Shloka 114
The Greatness of Puṣkara: Tripuṣkara Pilgrimage, Sacred Geography, and the Doctrine of Self-Restraint
अपरे च भयोद्विग्ना भयात्प्राणान्समत्यजन् । केचित्तत्र महेष्वासाः शूराः परमदर्पिताः
apare ca bhayodvignā bhayātprāṇānsamatyajan | kecittatra maheṣvāsāḥ śūrāḥ paramadarpitāḥ
Others, shaken with terror, abandoned their very lives out of fear. Yet there too were some mighty archers—heroes, exceedingly proud and valorous.
Narrator (contextual speaker not specified in the provided excerpt)
Concept: Even amid terror and death, some stand with heroic resolve; courage is dharma’s instrument, though pride (darpa) must be tempered by righteousness.
Application: Cultivate bravery with humility: defend what is right, but avoid ego-driven aggression; anchor strength in service (seva).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a landscape of fleeing crowds, a small band of towering archers plants their feet like pillars, bows drawn to full arc. Their faces blaze with resolve, yet a hint of pride glitters in their eyes; behind them, the vulnerable gather, finding a momentary shelter in the heroes’ stance.","primary_figures":["mahā-īṣvāsa archers (heroes)","frightened civilians","dvijas seeking protection"],"setting":"open clearing near forest and rocky ground; scattered remnants of flight—bundles, manuscripts, waterpots","lighting_mood":"divine radiance breaking through storm clouds","color_palette":["steel blue","sunburst gold","earth umber","scarlet","forest green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: heroic archers in the foreground with massive bows, ornate crowns/armlets, and gold leaf highlighting bow-curves and arrowheads; behind them, frightened people cluster; storm clouds part to reveal a golden shaft of light; rich reds and greens with gem-like detailing; composition centered on the archers’ dharmic ‘shield’ posture.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined heroic tableau—archers with elegant profiles and long bows stand on a ridge; soft golden light pierces gray clouds; delicate depiction of trembling civilians behind; cool blues and greens balanced with warm saffron highlights; lyrical landscape with distant hills.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold-outlined heroes with large expressive eyes and stylized bows; dynamic stance and rhythmic repetition of arrows; background shows fleeing figures in simplified bands; dominant reds/yellows/greens with a bright golden aura breaking through dark blue clouds; temple-wall narrative energy.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central heroic group framed by ornate floral borders; stylized bows form a symmetrical arch; lotus motifs and gold detailing; deep blue background with a radiant golden circle behind the archers, turning valor into a devotional emblem; peacocks perched calmly near the protected group to symbolize restored auspiciousness."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhopali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["bowstring twang","conch shell","drum cadence","wind lifting dust","crowd murmurs"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भयात्प्राणान्समत्यजन् → भयात् + प्राणान् + समत्यजन्; केचित्तत्र → केचित् + तत्र.
FAQs
It contrasts those who panic and perish from fear with those who remain bold—mighty archers and proud warriors—standing their ground.
Yes: it underscores how fear can destroy resolve and even life, while courage (though sometimes mixed with pride) enables steadfast action in crisis.
Even within creation-focused sections, the Padma Purana often uses dramatic narrative episodes to illustrate human dispositions—fear, pride, and heroism—within cosmic or legendary events.