Padma Purana — Brahma Khanda, Shloka 47
Protection of Brāhmaṇas
तच्छ्रुत्वाशंकितमनाः प्रोवाचेदं वचः स तम् । मुने यद्यपि मे यज्ञे कृते पुत्रो भविष्यति
tacchrutvāśaṃkitamanāḥ provācedaṃ vacaḥ sa tam | mune yadyapi me yajñe kṛte putro bhaviṣyati
यह सुनकर वह मन में शंका से भर गया और मुनि से बोला—“हे मुने, यद्यपि कहा जाता है कि मेरे यज्ञ करने पर मुझे पुत्र होगा…”
Unspecified male speaker addressing a sage (muni) in dialogue
Concept: Desire for results (a son) can destabilize discernment; one must seek righteous means even when promised outcomes seem near.
Application: When anxious about life-goals, pause before acting; consult wise counsel and refuse shortcuts that harm others.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Inside the yajña-hall, the king leans forward, brows knit, fingers tightening on the armrest as he addresses a composed muni. The sacrificial fire throws restless shadows across ritual vessels; the king’s longing for an heir hangs in the air like smoke, while the sage’s stillness suggests a higher law beyond fear.","primary_figures":["anxious king","sage (muni)","priests (background)"],"setting":"interior of a yajña-mandira with fire altar, ladles, offerings, and court attendants at the periphery","lighting_mood":"firelit dramatic","color_palette":["ember orange","charcoal black","ivory","royal purple","brass gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: king with expressive anxious eyes speaks to a serene muni beside a blazing yajña-fire; gold leaf flames and halos, rich crimson drapery, ornate throne, ritual implements rendered with metallic sheen, symmetrical arch framing the scene.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate firelit chamber; king’s tense posture contrasted with sage’s calm; delicate smoke curls, soft gradients of orange and brown, refined facial expressions, patterned carpets and textiles.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; central yajña-fire with stylized tongues of flame; king in dynamic gesture, muni steady; warm red-yellow palette with green accents, temple-wall aesthetic and ornamental borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: pavilion-like yajña setting with central flame; king and sage in profile dialogue; deep indigo background with gold floral borders, lotus motifs around the altar, peacocks at corners, intricate textile patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["crackling fire","hushed court murmurs","priestly chant (low)","sudden silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tacchrutvā = tat + śrutvā; provācedam = provāca + idam; śrutvāśaṃkitamanāḥ = śrutvā + aśaṅkita-manāḥ (pada split for analysis).
FAQs
It conveys anxiety and doubt: the speaker, after hearing something significant, becomes apprehensive and addresses a sage for clarification or reassurance.
Yajña is presented as a causally potent rite—its performance is associated with the promised birth of a son, reflecting the Purāṇic linkage between ritual action and desired outcomes.
In moments of uncertainty, one should seek guidance from the wise rather than act impulsively; the verse models humility and reliance on counsel grounded in dharma.