Shloka 25
The Episode of Cyavana
Cyavana’s Hermitage and the Power of Tapas
इति श्रुत्वा महद्वाक्यं शत्रुघ्नस्य महात्मनः । कथयामास सचिवो रघुनाथस्य धीमतः
iti śrutvā mahadvākyaṃ śatrughnasya mahātmanaḥ | kathayāmāsa sacivo raghunāthasya dhīmataḥ
Nghe những lời hệ trọng của bậc đại tâm Śatrughna, vị đại thần trí tuệ của Raghunātha (Rāma) liền thuật lại sự việc ấy.
Narrator (Purāṇic narration; specific frame-speaker not explicit in this single verse)
Concept: Wise counsel and attentive hearing sustain dharma; weighty words deserve an equally thoughtful response.
Application: When receiving sincere questions, respond with clarity and responsibility; cultivate ‘dhī’ (discernment) in speech.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a quiet pause between travel and revelation, Śatrughna’s earnest words hang in the air as the minister inclines his head, preparing to answer. The scene feels like a narrative hinge: the forest path behind them, the hermitage glow ahead, and the minister’s poised gesture signaling the start of explanation.","primary_figures":["Śatrughna","Rāma’s minister (saciva)","attendants (optional)"],"setting":"Forest pathway near an āśrama boundary; glimpses of huts and sages in the distance.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["dawn gold","earth brown","forest green","cream white","vermillion accent"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Śatrughna in regal posture listening; the minister with a raised hand beginning narration; distant hermitage with gold leaf radiance; ornate jewelry and textiles, rich reds/greens, gold leaf borders emphasizing the ‘mahā-vākya’ moment.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: two figures on a forest path, minister slightly bowed as he speaks; soft dawn light, delicate foliage, refined expressions; muted palette with vermillion highlights on garments.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized royal figures with bold outlines; minister in speaking pose, Śatrughna attentive; background āśrama motifs; warm reds and yellows with green foliage bands.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative vignette framed by floral borders; two central figures in dialogue, distant sacred grove; deep blue background with gold detailing and patterned textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["footsteps on forest path","soft conch (distant)","birds","rustling cloth/armor","brief silence before speech"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: mahat+vākyam → mahadvākyaṃ; sacivaḥ (written sacivo) before r- often shows o by sandhi/orthography; treat as sacivaḥ.
FAQs
Śatrughna is a princely figure associated with Rāma’s dynasty; “mahadvākya” indicates his statement is weighty—important in counsel, duty, or decision-making.
It indicates a royal-administrative context where counsel, reporting, and prudent communication support righteous governance (rājadharma).
It highlights attentive listening to wise speech and responsible transmission of important counsel—key virtues in leadership and service.