Shloka 15
The Glory of Dhātrī (Āmalakī) and Tulasī: Ekādaśī Observance and Protection from Preta States
अलक्ष्मीर्नश्यते तत्र यत्र धात्री प्रतिष्ठति । संतुष्टास्सर्वदेवाश्च न त्यजंति क्षणं मुदा
alakṣmīrnaśyate tatra yatra dhātrī pratiṣṭhati | saṃtuṣṭāssarvadevāśca na tyajaṃti kṣaṇaṃ mudā
جہاں دھاتری مضبوطی سے قائم ہو، وہاں اَلکشمی (بدبختی) مٹ جاتی ہے۔ اور سب دیوتا خوش ہو کر اس جگہ کو ایک لمحہ بھی چھوڑتے نہیں، مسرت سے وہیں رہتے ہیں۔
Unspecified (narratorial/teaching verse within the Adhyaya context)
Concept: Establishing Dhātrī destroys misfortune and invites continuous divine favor; auspiciousness is cultivated through sustained sacred presence and reverent maintenance.
Application: Maintain a consistent sacred practice at home—cleanliness, offerings, and reverence for sacred plants—so that negativity and disorder (Alakṣmī) are gradually displaced by steadiness and joy.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A Dhātrī tree stands firmly planted in a courtyard shrine; dark, smoky Alakṣmī-like shadows dissolve at its roots as light spreads outward. Around the tree, devas linger joyfully—Indra, Agni, and others suggested as radiant presences—while the household glows with order, fragrance, and calm.","primary_figures":["Dhātrī (Āmalakī) tree (personified as sacred presence)","Alakṣmī (as dissolving shadow-form)","Devas (collective: Indra, Agni, etc.)","Householder devotees"],"setting":"Courtyard shrine or temple-grove with garlands, rangoli patterns, and a small lamp-stand encircling the tree.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["radiant gold","shadow violet","leaf green","sandalwood beige","crimson"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Dhātrī tree enthroned in a courtyard shrine, gold leaf radiance pushing away a dark Alakṣmī shadow at the base, devas hovering in delighted attendance, ornate borders, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments on devas, stylized lamp flames and auspicious motifs (śrī-vatsa-like patterns).","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a serene courtyard with a Dhātrī tree, subtle shadow-form of misfortune fading, small luminous devas in the sky, delicate brushwork and soft gradients, lyrical calm, refined faces, gentle celebration conveyed through posture and light rather than spectacle.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: central Dhātrī tree with bold outlines, Alakṣmī as a dark stylized figure dissolving, devas arranged symmetrically with bright pigments, strong reds/yellows/greens, temple-wall aesthetic, patterned borders and auspicious geometric motifs around the base.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Dhātrī tree as central motif with dense floral borders, devas as decorative celestial attendants, misfortune shown as fading dark cloud at the bottom edge, intricate patterns, peacocks and lotus vines, deep indigo background with gold highlights and celebratory auspicious detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["temple bells","conch shell","light hand cymbals","pleasant murmuring of prayers","birds in courtyard"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अलक्ष्मीर्नश्यते = अलक्ष्मीः + नश्यते (ः + न → र्न्). संतुष्टास्सर्वदेवाश्च = संतुष्टाः + सर्वदेवाः + च (ः + स → स्; ās + s → āss).
FAQs
Dhātrī literally means “the Sustainer/Nourisher.” In Purāṇic usage it can denote a goddess or sacred presence linked with protection and well-being; it is also commonly associated with the dhātrī/āmalakī (Indian gooseberry) as an auspicious sacred symbol.
It teaches that where sustaining, auspicious dharma is established—symbolized by Dhātrī—inauspiciousness and decline (Alakṣmī) are driven away, and divine support naturally follows.
Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa frequently links cosmic order and well-being to the presence of sacred principles and auspicious observances; this verse expresses that alignment with sustaining divinity results in the removal of misfortune and the attraction of divine favor.