Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 6
Vena’s Inquiry into Pitṛ-tīrtha: Pippala’s Austerity, the Vidyādhara Boon, and the Crane’s Rebuke of Pride
अंगसंवाहनं चक्रे गुर्वोश्च स्वयमेव सः । पादप्रक्षालनं चैव स्नानभोजनकीं क्रियाम्
aṃgasaṃvāhanaṃ cakre gurvośca svayameva saḥ | pādaprakṣālanaṃ caiva snānabhojanakīṃ kriyām
He himself massaged the limbs of his two teachers, and likewise performed the washing of their feet, as well as the duties connected with their bathing and meals.
Narrator (contextual voice within the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa dialogue tradition; exact named speaker not specified in the provided excerpt).
Concept: Physical service—massaging limbs, washing feet, assisting bathing and meals—when done personally and reverently, is a direct path of purification.
Application: Serve without delegating when possible; attend to elders’ bodily needs with dignity; keep acts clean, gentle, and consistent.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Sukarmā kneels with a brass vessel, gently washing the feet of his two aged gurus, while another bowl holds warm water for bathing. Nearby, a simple meal is prepared with care; the entire scene radiates quiet sanctity, as if the act itself is worship.","primary_figures":["Sukarmā","Two aged gurus"],"setting":"Hermitage courtyard with low seat, brass lota, water basin, folded towels, and a modest meal tray; a small tulsi-less but ritually clean domestic space.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["brass gold","warm terracotta","cream white","deep teal","smoky sandalwood"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: close-up devotional seva—Sukarmā washing gurus’ feet with ornate brass vessels; gold leaf shimmering on water highlights and halos; rich crimson backdrop, emerald borders, gem-like ornament accents, symmetrical sacred composition.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: tender realism—hands pouring water over feet, ripples in a small basin, elders’ serene faces; soft courtyard textures, delicate brushwork, gentle warm palette with cool teal shadows.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: iconic pāda-prakṣālana scene with bold outlines and stylized gestures; brass vessels and water rendered in rhythmic patterns; red/yellow/green pigments, temple-panel dignity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central medallion of pāda-sevā framed by lotus borders and hanging lamp motifs; intricate floral filigree, deep blue ground with gold detailing, devotional domestic ritual atmosphere."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["water pouring","soft bell chime","low humming of mantra","gentle night breeze"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गुर्वोश्च = गुर्वोः + च (विसर्गाभाव; ओः + च). स्वयमेव = स्वयम् + एव (पदसंयोग). चैव = च + एव (स्वर-सन्धि). स्नानभोजनकीं इति समासपद (स्नान-भोजन-सम्बन्धिनी)।
FAQs
The verse highlights guru-sevā—personal service to one’s teachers—through massage, washing their feet, and attending to bathing and meals.
It teaches humility and reverence: honoring teachers through hands-on care and responsible service, not merely through words.
Bhūmi-khaṇḍa often emphasizes lived dharma—right conduct in daily life—and this verse exemplifies dharma as practical service and respect within the guru-disciple relationship.