Shloka 71
Instruction to Śatrughna and the Mobilization for Rāma’s Aśvamedha
शरणागतरक्षी च मानदानपरायणः । यथाशक्ति हरेः प्रीत्यै स ज्ञेयो वैष्णवोत्तमः
śaraṇāgatarakṣī ca mānadānaparāyaṇaḥ | yathāśakti hareḥ prītyai sa jñeyo vaiṣṇavottamaḥ
Người bảo hộ kẻ đến nương tựa, chuyên tâm tôn kính người khác và bố thí, lại tùy sức mình hành động vì niềm hoan hỷ của Hari—người ấy nên được biết là bậc tối thượng trong hàng Vaiṣṇava.
Not explicitly specified in the provided excerpt (context-dependent within Pātāla-khaṇḍa dialogues).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vaiṣṇavottamaḥ → vaiṣṇava + uttamaḥ.
FAQs
The verse defines the foremost Vaiṣṇava as one who (1) protects those who seek refuge, (2) is committed to honoring others and giving charity, and (3) serves Hari’s pleasure to the best of one’s capacity.
Bhakti is framed as practical devotion: actions are performed “for the pleasure of Hari,” and devotion is measured not by display but by sincere service and compassionate conduct within one’s means.
True religiosity is expressed through protection of the vulnerable, respectfulness, generosity, and responsible action—each done according to one’s ability and oriented toward the divine good.