Shloka 47
Śatrughna’s Entry into Ahicchatrā
Temptation of Sumada and the Goddess’s Boon
ब्राह्मणा वेदविदुषो वैश्या धनसमृद्धयः । राजानं पर्युपासंते सुमदंशो भयान्वितम्
brāhmaṇā vedaviduṣo vaiśyā dhanasamṛddhayaḥ | rājānaṃ paryupāsaṃte sumadaṃśo bhayānvitam
Die Brahmanen, der Veden kundig, und die Vaiśyas, reich an Besitz, dienen dem König, der von Trunkenheit beherrscht und von Furcht erfüllt ist.
Unspecified narrator (context-dependent within Padma Purana dialogues)
Concept: When rulers fall under mada (intoxication/pride), fear follows; society’s pillars (brāhmaṇas and vaiśyas) may still orbit power, but dharma requires sobriety, humility, and self-mastery.
Application: Guard against pride and intoxicants (literal or metaphorical: status, wealth, influence); seek counsel from the wise and act from clarity rather than compulsion.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In the same assembly hall, the king’s eyes reveal hidden fear while a faint flush of intoxication colors his face; brāhmaṇas with palm-leaf manuscripts and vaiśyas with wealth tokens stand nearby, attentive yet wary. The air feels heavy—silk banners hang still, and shadows gather at the edges of the court as if warning of unseen consequences.","primary_figures":["King (under mada)","Veda-knowing brāhmaṇas","wealthy vaiśyas","courtiers"],"setting":"royal sabhā with manuscripts, ritual vessels, and merchant gifts arranged before the throne","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["ashen gray","wine red","burnished gold","dark teal","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a tense sabhā scene—king on throne with a subtle intoxicated flush and anxious gaze, brāhmaṇas holding Vedic manuscripts and rosaries, vaiśyas presenting wealth and ledgers, gold leaf architecture and ornate pillars, dramatic shadowing at the hall’s edges, rich reds/greens with heavy gold embellishment.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate psychological court moment—king’s uneasy expression, brāhmaṇas and merchants rendered with delicate lines, patterned carpets and textiles, cool subdued palette with a hint of crimson, architectural framing and a quiet, suspenseful atmosphere.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized figures with bold outlines—king centered, brāhmaṇas and vaiśyas flanking, symbolic dark border suggesting fear, warm pigments with controlled contrast, temple-wall composition emphasizing moral tension.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: court tableau with ornate floral borders; the king’s throne framed by lotus vines, attendants and social orders arranged symmetrically, deep blue and gold with crimson accents, peacocks subdued to match the anxious mood, intricate textile patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["low drum pulse","distant thunder","hushed whispers","single bell strike"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वेदविदुषो = वेदविदुषः (प्रथमा बहुवचन); पर्युपासंते = परि + उपासन्ते; सुमदंशो इति पाठे सन्धि/पाठभेद-संशयः—‘सुमदम्’ + ‘अंशः’ इति पदच्छेदः दर्शितः।
FAQs
It mentions Brāhmaṇas characterized by Vedic learning and Vaiśyas characterized by material prosperity; both are depicted as attending upon the king.
The king is portrayed as influenced by mada (intoxication/pride) while simultaneously being bhayānvita (fearful), implying inner insecurity despite outward authority.
It suggests that status and service at court can coexist with a ruler’s moral weakness; thus, true stability in leadership requires self-control and freedom from pride and fear.