Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 31
The Deception of Vṛtra
वर्तितव्यं सुखेनापि आवाभ्यां दैत्यसत्तम । एवं विश्वासयन्दैत्यं वृत्र मैत्रेण वै तदा
vartitavyaṃ sukhenāpi āvābhyāṃ daityasattama | evaṃ viśvāsayandaityaṃ vṛtra maitreṇa vai tadā
„O Bester der Daityas, auch wir beide sollen in Wohlergehen leben.“ So beruhigte und gewann Vṛtra damals—durch Freundschaft—den Daitya immer wieder.
Narrative voice (describing Vṛtra’s conduct toward a Daitya)
Concept: Maitrī and gentle reassurance can disarm fear and aggression; peace is maintained through trust-building, not only punishment.
Application: When dealing with volatile people, use calm, consistent reassurance and clear agreements; avoid provoking insecurity.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Vṛtra leans slightly forward, speaking with measured warmth to a wary Daitya whose posture is tense and guarded. The scene captures psychological transformation: suspicion loosens as friendship is offered like a protective mantle.","primary_figures":["Vṛtra","a Daitya leader (unnamed)","attendants/witnesses"],"setting":"A side chamber or garden court adjacent to the main sabhā—quieter, suited for private reassurance; lotus ponds and stone seats.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["soft gold","moss green","smoky gray","lotus pink","midnight blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Vṛtra seated on a low ornate seat, hand extended in calming gesture; the Daitya opposite with softened expression; gold leaf on borders and jewelry, rich maroon and green textiles; lotus pond and stylized foliage behind, emphasizing peace through friendship.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate dialogue under a flowering tree near a lotus pond; delicate facial expressions showing suspicion turning to trust; cool greens and blues, fine brushwork, lyrical naturalism, gentle light filtering through leaves.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, iconic gestures of reassurance; Vṛtra and Daitya in balanced composition with stylized lotus pond and foliage; warm reds/yellows with green, temple-wall border patterns framing the moral lesson.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: garden dialogue framed by dense floral borders and lotus motifs; deep blue ground with gold highlights; stylized lotuses and peacocks at corners; figures arranged symmetrically to convey harmony and containment."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["flowing water","birds","soft bell (single strikes)","silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सुखेन+अपि→सुखेनापि; दैत्य+सत्तम→दैत्यसत्तम; विश्वासयन्+दैत्यम्→विश्वासयन्दैत्यं
FAQs
It describes Vṛtra reassuring a Daitya and gaining his trust through an attitude of friendship (maitrī).
Maitrī is presented as a means of creating confidence (viśvāsa) in another—an interpersonal tool that can be used to pacify, persuade, or influence.
The verse highlights how trust can be cultivated through friendly conduct; it also cautions that persuasion and “reassurance” can be used strategically, so discernment about intentions matters.