Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 24
The Glory of the Vāsudeva Hymn: Boons, Japa across the Yugas, and Ascent to Vaikuṇṭha
त्रेतायां मासमात्रेण षड्भिर्मासैस्तु द्वापरे । वर्षेणैकेन च कलौ ये जपंति च मानवाः
tretāyāṃ māsamātreṇa ṣaḍbhirmāsaistu dvāpare | varṣeṇaikena ca kalau ye japaṃti ca mānavāḥ
في عصر تريتا يُنال ذلك بالجَپا في شهرٍ واحدٍ فقط، وفي عصر دفابارا في ستة أشهر، وفي عصر كالي في سنةٍ واحدة؛ هكذا هم البشر الذين يداومون على الجَپا.
Unspecified (narratorial voice within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa, Adhyaya 99 context)
Concept: The efficacy and required duration of japa shifts across yugas, yet disciplined repetition remains a reliable means to attain the intended spiritual result.
Application: Set a consistent daily japa vow with a realistic time horizon; measure progress by steadiness rather than speed, especially in Kali-yuga.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A single ascetic sits in meditation while four translucent panels behind him depict the four yugas as shifting landscapes—golden Tretā, ritual-rich Dvāpara, and shadowed Kali—each with a different calendar motif showing the changing duration of japa. Above, a subtle Vishnu-navel lotus symbol radiates, implying that mantra-time is held within cosmic time.","primary_figures":["a japa-performing sādhaka","Vishnu (symbolic presence as lotus-from-navel motif)"],"setting":"A riverbank hermitage with a stone seat, prayer beads, and a faint cosmic backdrop showing yuga transitions.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","lotus pink","antique gold","ash gray","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a central seated sādhaka with rudrākṣa/tulasi mala, behind him four arched yuga-panels (Kṛta, Tretā, Dvāpara, Kali) rendered as miniature vignettes; Vishnu’s navel-lotus emblem above with gold leaf halo, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments on the emblematic Vishnu iconography, ornate temple-like frame.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate sādhaka on a quiet riverbank, soft Himalayan-like hills, four faint narrative vignettes in the sky showing yuga scenes with changing calendars; cool blues and greens, lyrical naturalism, refined facial features, thin gold accents for the lotus emblem.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined sādhaka in yogic posture, stylized yuga panels as geometric bands behind, Vishnu-lotus symbol crowning the composition; natural pigments with dominant red/yellow/green, temple wall aesthetic, large expressive eyes.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central japa-sādhaka framed by lotus borders and floral vines; above, a lotus-from-navel motif and circular medallions for yugas; deep blues and gold, intricate border work, peacocks and lotuses subtly integrated as auspicious motifs."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","mala bead clicks","distant conch shell","evening wind","silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: षड्भिर्मासैस्तु = षड्भिः + मासैः + तु; वर्षेणैकेन = वर्षेण + एकेन; जपंति normalized as जपन्ति.
FAQs
The verse emphasizes japa—repetition of a sacred mantra—as a key spiritual discipline.
It compares the time needed to accomplish the fruit of japa across yugas: one month in Tretā, six months in Dvāpara, and one year in Kali.
It encourages steady, sustained practice: regardless of era, consistent japa is presented as a workable path, with the needed duration varying by yuga.