Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 22
Vena Episode Conclusion: Pṛthu’s Merit and the Greatness of Hearing the Padma Purāṇa in Kali-yuga
शृण्वानस्य नरस्यापि महाविघ्नो न संचरेत् । अश्रद्धा जायते पूर्वं पाठकस्य नरस्य च
śṛṇvānasya narasyāpi mahāvighno na saṃcaret | aśraddhā jāyate pūrvaṃ pāṭhakasya narasya ca
Même pour l’homme qui ne fait qu’écouter, un grand obstacle ne survient pas. Au contraire, d’abord naît l’incrédulité chez l’homme qui récite (le texte) et aussi chez l’autre homme concerné.
Unknown (context not provided; likely within a Pulastya–Bhīṣma narration frame typical of Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: In sacred transmission, the gross obstacle may not strike the listener, but the subtler obstacle—loss of śraddhā—can arise first in the reciter and the engaged participant; therefore protect faith as the first dharmic safeguard.
Application: Before teaching/reciting, cultivate humility, purity of intent, and prayer for steadiness; if doubt arises, pause, seek clarification from a trustworthy teacher, and resume with reverence rather than argumentation.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sacred recitation hall where a learned reciter sits on a low āsana with palm-leaf manuscripts, while a listener sits respectfully. A faint shadowy figure of ‘Vighna’ hovers near the reciter’s mouth as a subtle mist of doubt, while the listener remains calm, hands folded, protected by a soft Viṣṇu-like aura in the background.","primary_figures":["reciter (pāṭhaka brāhmaṇa)","listener (śrotā)","personified Vighna (subtle shadow form)","a distant protective presence of Lord Viṣṇu (symbolic aura)"],"setting":"Temple-adjacent sabhā or āśrama hall with oil lamps, manuscript stand, kusa grass mat, and a small Viṣṇu shrine niche.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp-amber","manuscript-ochre","deep indigo","smoke-gray","gold leaf"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: an interior sabhā with a small Viṣṇu shrine in the back, gold leaf halo radiating behind the symbolic Viṣṇu presence; the reciter in rich red-green garments holding palm-leaf text, the listener in white with folded hands; a subtle dark translucent ‘Vighna’ form near the reciter’s lips; ornate pillars, gem-studded ornaments, warm lamp glow, heavy gold embellishment.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate āśrama scene with delicate linework; reciter and listener seated on woven mats, manuscript on a wooden stand; a faint smoky silhouette representing doubt curling near the reciter; cool indigo shadows, soft ochres, refined faces, minimal architecture with a small Viṣṇu icon niche and flowering creepers outside.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, flat natural pigments; reciter and listener in profile with expressive eyes; stylized lamp flames and lotus motifs; a dark green-gray ‘Vighna’ cloud near the reciter; a small Viṣṇu emblem (śaṅkha-cakra) glowing in yellow-red behind, temple wall aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional hall framed by intricate floral borders and lotus motifs; a small central Viṣṇu symbol above; the listener’s calm devotion contrasted with swirling patterned ‘doubt’ motifs near the reciter; deep blues and gold accents, peacocks perched on the border, ornate textile-like detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells (soft)","low drone (tanpura)","page rustle of palm leaves","oil lamp crackle","brief silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नरस्यापि = नरस्य + अपि; संचरेत् = सम् + चरेत्; अश्रद्धा = अ-उपसर्ग + श्रद्धा; (पाठकस्य नरस्य च) = ‘of the reader and of the man’ (षष्ठी-सम्बन्ध).
FAQs
It highlights that major obstacles are not said to afflict the listener as much as the loss of faith (aśraddhā) can arise first in the reciter/participant, implying that inner disposition is the primary barrier in scriptural engagement.
It affirms śravaṇa as a comparatively protected or accessible mode of receiving dharma, suggesting that sincere listening can proceed without the same level of disruption attributed to wavering faith.
Maintain śraddhā and steadiness: the greatest impediment is not external interruption but internal skepticism or inattentiveness, especially for those who recite or lead the reading.