Shloka 18
Qualities of the Five Great Elements; Description of Sudarśana-dvīpa and Mount Meru
ऋषय ऊचुः । उक्तो यस्य च संक्षेपो बुद्धिमन्विधिवत्त्वया । तत्त्वज्ञश्चासि सर्वस्य विस्तरं सूत नो वद
ṛṣaya ūcuḥ | ukto yasya ca saṃkṣepo buddhimanvidhivattvayā | tattvajñaścāsi sarvasya vistaraṃ sūta no vada
Các bậc hiền triết thưa rằng: “Ngài đã khéo léo và đúng pháp mà nói phần tóm lược. Lại là bậc thấu triệt chân lý của mọi sự, ôi Sūta, xin hãy nói cho chúng tôi bản tường thuật chi tiết.”
The sages (ṛṣayaḥ), addressing Sūta
Concept: Humble inquiry (praśna) invites fuller revelation; summary knowledge ripens into detailed understanding through respectful dialogue.
Application: Ask for clarification from trustworthy teachers; move from headlines to lived comprehension—especially in vrata rules and devotional practice.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A circle of forest sages, matted hair and white garments, lean forward with palms joined, addressing Sūta seated on a raised kusa mat. Their faces show bright curiosity and reverence as they ask for the detailed account, while palm-leaf manuscripts and a water pot rest beside the speaker.","primary_figures":["Ṛṣis (assembly)","Sūta"],"setting":"Naimiṣa-like sacred grove with sacrificial altar, deer wandering at the edge, and a canopy of ancient trees","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["ivory white","banyan brown","sunrise gold","sage green","lapis blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a formal satsang scene—Sūta with a gold leaf halo and ornate throne-like āsana, sages in symmetrical rows with folded hands, gold leaf highlighting the yajña-kuṇḍa flames and manuscript edges, rich reds/greens, jewel-like detailing on ritual vessels and borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate forest assembly with delicate brushwork; sages’ gestures captured mid-question, Sūta calm and poised; cool greens and soft ochres, refined faces, distant hills and a thin river ribbon, lyrical naturalism.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; Sūta centered, sages flanking in rhythmic composition; warm red/yellow/green pigments, stylized trees and altar, temple-wall aesthetic with patterned borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: satsang framed by lotus and creeper borders; peacocks and cows at margins; deep indigo background with gold accents; the sages’ white garments contrast with floral ornamentation, creating a devotional textile tableau."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["forest birds","gentle hand cymbals","low drone (tanpura)","crackling sacrificial fire"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ऋषय ऊचुः→ऋषयः ऊचुः; बुद्धिमन्विधिवत्त्वया→बुद्धिमन् विधिवत् त्वया; तत्त्वज्ञश्चासि→तत्त्वज्ञः च असि; श्लोकान्ते 'वद' इति (पाठे 'वद'/'वद' समानार्थक).
FAQs
A group of sages (ṛṣayaḥ) are speaking, addressing Sūta, the traditional narrator of Purāṇic accounts.
The sages acknowledge that Sūta has given a proper summary and ask him to provide the fuller, detailed explanation (vistara).
The verse highlights disciplined teaching: first a clear summary, then a systematic expansion—presented by a reliable speaker described as a “knower of truth” (tattvajña).