Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 36
Episode of Vena: The Power of Association and Revā (Narmadā) Tīrtha
सूत उवाच । तेषामेवं हि संसर्गादृषीणां च महात्मनाम् । संभाषाद्दर्शनान्नष्टं स्पर्शाच्चैव नृपस्य च
sūta uvāca | teṣāmevaṃ hi saṃsargādṛṣīṇāṃ ca mahātmanām | saṃbhāṣāddarśanānnaṣṭaṃ sparśāccaiva nṛpasya ca
सूत बोले—उन महात्मा ऋषियों के ऐसे संसर्ग से, उनसे संवाद करने से, उनके दर्शन से और उनके स्पर्श से भी, राजा का कल्मष नष्ट हो गया।
Sūta
Concept: Even simple modes of contact with saints—conversation, sight, and touch—can dissolve impurity and suffering.
Application: Prioritize respectful listening to realized teachers; practice ‘darśana’ as attentive presence; cultivate speech that uplifts when in holy company.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A troubled king approaches a grove hermitage where great-souled sages sit in calm meditation. As he bows, one sage gently touches his head; the king’s shadowy aura lifts like mist, replaced by a clear, luminous glow, while other sages offer compassionate words.","primary_figures":["Sūta (narrator presence implied)","mahātmā ṛṣis","king (nṛpa)"],"setting":"Forest āśrama with kuśa grass seats, a small pond, deer nearby, and a simple hut; manuscripts and a water pot beside the sages.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["leaf green","ochre","smoke gray","ivory","sunlit gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a royal figure kneeling before seated sages in an ornate yet sacred composition; gold leaf halos around sages, rich maroon and emerald garments, stylized forest backdrop; the sage’s hand touching the king’s head with a radiant gold aura; decorative arch and floral motifs, gem-like detailing on the king’s crown subdued to show humility.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate hermitage scene with delicate lines; the king in simple posture, sages under a tree, soft dappled light; subtle visual of impurity as faint gray wash dissipating; refined faces, gentle gestures, lyrical naturalism with birds and a small pond.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, sages with prominent eyes and calm expressions; the king’s transformation shown by shifting from dark to bright tones; warm yellow halo around the touching hand; stylized trees and āśrama elements, red/yellow/green dominant pigments.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional framing with floral borders; sages arranged symmetrically like a sacred assembly; the king at center receiving sparśa; lotus motifs and hanging lamps; deep blue background with gold highlights, emphasizing grace transmitted through holy contact."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["forest birds","rustling leaves","soft hand drum (mridang)","flowing water","brief silence after key words"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तेषामेवम् = तेषाम् + एवम्; संसर्गादृषीणाम् = संसर्गात् + ऋषीणाम्; संभाषाद्दर्शनात् = संभाषात् + दर्शनात्; दर्शनान्नष्टम् = दर्शनात् + नष्टम्; स्पर्शाच्चैव = स्पर्शात् + च + एव; तस्मिन्प्रतिष्ठितः (next verse) not here.
FAQs
It teaches that contact with realized sages—through conversation, seeing them (darśana), and even touch—has the power to remove a king’s impurity or affliction.
In Purāṇic thought, sages embody dharma and tapas; engaging them through speech and sight transmits upliftment, clarity, and purification to the seeker.
Seek ennobling company: keeping association with virtuous, wise people is presented as a direct means to overcome inner faults and restore right conduct.