Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 14062
Brahmā’s Lotus-Birth, Puṣkara-Creation Imagery, Madhu–Kaiṭabha, and Early Genealogies
ततः सोप्यब्रवीद्वाक्यं किं करोमि पितामह । पितामहसमा ज्ञातो ब्रह्माणं समुपस्थितः
tataḥ sopyabravīdvākyaṃ kiṃ karomi pitāmaha | pitāmahasamā jñāto brahmāṇaṃ samupasthitaḥ
তেতিয়া সিও এই বাক্য ক’লে— “পিতামহ, মই কি কৰিম?” পিতামহসম বুলি চিনাকি পাই সি ব্ৰহ্মাৰ সন্মুখত গৈ উপস্থিত হ’ল।
Unspecified (a male figure in the narrative addresses Brahmā as ‘Pitāmaha’)
Concept: Right action begins with humble inquiry before the cosmic teacher; dharma is clarified through surrender to higher wisdom.
Application: When uncertain, ask a qualified elder/teacher with humility; treat guidance as sacred and act accordingly.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A seeker, newly awakened to his identity and duty, steps into Brahmā’s luminous lotus-court and folds his hands. Brahmā, four-faced and serene, receives the question ‘What should I do?’ as the cosmos hums in stillness around them.","primary_figures":["Brahmā (Pitāmaha)","the questioning male figure (seeker/son)","attendant sages (optional)"],"setting":"Celestial lotus-throne hall with floating lotuses, subtle mandala geometry, and a suggestion of the cosmic ocean below.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["lotus pink","gold leaf","saffron","pearl white","deep teal"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Brahmā seated on a grand lotus throne with four faces and ornate crown, the humble seeker standing with añjali-mudrā asking ‘kim karomi pitāmaha’; heavy gold leaf halos, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, gem-studded ornaments, stylized lotus pillars, sacred symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate Brahmā on a soft pink lotus dais, the seeker in simple garments bowing; cool pastel sky, fine linework, refined faces, gentle floral borders, airy cosmic landscape with faint waves of the primordial ocean.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, Brahmā with large expressive eyes and layered jewelry, the seeker in añjali; temple-wall composition with lotus motifs, warm red-yellow-green pigments, rhythmic ornamental bands framing the scene.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: lotus-filled cosmic courtyard with ornate floral borders; Brahmā centered with radiant halo, the seeker at the lower edge in devotion; intricate lotuses, peacocks as symbolic attendants, deep indigo background with gold highlights."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","low drone (tanpura)","gentle conch swell","silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सोपि = सः + अपि; अब्रवीद्वाक्यम् = अब्रवीत् + वाक्यम् (त् + व् → द्); पितामहसमा = पितामह + समा; समुपस्थितः = सम् + उपस्थितः
FAQs
‘Pitāmaha’ (“grandsire”) is a common epithet for Brahmā, regarded as the cosmic progenitor in Purāṇic cosmology.
It centers on seeking guidance: the speaker respectfully asks Brahmā what action should be taken, emphasizing counsel and right conduct (dharma) in a creation-context narrative.
The verse highlights humility and deference to wisdom—when uncertain, one should approach a qualified authority and ask what is right to do.