Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 25
The Aśūnyaśayana Vow: Expiation, Viṣṇu’s Theophany, and Liberation for Divyā Devī
प्रत्युवाच महात्मानं ब्रुवंतं पक्षिणं पुनः । प्रणता दीनया वाचा कुरु पक्षिन्कृपां मम
pratyuvāca mahātmānaṃ bruvaṃtaṃ pakṣiṇaṃ punaḥ | praṇatā dīnayā vācā kuru pakṣinkṛpāṃ mama
वह उस महात्मा पक्षी के बोलते रहने पर फिर बोली। दीन वाणी से प्रणाम कर के कहा—“हे पक्षिन्, मुझ पर कृपा करो।”
An unnamed woman/supplicant (praṇatā) addressing the bird
Concept: Dainya (humble self-offering) and praṇipāta invite kṛpā, opening the path to instruction and purification.
Application: When seeking correction or forgiveness, begin with humility—acknowledge need, ask gently, and remain receptive to guidance rather than defending oneself.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sorrowful woman, hands folded in añjali, bows low before a noble bird perched on a flowering branch, as if the bird were a dharma-teacher. Her face shows tear-bright humility; the bird’s gaze is calm and compassionate, suggesting wisdom beyond ordinary nature.","primary_figures":["supplicant woman (praṇatā)","noble bird (pākṣin, dharma-speaker)"],"setting":"Forest hermitage edge with a small clearing, kusa grass, a faintly visible hut and sacrificial paraphernalia in the distance; jasmine and tulasi-like foliage framing the scene.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["earthy umber","leaf green","saffron ochre","pearl white","indigo shadow"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a kneeling supplicant woman in rich sari with stylized folds bows before a regal, jewel-toned bird on a gilded branch; gold leaf halos subtly behind both to indicate dharmic sanctity, ornate floral borders, deep maroon and emerald background, gem-studded ornaments, temple-like symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate, lyrical forest clearing with soft green washes; the woman in modest attire bows with downcast eyes, the bird perched serenely; fine linework on leaves and textiles, gentle pastel sky, refined facial features, quiet Himalayan-naturalism mood.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and flat natural pigments; the woman in añjali with expressive large eyes, the bird rendered as a dignified messenger of dharma; warm red-yellow-green palette, stylized vines and lotus motifs framing the composition like a temple wall panel.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional border of lotuses and creepers; central vignette of the supplicant bowing to a sacred bird, with peacocks and floral arabesques around; deep blue ground with gold detailing, intricate textile patterns, serene bhakti ambience."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["forest birdsong","soft wind in leaves","distant temple bell","gentle silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पक्षिन्कृपाम् = पक्षिन् + कृपाम् (न् + क् संयोग); bruvaṃtaṃ = ब्रुवन्तम् (anusvāra orthography).
FAQs
It emphasizes humility and earnest supplication—approaching a wise or noble being with bowed posture and gentle speech to seek compassion (kṛpā).
The verse depicts an unnamed supplicant (described as praṇatā, “bowed down”) speaking to a “noble bird” (mahātmā pakṣi). The broader narrative context would identify them more precisely.
It models respectful speech and humility when requesting help, and implicitly upholds compassion as a virtue expected from the wise or noble.