Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 23
The Nahusha Episode: Aśokasundarī’s Austerity and Huṇḍa’s Doom
एवं सा तद्वचः श्रुत्वा तमुवाच तपस्विनी । मा हुंड साहसं कार्षीर्मा जल्पस्व पुनः पुनः
evaṃ sā tadvacaḥ śrutvā tamuvāca tapasvinī | mā huṃḍa sāhasaṃ kārṣīrmā jalpasva punaḥ punaḥ
Ainsi, ayant entendu ses paroles, la femme d’ascèse lui répondit : «Ô Huṇḍa, ne commets pas d’audace violente ; ne parle pas sans cesse, encore et encore».
tapasvinī (an ascetic woman)
Concept: Dharmic speech—firm, non-enticing, and boundary-setting—checks adharma and protects one’s vow.
Application: Respond to coercion with clear, repeated refusal without negotiation; keep speech truthful, concise, and anchored in principle.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: river
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The tapasvinī rises slightly from her kusa seat, palm lifted in a stopping gesture, eyes unwavering. Huṇḍa recoils a fraction, the forest air clearing as her words cut through his fevered desire; the Gaṅgā glints behind like a silent oath-witness.","primary_figures":["Aśokasundarī","Huṇḍa"],"setting":"Riverbank clearing with kusa mat, small water pot, faint ghat steps in distance, trees forming a natural arch","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["aura-gold","river-turquoise","forest-emerald","ivory-white","deep-maroon"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Aśokasundarī in commanding yet serene posture, hand raised in abhaya-like refusal, gold-leaf halo bright; Huṇḍa slightly withdrawn, darker tones; Ganga rendered with shimmering blue and gold highlights; rich borders, embossed gold on aura and ornaments, moral clarity through iconographic contrast.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Subtle psychological moment—Aśokasundarī’s calm firmness, Huṇḍa’s startled pause; delicate river shimmer and fine foliage; cool palette with warm golden aura around her face, refined expressions and gentle gradients.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Strong outlines; Aśokasundarī with large steady eyes and raised palm, warm yellow aura; Huṇḍa in darker reds/greens, slightly turned; stylized Ganga waves behind, temple-wall narrative framing.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Central figure Aśokasundarī framed by lotus borders, gesture of refusal emphasized; Huṇḍa at the side amid swirling red motifs dissipating; decorative river bands, peacocks calmer again; deep blue cloth ground with gold floral filigree."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["single temple bell strike","river flow","wind hush","brief silence after admonition"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तद्वचः = तत् + वचः; तमुवाच = तम् + उवाच; मा हुंड = मा + हुंड (सम्बोधन); ‘मा’ + लुङ् (कार्षीः) निषेधार्थक-प्रयोगः.
FAQs
It teaches restraint—avoiding reckless or violent action (sāhasa) and avoiding repetitive, uncontrolled speech (jalpa).
“Huṃḍa” is a named individual being admonished; the verse presents him as the direct addressee of the ascetic woman’s warning.
It reflects dharma-oriented counsel typical of the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa: controlling impulses (violence and speech) as foundational to righteous conduct.