Shloka 18
Narrative of the Śūdra’s Renunciation of Greed
with the Tulādhāra Greatness Prelude
अश्वमेधसहस्रेण सत्यं तु तुलया धृतम् । अश्वमेधसहस्राद्धि सत्यमेव विशिष्यते
aśvamedhasahasreṇa satyaṃ tu tulayā dhṛtam | aśvamedhasahasrāddhi satyameva viśiṣyate
اگر ہزار اشومیدھ یگیوں کے مقابلے میں سچائی کو ترازو میں تولا جائے تو سچائی ہی زیادہ بھاری ٹھہرتی ہے؛ بے شک سچائی ہزار اشومیدھوں سے بھی بڑھ کر ہے۔
Unspecified (narrative voice within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa; exact speaker not provided in the input excerpt).
Concept: Truthfulness outweighs even vast sacrificial merit; ethical integrity surpasses ritual magnitude.
Application: When choosing between impressive external acts and quiet integrity, choose integrity; let vows and rituals be anchored in truth rather than reputation.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A colossal golden balance scale stands in a cosmic hall: on one pan, miniature horses, altars, and sacrificial fires representing a thousand Aśvamedhas; on the other, a single radiant word ‘SATYA’ glowing like a sun. The scale tips decisively toward truth, while sages watch in silent awe.","primary_figures":["Sages witnessing the weighing","Personified Satya (as radiant script or deity-like presence)","Symbolic sacrificial priests (optional)"],"setting":"Mythic hall of judgment/merit with cosmic pillars, floating lotuses, and subtle fire-altars","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["molten gold","flame orange","midnight blue","crystal white","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: monumental balance scale with heavy gold leaf; one side filled with ornate yajña icons (horse, vedi, flames), the other with a radiant ‘satya’ emblem; sages with halos; rich reds/greens and embossed gold textures emphasizing the ‘weight’ of truth.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined cosmic court with delicate architecture; the scale rendered with fine metallic detail; tiny vignettes of Aśvamedha on one pan; luminous calligraphic ‘satya’ on the other; cool blues and warm golds in gentle contrast.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold symmetrical composition; large stylized scale at center; patterned flames and horse motifs; ‘satya’ as a glowing circular mandala; strong red/yellow/green palette with black outlines.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate border of lotus vines; central scale surrounded by floral motifs; deep blue ground with gold highlights; yajña symbols stylized like devotional icons; ‘satya’ depicted as a radiant lotus-medallion."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","crackling sacred fire (subtle)","crowd hush turning to silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अश्वमेधसहस्राद्धि = अश्वमेधसहस्रात् + हि; सत्यमेव = सत्यम् + एव
FAQs
It teaches that satya (truthfulness) is superior to even the most prestigious Vedic rites, symbolized by a thousand Aśvamedha sacrifices.
The Aśvamedha represents a peak of ritual merit and royal religious power; the comparison highlights that inner ethical integrity (truth) outweighs external ritual grandeur.
It prioritizes honesty and integrity as foundational virtues—suggesting moral truthfulness is a higher form of righteousness than costly or public religious performances.