Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 6
Nahusha’s Challenge to Hunda and the Mustering of Battle
कस्य केन तु कार्येण प्रेषितः केन वैभवान् । अनया रंभया तेऽद्य अन्यया शिवकन्यया
kasya kena tu kāryeṇa preṣitaḥ kena vaibhavān | anayā raṃbhayā te'dya anyayā śivakanyayā
Von wem und zu welchem Zweck bist du gesandt worden? Und von wem, o Erhabener: heute von dieser Rambhā oder von einer anderen, einer Tochter Śivas?
Unspecified (context-dependent dialogue within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Discernment of motive (kārya) and sender (preṣaka) is essential before trusting appearances, especially when charm or prestige is involved.
Application: Ask clarifying questions; verify intent and accountability in relationships and decisions, particularly when flattery or allure is present.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a jeweled court, a wary interrogator leans forward, eyes narrowed, as a radiant figure stands with the aura of celestial association. Behind, a faint vision of Rambhā—an apsaras—appears like a shimmering mirage, while the mention of ‘Śiva’s daughter’ casts a shadow of divine ambiguity over the scene.","primary_figures":["Court interrogator (minister/king/sage)","Illustrious envoy/warrior","Rambhā (apsaras, suggested presence)","Attendants and guards"],"setting":"Royal assembly with carved throne dais, incense braziers, silk drapes; subtle celestial motifs (cloud-scrolls) hinting at apsaric influence.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["ivory","emerald green","ruby red","antique gold","smoky violet"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: opulent sabhā with gold leaf on pillars and jewelry; the interrogator seated on a gilded throne, the envoy standing; Rambhā rendered as a luminous, semi-transparent celestial figure with ornate ornaments; rich reds/greens, embossed halos, intricate textile patterns.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate court scene with delicate facial expressions; soft gradients, cool shadows; Rambhā suggested in a cloud-like vignette; refined costumes, patterned carpets, lyrical linework and restrained sparkle.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: strong outlines and stylized eyes; the interrogator’s gesture of questioning emphasized; apsaras depicted with traditional mural ornamentation; warm red/yellow/green palette, temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: decorative court framed by floral borders; apsaras motif woven into lotus-and-vine patterns; deep blue background with gold highlights; figures stylized, symmetrical, richly patterned garments."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft ankle-bells (apsaras suggestion)","incense crackle","low court murmurs","distant conch"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तेऽद्य = ते + अद्य; श्लोके ‘प्रेषितः’ इति क्त-प्रत्ययान्तः कृदन्तः (PPP) प्रयोगः।
FAQs
The verse asks who commissioned the addressed person, for what purpose, and whether the messenger/agent involved is Rambhā or another figure described as a “daughter of Śiva.”
Rambhā is commonly portrayed as an apsarā (celestial nymph) who appears in many Purāṇic and epic narratives, often connected with divine courts and missions.
It highlights scrutiny of motive and agency—asking who is behind an action and why—an important theme in Purāṇic dialogues where intentions and divine commissions shape events.