Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 167
Pitṛmātṛtīrtha Greatness & the Discourse on Embodiment: Karma, Birth, Impurity, and Dispassion
ऋषिपुत्रस्य रामस्य रामो दशरथात्मजः । जघान वीर्यमतुलमूर्ध्वगं सुमहात्मनः
ṛṣiputrasya rāmasya rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ | jaghāna vīryamatulamūrdhvagaṃ sumahātmanaḥ
Rāma, fils de Daśaratha, abattit la force sans égale de Rāma (Paraśurāma), le fils du ṛṣi, bien qu’il fût une grande âme, d’une stature sublime.
Narrator (contextual; specific dialogue speaker not identifiable from the single verse alone)
Concept: Even exalted power yields before a higher, divinely-aligned dharma; greatness is acknowledged even when overcome.
Application: Hold strength with humility; recognize legitimate authority and align personal prowess with ethical duty rather than ego.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"On a ceremonial threshold after a royal wedding rite, Rāma stands calm yet radiant, his bow lowered but aura unwavering. Paraśurāma, the axe-bearing sage-warrior, confronts him with blazing ascetic energy that gradually softens into recognition, as attendants and sages watch in stunned silence.","primary_figures":["Rāma (Daśarathātmaja)","Paraśurāma (Bhārgava)","Sages and royal attendants"],"setting":"Temple-courtyard or palace gateway with ritual pillars, garlands, and a distant sacrificial fire; a liminal space between wedding festivity and martial challenge.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","lotus pink","gold leaf","ivory white","deep vermilion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Rāma with serene sapphire complexion and ornate crown stands in tribhaṅga near a jeweled archway; Paraśurāma with matted locks and golden axe faces him, both halos rendered with heavy gold leaf, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, and stylized lotus borders; attendants in layered silk dhotis, temple lamps and a small yajña-kuṇḍa glowing behind.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a refined courtyard scene with delicate brushwork—Rāma poised and gentle-eyed, Paraśurāma intense yet dignified; cool pastel architecture, flowering trees, and distant hills; lyrical naturalism with fine textiles, subtle shading, and expressive faces capturing the moment of power yielding to dharma.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments—Rāma with large almond eyes and elaborate jewelry, Paraśurāma with fierce gaze and axe; flat temple-wall composition with red/yellow/green dominance, patterned borders, and a glowing aura around both figures to show spiritual potency.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a Vaishnava devotional tableau—Rāma centered with lotus motifs and ornate floral borders; Paraśurāma at the side in reverent tension; peacocks and stylized lotuses fill the margins, deep blues and gold accents, Nathdwara-like intricacy emphasizing divine supremacy and grace."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","hushed crowd","distant fire crackle"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दशरथ+आत्मजः→दशरथात्मजः; अतुलम्+ऊर्ध्वगम्→अतुलमूर्ध्वगम्; सु+महात्मनः→सुमहात्मनः
FAQs
It contrasts Rāma, son of Daśaratha (Rāmacandra), with the other Rāma—Paraśurāma—described as the son of a sage (ṛṣiputra).
Rāmacandra is said to have subdued or broken the incomparable prowess (vīrya) of Paraśurāma.
The verse suggests that spiritual stature or greatness of soul can be acknowledged even when one’s pride, power, or claim is checked—distinguishing inner merit from outward victory.