Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 8
Nahusha’s Challenge to Hunda and the Mustering of Battle
एतन्मे सर्वमाचक्ष्व यदि जीवितुमिच्छसि । सत्वरं गच्छ मा तिष्ठ दुःसहो दानवाधिपः
etanme sarvamācakṣva yadi jīvitumicchasi | satvaraṃ gaccha mā tiṣṭha duḥsaho dānavādhipaḥ
Dis-moi tout, si tu veux rester en vie. Va vite—ne t’attarde pas ; le seigneur des Dānavas est insoutenable à affronter.
Unspecified (context-dependent speaker addressing another person with a warning)
Concept: Prudence and timely action are part of dharma; survival can be necessary to fulfill higher duty.
Application: When danger is real, act decisively; gather essential information, then move—avoid paralysis and needless risk.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stern advisor grips the messenger’s arm, eyes blazing with urgency, as the hall behind them trembles with the approaching presence of the dānava-lord. Curtains billow, lamps flicker, and guards scatter while the advisor points toward an exit, commanding immediate flight.","primary_figures":["Advisor/warned speaker","Messenger/hero being urged","Panicked guards","Implied dānava-lord presence"],"setting":"Assembly hall with swaying banners, toppled stools, flickering oil lamps; a distant corridor leading out, framed by heavy doors.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp-flame amber","soot black","blood red","tarnished gold","storm blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: high-drama court scene with gold leaf on pillars and ornaments; flickering lamps rendered with bright highlights; the advisor pointing to the exit, garments in rich reds/greens; background shows chaotic attendants; embossed dark aura suggesting the dānava’s approach.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: dynamic gestures and flowing drapery; subtle depiction of flickering light and anxious faces; corridor perspective leading outward; restrained yet intense palette with fine architectural detailing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, exaggerated expressive eyes; the pointing gesture central; lamps and banners stylized; warm reds/yellows/greens with a dark looming form at the edge indicating the dānava.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative urgency framed by floral borders; stylized figures in motion; lamp motifs and swirling textile patterns; deep blues and gold with red accents, symmetrical chaos."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["urgent footsteps","clattering armor","shouting (muffled)","temple bells (agitated)","wind through corridors"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: एतन्मे = एतत् + मे; सर्वमाचक्ष्व = सर्वम् + आचक्ष्व; जीवितुमिच्छसि = जीवितुम् + इच्छसि।
FAQs
It conveys an urgent warning: disclose the truth immediately and leave at once, because a powerful Dānava leader poses imminent danger.
The verse uses the generic title dānava-adhipa (“lord of the Dānavas”). Without surrounding verses, the specific figure cannot be identified with certainty.
It highlights prudence and timely action: when danger is near, delay can be fatal, and truthful communication becomes urgent.