues, refined faces, gentle hills in the distance, subtle narrative intimacy and quiet anticipation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized Rāma with bold outlines and large expressive eyes, sages in ochre-white garments, ritual fire altar centered; natural pigments, temple-wall symmetry, red-yellow-green palette with rhythmic foliage motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Rāma in a devotional tableau framed by lotus and floral borders; sages arranged symmetrically, peacocks near the edges, deep blue accents and gold detailing, intricate textile patterns suggesting sacred discourse."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["rustling leaves","soft conch in distance","low fire crackle","birds at dawn"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वचनमब्रुवन् = वचनम् अब्रुवन्. (पृष्टा = पृष्टाः, visarga often not shown in continuous text).
FAQs
The verse is narrated by the text; it describes that Rāma asked the assembled sages about their welfare, and the Veda-knowing maharṣis then began their reply.
It highlights courtesy and dharmic conduct: a righteous person begins conversation by asking about others’ well-being, especially elders and spiritual authorities.
It establishes the authority and reliability of what follows: their forthcoming words are grounded in Vedic learning and the insight of realized seers.