Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 14
Vena’s Inquiry into Pitṛ-tīrtha: Pippala’s Austerity, the Vidyādhara Boon, and the Crane’s Rebuke of Pride
निर्विकारो निरुद्वेगः कामक्रोधविवर्जितः । शीतवातातपसहो धराधर इवस्थितः
nirvikāro nirudvegaḥ kāmakrodhavivarjitaḥ | śītavātātapasaho dharādhara ivasthitaḥ
Sans changement ni trouble, exempt de désir et de colère, supportant le froid, le vent et l’ardeur du soleil, il demeurait ferme, tel une montagne.
Unspecified (context-dependent narration within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Freedom from kāma and krodha, coupled with endurance of dualities (cold/heat/wind), is the hallmark of inner transformation.
Application: Practice ‘dvandva-sahana’: when discomfort arises (weather, criticism, delay), pause, breathe, and respond without desire/anger; keep a small daily vow of non-reactivity.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: mountain
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A lone ascetic stands in unwavering posture as seasons swirl around him: a cold wind lifts dry leaves, a shaft of harsh sunlight falls, and faint frost clings to nearby grass—yet his face remains serene. Behind him rises a dark, steady mountain silhouette, visually merging his stillness with the landscape’s permanence.","primary_figures":["tapasvī muni"],"setting":"Mountain foothill hermitage edge; sparse trees, rocky ground, and a distant peak anchoring the composition.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["granite gray","sunlit amber","pine green","ash white","earth brown"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central standing ascetic with gold leaf aura, mountain backdrop rendered in stylized layers; symbolic elements of wind and sun as decorative motifs; rich earthy reds and greens, ornate border with lotus and mountain patterns, subtle gem highlights on minimal ascetic accessories (kamandalu).","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical Himalayan foothills, delicate rendering of wind-blown leaves and shifting light; the ascetic’s calm face finely detailed; cool mountain palette with warm sunlight accents, refined naturalism and spacious sky.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized mountain and trees; the ascetic in calm frontal stance, minimal ornament, strong yellow-ochre ground with green and red accents; symbolic sun disc and wind lines integrated like temple iconography.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional emblematic scene—ascetic centered, surrounded by patterned motifs of sun rays, wind swirls, and lotus borders; deep blue/earth tones with gold detailing, intricate floral frame to convey steadiness amid movement."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["wind hush","distant waterfall","low drone (tanpura)","soft temple bell","long pauses"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: शीत + वात + आतप + सहः → शीतवातातपसहः (समास). धराधरः + इव + स्थितः → धराधर इव स्थितः (पदच्छेद).
FAQs
It highlights inner steadiness—remaining unchanged by circumstances and undisturbed by emotional agitation, a hallmark of self-mastery and dharmic restraint.
These represent external hardships; the verse praises forbearance (titikṣā) and disciplined endurance as signs of spiritual maturity.
Like a mountain that remains firm amid changing weather, one should remain stable in character—free from desire and anger—despite life’s fluctuations.