Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 25
The Aśokasundarī–Nahuṣa Episode: Demon Stratagems, Protection by Merit, and Lineage Prophecy
तामुवाच निरानंदां स सुतां शंकरस्यहि । किमर्थं चिंतसे देवि विद्वरं विद्धि चागतम्
tāmuvāca nirānaṃdāṃ sa sutāṃ śaṃkarasyahi | kimarthaṃ ciṃtase devi vidvaraṃ viddhi cāgatam
શંકરની પુત્રીને આનંદવિહોણી જોઈ તેણે કહ્યું— “દેવી, તું શા માટે ચિંતા કરે છે? જાણ, એક વિદ્વાન અને શ્રેષ્ઠ પુરુષ અહીં આવી પહોંચ્યો છે.”
Unspecified male speaker (contextual narrator/character addressing Śaṅkara’s daughter)
Concept: Sorrow is eased by timely counsel and the arrival of the wise; anxiety should yield to discernment and faith.
Application: When distressed, seek wise counsel and avoid spiraling in worry; interpret help as an opportunity to act rightly rather than panic.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sorrowful goddess—identified as Śaṅkara’s daughter—sits with downcast eyes, her ornaments dimmed by grief. A dignified male figure leans forward in compassionate reassurance, his hand raised in a calming gesture, as if turning the air itself from heaviness to hope with the words of counsel.","primary_figures":["Śaṅkara’s daughter (goddess figure)","Consoling male speaker (messenger/adviser)"],"setting":"Palace-garden pavilion or hermitage courtyard with flowering trees and a low seat, suggesting intimate counsel rather than public court.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["soft saffron","dusky violet","pearl white","leaf green","antique gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: The grieving goddess seated on a lotus-like pedestal under an ornate arch, the counselor standing beside her with a reassuring mudrā; gold leaf halo effects, rich maroon and emerald textiles, embossed jewelry, stylized floral background and temple-arch framing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: A quiet pavilion scene with delicate facial expressions—tearful eyes, gentle tilt of the head—fine textiles, flowering branches overhead, soft twilight tones, intimate spacing emphasizing compassion and reassurance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Large expressive eyes conveying sorrow and solace; bold outlines, warm ochres and reds; counselor’s gesture prominent; background filled with stylized creepers and lotus motifs, mural-like flatness and rhythmic ornamentation.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: A devotional counseling tableau framed by lotus borders and floral filigree; deep blue ground with gold highlights; peacocks at the edge; the goddess’s sorrow shown through posture while the counselor’s presence radiates calm."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bell","gentle tanpura drone","night insects","brief silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तामुवाच = ताम् + उवाच; शंकरस्यहि = शंकरस्य + हि; चागतम् = च + आगतम्
FAQs
The verse addresses Śaṅkara’s daughter (sutā śaṅkarasya) respectfully as ‘Devi,’ a polite honorific for a noble lady.
It reassures a sorrowful person not to worry, because a highly learned and worthy individual has arrived—implying help, counsel, or auspicious change.
It highlights compassionate speech: calming another’s anxiety with supportive words and confidence, while valuing wise guidance (vidvān-vara).