Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 15
Viṣṇu’s Māyā and the Stratagem Against Vihuṇḍa
with the Kāmodā–Gaṅgādvāra motif
ऊचुश्च पाहि नो नित्यं विहुंडस्य महाभयात् । श्रीविष्णुरुवाच । वर्द्धंतु देवताः सर्वाः सुसुखेन महेश्वराः
ūcuśca pāhi no nityaṃ vihuṃḍasya mahābhayāt | śrīviṣṇuruvāca | varddhaṃtu devatāḥ sarvāḥ susukhena maheśvarāḥ
They said, “Protect us always from the great terror of Vihuṇḍa.” Śrī Viṣṇu replied, “May all the deities—O great lords—prosper and flourish in perfect happiness.”
Petitioners (unnamed) → Śrī Viṣṇu
Concept: Prayerful dependence (rakṣā-prārthanā) is met by Viṣṇu’s benevolent assurance; divine protection is coupled with the welfare of all devas (cosmic harmony).
Application: When afraid, articulate the fear plainly in prayer; then act from the steadiness that comes from assurance—support collective well-being, not only personal safety.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The devas kneel with folded hands, their faces marked by fear as they name the terror of Vihuṇḍa. Viṣṇu answers with calm authority, his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing, the atmosphere shifting from trembling urgency to luminous reassurance.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu","Indra","assembled devas (petitioners)"],"setting":"A celestial audience chamber with lotus pillars, hanging garlands, and a faint view of the cosmic ocean beyond.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit turning into divine radiance","color_palette":["deep indigo","soft gold","ivory","turquoise","rose pink"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu seated with abhaya-mudrā, gold leaf halo and ornate throne; devas in symmetrical rows, hands in añjali; gem-like detailing on crowns; warm reds and greens in the frame with embossed floral borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate court scene with delicate textiles and subtle facial emotion; Viṣṇu’s blessing hand emphasized; devas’ bowed heads forming a gentle arc; pastel sky tones and refined ornamentation.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: strong frontal Viṣṇu icon with stylized eyes; devas rendered in rhythmic repetition; the blessing gesture prominent; background in earthy reds/yellows with green lotus motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Viṣṇu with ornate lotus border; devas arranged like a devotional assembly; intricate floral patterns and gold highlights; deep blue ground with pink lotuses and white garlands."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft bells","conch (gentle)","low drone","whisper of silk/garlands (suggested ambience)"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ऊचुश्च = ऊचुः + च; श्रीविष्णुरुवाच = श्रीविष्णुः + उवाच
FAQs
The speakers appeal to Śrī Viṣṇu, asking him to protect them continually from the great fear caused by Vihuṇḍa.
Viṣṇu responds with a benediction: that all the deities may flourish in happiness—highlighting divine reassurance and restoration of cosmic well-being.
In danger and fear one should seek refuge in the divine, and the proper resolution aims at the welfare and peace of all—not merely personal safety.