Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 19
Nahusha’s Challenge to Hunda and the Mustering of Battle
स्यंदनं योजयस्व त्वं तुरगैः साधुभिः शिवैः । सेनाध्यक्षं समाहूय इत्युवाच समातुरः
syaṃdanaṃ yojayasva tvaṃ turagaiḥ sādhubhiḥ śivaiḥ | senādhyakṣaṃ samāhūya ityuvāca samāturaḥ
«Attelle le char avec des chevaux bons et de bon augure. Fais venir le chef de l’armée», dit-il, accablé de détresse.
Unspecified (a distressed person addressing an attendant/servant)
Concept: In crisis, the mind seeks swift control; distress can either sharpen duty or deepen panic—steadiness is the true charioteer of action.
Application: When overwhelmed, ground yourself before acting—breathe, recall dharma, seek wise counsel; let urgency serve responsibility, not rashness.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A distressed ruler, garments slightly disheveled, points toward a magnificent chariot as servants rush to yoke it with sleek, auspicious horses. In the courtyard, dust rises as a herald runs to summon the army commander; the air vibrates with urgency, bells, and the clatter of armor.","primary_figures":["distressed king/warrior","charioteer/attendant","auspicious horses","army commander (being summoned)","herald/runner"],"setting":"Fortress courtyard with open gates, chariot stand, stables, and assembling soldiers.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sunlit amber","horse-coat chestnut","lapis blue","white jasmine","bronze"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: courtyard mobilization scene with ornate chariot, gold leaf on harness ornaments and royal jewelry, rich reds/greens in textiles, horses rendered with glossy highlights, attendants in dynamic poses, decorative border emphasizing urgency through rhythmic repetition.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: airy courtyard with delicate architecture, refined horses and attendants, soft light and dust haze, expressive yet restrained faces showing anxiety, detailed harness patterns, a runner mid-stride to summon the commander.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized horses with ornate tack, saturated warm palette, the king’s gesture large and clear, attendants shown in sequential action, mural border motifs framing the mobilization.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: processional energy—chariot and horses central, attendants arranged symmetrically yet in motion, deep blue and gold accents, floral borders with lotus motifs, decorative bells and tassels emphasized, narrative clarity like a temple textile panel."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["horse snorts","harness bells","armor clatter","urgent footsteps","conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इत्युवाच = इति + उवाच।
FAQs
The verse does not name the speaker; it only describes him as “samāturaḥ” (greatly distressed) issuing urgent instructions to prepare a chariot and summon the army commander.
It emphasizes that the horses should be of good quality (“sādhu”) and ritually/omen-wise auspicious (“śiva”), suggesting urgency combined with concern for favorable outcomes.
Even in distress, the speaker gives clear, ordered commands—showing the value of decisive action and organized leadership during crisis.