Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 25
Praise of the Merits of Sacred Ponds, Tree-Planting, and Water-Charities
तथाश्वत्थवृक्षरूपी देवः पूज्यतमः स्मृतः । रोपणे रक्षणे स्पर्शे पूजाकर्मणि वै सदा
tathāśvatthavṛkṣarūpī devaḥ pūjyatamaḥ smṛtaḥ | ropaṇe rakṣaṇe sparśe pūjākarmaṇi vai sadā
Likewise, the deity present in the form of the aśvattha tree is remembered as most worthy of worship—always, in planting it, protecting it, touching it, and in the rites of ritual adoration.
Unspecified (narrative instruction within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Concept: Sevā to the aśvattha—planting, protecting, even mindful touch—is continuous worship because the deity abides in that form.
Application: Plant and protect trees as a devotional discipline: water regularly, avoid harm, keep the base clean, offer a lamp/flower; practice ‘mindful touch’—no careless breaking of branches or carving names.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: earthly
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A young sapling of aśvattha is being planted on a small earthen mound, ringed by stones and fresh cow-dung plaster, while devotees pour water with cupped hands. Another figure ties a protective cloth around the tender trunk, and an elder gently touches the leaves in reverence, as if touching a deity’s garment.","primary_figures":["devotees (householder couple)","elder guide/priest","Vishnu’s subtle presence as aura within the tree"],"setting":"Courtyard edge near a small shrine; water pot (kalaśa), flowers, lamp, protective fence; birds perched above.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["fresh leaf green","terracotta","marigold orange","ivory white","soft gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Devotees planting an aśvattha sapling on a decorated platform, pouring water from a kalaśa, tying a protective cloth, offering lamp and flowers; Vishnu’s aura indicated by a gold-leaf radiance within the sapling; rich reds/greens, ornate jewelry, embossed gold detailing on leaves and halo-like canopy.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Intimate courtyard planting scene with delicate foliage, slender figures in simple garments, a calm morning sky; refined linework, gentle pastel earth tones, lyrical naturalism with small birds and a distant temple spire.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Iconic frontal composition—sapling centered, devotees symmetrically placed offering water and lamp; bold outlines, flat yet vibrant pigments, stylized leaf clusters, Vishnu’s presence as a blue-gold aura in the trunk.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Central sapling framed by lotus and floral borders, devotees in rhythmic poses pouring water, small cows and peacocks as auspicious motifs; deep blue background with gold highlights, intricate patterns on the ground and canopy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["flowing water","soft temple bells","morning birds","gentle footfalls","silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तथा + अश्वत्थवृक्षरूपी → तथाश्वत्थवृक्षरूपी; पूजा + कर्मणि → पूजाकर्मणि (समास); अन्यत्र स्पष्टपदविभागः।
FAQs
It treats the aśvattha as a form of the deity and encourages reverence through planting it, protecting it, respectfully touching it, and performing worship.
By identifying the sacred tree as a divine embodiment, it frames ordinary actions—care, contact, and ritual—as continuous devotional service.
Sacredness is expressed through stewardship: planting and protecting living beings (like revered trees) is presented as a lasting dharmic duty.