Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 44
Sukalā’s Episode: Padmāvatī’s Crisis, the Speaking Embryo (Kālanemi), and Sudevā’s Begging at Śivaśarmā’s House
तद्गृहं सर्वतोभद्रं तस्यैव शिवशर्मणः । भिक्षां देहीत्युवाचाथ सुदेवा दुःखपीडिता
tadgṛhaṃ sarvatobhadraṃ tasyaiva śivaśarmaṇaḥ | bhikṣāṃ dehītyuvācātha sudevā duḥkhapīḍitā
Dann kam sie zu dem allseits glückverheißenden Haus eben dieses Śivaśarman. Von Leid bedrängt, sprach Sudevā: „Gebt mir Almosen.“
Narrator (describing Sudevā’s action and speech)
Concept: Approaching a righteous house for bhikṣā frames poverty and vulnerability as a legitimate claim upon the compassion of the prosperous; the dharmic response is to give without contempt.
Application: When someone asks for help, respond with dignity and discernment—offer food first, speak kindly, and avoid humiliating the petitioner.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A weary woman, Sudevā, stands at the threshold of an auspicious home, her posture bent by sorrow yet steady with resolve. The doorway is framed by auspicious symbols and stored grain within, heightening the contrast between her need and the household’s abundance.","primary_figures":["Sudevā","Śivaśarman (implied within)","Maṅgalā (implied within)"],"setting":"House entrance with carved doorframe, rangoli-like auspicious markings, and a glimpse of granary jars inside.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["earth brown","muted indigo","rice-white","marigold yellow","copper"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Sudevā at the ornate doorway of Śivaśarman’s prosperous home, hands in a humble gesture asking for bhikṣā; auspicious threshold motifs, grain jars visible inside; gold leaf highlights on doorframe and jewelry, rich vermilion and emerald accents, devotional domestic iconography.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate portrayal of Sudevā’s sorrowful face and simple garments at a refined doorway; soft shadows, detailed textiles, a quiet courtyard; subtle emotional realism with cool tones and fine brushwork.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: strong outlines show Sudevā at the threshold, the house interior with vessels and lamps; expressive eyes conveying karuṇā; warm pigment palette and temple-wall compositional balance.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: threshold scene framed by lotus and floral borders; symbolic conch/lotus motifs suggesting Lakṣmī’s presence within; deep blue background with gold detailing, emphasizing the devotional ethic of feeding the needy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["soft wind","distant household sounds","a single bell chime","brief silence after the plea"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तद्गृहं = तत् + गृहम्; देहीत्युवाचाथ = देहि + इति + उवाच + अथ; दुःखपीडिता = दुःख-पीडिता (समास/योग).
FAQs
Sudevā, suffering from grief, approaches Śivaśarman’s auspicious home and directly requests alms.
It indicates the house is “wholly auspicious/excellent,” suggesting prosperity, good order, or a righteous household.
The verse sets up a dharmic situation around bhikṣā (alms): the needy seek help, and householders are tested in compassion and generosity.