Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 69
Sumanā and Somaśarmā: Tapas at the Kapilā–Revā Confluence and the Theophany of Hari
नमो वामनरूपाय नृसिंहाय महात्मने । नमो रामाय दिव्याय सर्वक्षत्रवधाय च
namo vāmanarūpāya nṛsiṃhāya mahātmane | namo rāmāya divyāya sarvakṣatravadhāya ca
Hommage à Celui dont la forme est Vāmana ; hommage à Narasiṃha, le grand d’âme. Hommage aussi à Rāma, le Divin, l’exterminateur de tous les kṣatriyas.
Unknown (verse is a devotional salutation; speaker not specified in the provided excerpt)
Concept: The Supreme assumes forms to restore dharma—through humility (Vāmana), fierce protection (Narasiṃha), and corrective justice (Rāma/Paraśurāma).
Application: Cultivate Vāmana-like humility, Narasiṃha-like courage to protect the vulnerable, and Paraśurāma-like intolerance for abuse of power—applied first to one’s own conduct.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A triptych-like vision: Vāmana stands small yet radiant before Bali, one foot poised to stride across the worlds; beside him Narasiṃha bursts from a jeweled pillar at twilight, claws protecting Prahlāda; and in the third panel Paraśurāma stands with axe raised, a stern guardian of dharma against tyrannical power.","primary_figures":["Vāmana/Trivikrama","Narasiṃha","Prahlāda","Paraśurāma (Rāma as Bhārgava)","Bali (optional)"],"setting":"Mythic court of Bali, palace threshold with pillar, and a forested battlefield/āśrama edge—composed as a unified devotional montage.","lighting_mood":"dramatic","color_palette":["sunset orange","storm-cloud violet","antique gold","deep crimson","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: three-register composition with ornate gold leaf; Vāmana with umbrella and kamaṇḍalu, Narasiṃha with fierce halo and gemmed pillar, Paraśurāma with axe and sacred thread; rich reds/greens, embossed aureoles, traditional South Indian ornamentation and symmetrical framing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate narrative montage with soft gradients; Trivikrama’s stride arcing into the sky, Narasiṃha at dusk with refined ferocity, Paraśurāma in a quiet Himalayan-foothill grove; cool palette accents, fine linework, lyrical clouds.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, iconic faces; Narasiṃha’s eyes wide and protective, Vāmana serene, Paraśurāma stern; flat fields of red/yellow/green with patterned textiles and temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central lotus medallion containing Trivikrama’s stride, side medallions for Narasiṃha and Paraśurāma; intricate floral borders, deep blue background with gold highlights, stylized motifs (conch, discus, lotus) repeating."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","mridangam strokes","temple bells","brief thunder-like drum roll on 'nṛsiṁhāya'","crowd hush"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: No major sandhi beyond visarga in namaḥ; compounds: vāmanarūpa-, sarvakṣatravadha-.
FAQs
The epithet “sarvakṣatravadhāya” (slayer of all Kṣatriyas) points to Paraśurāma, who is famed for destroying the Kṣatriya class in retaliation for injustice.
By naming Vāmana, Narasiṃha, and Paraśurāma together, the verse honors Viṣṇu’s recurring interventions to restore dharma in different ages and circumstances.
It teaches reverence for divine protection of dharma: humility (Vāmana), fierce guardianship of devotees (Narasiṃha), and uncompromising justice against tyranny (Paraśurāma).