Shloka 23
Qualities and Faults of Heaven; Karma-Bhumi vs Phala-Bhumi; Turning to Viṣṇu’s Supreme Abode
दाहप्रलयसंवर्जं विष्णुलोकं व्रजाम्यहम् । जैमिनिरुवाच । सत्यमुक्तं त्वया भूप सर्वश्रेयः समाकुलम्
dāhapralayasaṃvarjaṃ viṣṇulokaṃ vrajāmyaham | jaiminiruvāca | satyamuktaṃ tvayā bhūpa sarvaśreyaḥ samākulam
“Ta đi đến cõi Viṣṇu (Viṣṇu-loka), vượt ngoài sự tiêu diệt của đại kiếp (pralaya) do lửa thiêu.” Jaimini nói: “Lời vua nói là chân thật, hỡi bậc quân vương—đầy đủ mọi điều cát tường tối thượng.”
Jaimini (narrator) affirming the king’s statement; the first sentence is spoken by the king/royal interlocutor in the dialogue context
Concept: The supreme destination is Viṣṇu-loka, imperishable even at cosmic dissolution; it is ‘sarva-śreyas’—the totality of highest good.
Application: Aim life’s practices (dāna, vrata, japa, meditation) toward inner transformation and devotion, not temporary rewards.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A cosmic vision opens: flames of pralaya rise like a vast horizon, consuming worlds, yet above them shines Viṣṇu-loka—an untouched lotus-island of light with jeweled gates and serene gardens. Jaimini, calm and radiant, gestures in affirmation as Subāhu’s face reflects certainty, as if already stepping onto the path beyond dissolution.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu (as the Lord of Vaikuṇṭha)","Sage Jaimini","King Subāhu","celestial attendants (Viṣṇu’s pāriṣadas)"],"setting":"split-cosmos composition: lower band of pralaya fire and dissolving worlds; upper band of Vaikuṇṭha/Viṣṇu-loka with lotus architecture","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["incandescent gold","sapphire blue","pearl white","vermillion flame","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: dramatic two-tier cosmos—lower pralaya flames in vermillion with embossed gold sparks; upper Vaikuṇṭha with Viṣṇu on lotus throne, gold leaf halos, jeweled arches, rich reds/greens, gem-studded ornaments; Jaimini affirming Subāhu at the side, ornate borders and sacred grandeur.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: elegant cosmic panorama—softly painted pralaya fire below, cool luminous Vaikuṇṭha above with delicate gardens and attendants, refined faces of Jaimini and Subāhu, subtle gradients and lyrical composition emphasizing imperishability.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined cosmic bands—stylized flames below, Vaikuṇṭha above with Viṣṇu and attendants, strong symmetry, natural pigments, iconic eyes and ornaments; Jaimini’s gesture of ‘satya’ affirmation prominent.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Vaikuṇṭha rendered as a lotus mandala with intricate floral borders; deep blue central Viṣṇu with gold accents; pralaya flames stylized as decorative red-orange waves at the bottom; peacocks and lotus creepers framing the scene, devotional opulence."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells swelling","tanpura drone","soft choral ‘Nārāyaṇa’ hum","wind-like hush over ‘pralaya’ imagery"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: व्रजाम्यहम् = व्रजामि + अहम्; जैमिनिरुवाच = जैमिनिः + उवाच; सत्यमुक्तम् = सत्यम् + उक्तम्
FAQs
It refers to a catastrophic dissolution associated with consuming fire; the verse contrasts that destruction with Viṣṇu’s abode, described as unaffected by such cosmic endings.
By presenting Viṣṇuloka as the destination beyond cosmic dissolution, it frames liberation as reaching Viṣṇu’s eternal realm rather than remaining within perishable cycles of creation and destruction.
Jaimini’s “satyam” underscores that right understanding and truthful speech aligned with ultimate welfare (śreyas) are spiritually fruitful, encouraging discernment toward the highest good.