Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 16
Sukalā’s Episode: Padmāvatī’s Crisis, the Speaking Embryo (Kālanemi), and Sudevā’s Begging at Śivaśarmā’s House
नारी महौषधीं सा हि विंदंती च दिने दिने । गर्भस्य पातनायैव उपाया बहुशः कृताः
nārī mahauṣadhīṃ sā hi viṃdaṃtī ca dine dine | garbhasya pātanāyaiva upāyā bahuśaḥ kṛtāḥ
تلك المرأة حقًّا كانت تعثر يومًا بعد يوم على أعشابٍ دوائيةٍ عظيمةِ الأثر؛ واتُّخذت مرارًا شتّى الوسائل، لا لشيءٍ إلا لإسقاط الحمل وإنهائه.
Unspecified narrator (context not provided; verse appears as narrative description within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa).
Concept: Persistence in an unethical aim deepens bondage; repeated adhārmic measures harden the heart and intensify consequences.
Application: Interrupt harmful patterns early; replace compulsive, fear-based action with prayer, counsel, and constructive discipline.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A montage-like scene: day after day, the woman returns with new bundles of rare herbs—some glowing faintly, some thorny and dark—while attendants prepare decoctions. The womb’s aura remains unshaken, suggesting a destiny resisting human interference; the room feels like a laboratory of desperation.","primary_figures":["the mother figure","attendants","vaidya (optional)","symbolic presence of the embryo as an unyielding aura"],"setting":"palace apothecary room with shelves of jars, grinding stones, copper vessels, herb bundles","lighting_mood":"overcast daylight filtered through lattice, turning to dusk","color_palette":["copper bronze","herbal green","smoke gray","dark teal","dried-blood maroon"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: ornate apothecary interior with gold leaf borders; copper vessels and jars highlighted; the mother figure in rich textiles, stern expression; repeated herb bundles arranged like offerings but with ominous undertone; subtle dark halo around the womb contrasted with gold ornamentation.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: sequential narrative in one frame—multiple small vignettes of the woman returning with herbs; delicate detailing of leaves and roots; restrained palette, lyrical interior architecture; emotional nuance in posture and gaze.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized shelves of jars, bold outlines; attendants grinding herbs; the womb-aura as a coiled cloud motif; strong reds/yellows/greens with black contouring; temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: decorative border of leaves and lotuses; central apothecary scene rendered with intricate patterning; deep blue background with gold accents; repeated herb motifs forming a rhythmic pattern echoing 'dine dine' repetition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["stone grinding","liquid boiling","footsteps returning","low drone","intermittent bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: महौषधीम् = महा-औषधीम्; विन्दन्ती (वि+इन्द्/विद्) रूपम्; पातनायैव = पातनाय + एव।
FAQs
It describes a woman repeatedly obtaining powerful herbs and employing many methods with the specific aim of terminating a pregnancy (garbha-pātana).
No. This line is descriptive; any ethical evaluation depends on the surrounding narrative and the broader dharma framework of the text.
As part of an unfolding narrative in the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa: it signals intent and repeated effort, likely setting up consequences or a dharmic lesson clarified by adjacent verses.