Shloka 39
The Greatness of the Gaṇḍakī River and the Śālagrāma Stone
पुरा भगवता प्रोक्तमंबरीषाय धीमते । ब्राह्मणा न्यासिनः स्निग्धाः शालग्रामशिलास्तथा
purā bhagavatā proktamaṃbarīṣāya dhīmate | brāhmaṇā nyāsinaḥ snigdhāḥ śālagrāmaśilāstathā
Thuở xưa, Đức Bhagavān đã dạy vua Ambarīṣa bậc trí rằng: các Bà-la-môn, những vị xuất gia (sannyāsin), các tín đồ đầy từ ái—và cũng như những thạch linh thiêng Śālagrāma—đều đáng tôn kính phụng thờ.
Narrator (context not explicit in the single verse; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue framework of the Padma Purāṇa)
Concept: Reverence is due to holy persons (brāhmaṇas, renunciants, affectionate devotees) and to Śālagrāma as Viṣṇu’s presence.
Application: Cultivate satkāra: offer seat, water, kind speech, and protection to sādhus; maintain respectful handling and worship of sacred objects (Śālagrāma).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a royal hall, King Ambarīṣa sits humbly with folded hands as a radiant, four-armed Viṣṇu appears in a vision, instructing him on whom to honor. Nearby, brāhmaṇas and saffron-clad renunciants are offered water and seats, while a Śālagrāma-śilā rests on a jeweled pedestal, treated with the same reverence as living saints.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu","King Ambarīṣa","Brāhmaṇas","Sannyāsins","Affectionate devotees (snigdhā bhaktāḥ)","Śālagrāma-śilā"],"setting":"Royal sabhā with pillars, textiles, ritual vessels; a side shrine with lamp and conch; attendants offering pādya/arghya.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["royal crimson","antique gold","deep indigo","ivory","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu appearing above a throne dais with a large gold halo; Ambarīṣa in devotional posture; brāhmaṇas and sannyāsins receiving honors; Śālagrāma on a gem-studded pedestal; heavy gold leaf work, rich reds/greens, ornate jewelry, symmetrical composition, traditional South Indian decorative borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined court scene with delicate textiles and soft architectural lines; Viṣṇu’s vision rendered as a luminous cloud-form; subtle gestures of offering water and seats to sages; cool palette with lyrical detailing and gentle facial expressions.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, flat yet vibrant pigments; Viṣṇu central with stylized lotus and conch; Ambarīṣa and sages in formal poses; patterned pillars and mural-like framing, characteristic eye shapes and warm reds/yellows/greens.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Śālagrāma on a lotus pedestal with garlands; Viṣṇu mandala above; attendants and sages arranged in rhythmic rows; intricate floral borders, peacocks at corners, deep blues with gold highlights."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["courtly hush","temple bells","conch shell","soft mridangam pulse"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्रोक्तमंबरीषाय = प्रोक्तम् + अम्बरीषाय; शालग्रामशिलास्तथा = शालग्रामशिलाः + तथा.
FAQs
Ambarīṣa is the celebrated king-devotee known in Purāṇic literature for steadfast devotion and dharma; here he is addressed as “dhīmat” (wise), receiving instruction attributed to Bhagavān.
Śālagrāma stones are treated as sacred embodiments/emblems of Viṣṇu in Vaiṣṇava practice; the verse groups them with revered persons to stress honor, sanctity, and devotional regard.
It points to dharmic reverence: honoring spiritually exemplary persons (Brahmins, renunciants, devoted hearts) and venerating sacred symbols of the Lord (Śālagrāma), aligning conduct with bhakti and respect.