Padma Purana — Patala Khanda, Shloka 18
The Horse’s Journey
to Cyavana’s Hermitage
अश्विभ्यां भागदानं च कुर्वंतं निर्भयांतरम् । कथयामास भोः स्वामिन्दीयतामश्विनोर्बलि
aśvibhyāṃ bhāgadānaṃ ca kurvaṃtaṃ nirbhayāṃtaram | kathayāmāsa bhoḥ svāmindīyatāmaśvinorbali
निर्भय होकर अश्विनीकुमारों को (यज्ञ का) भाग देते हुए मुनि को देखकर (इन्द्र ने) कहा—"हे स्वामी! अश्विनीकुमारों को बलि (आहुति) दी जाए।"
Unspecified (a narrator reports that someone addressed the 'svāmin')
Concept: Dharma is upheld through fearless, correct performance of yajña—giving each deity their due share without partiality or fear.
Application: Do your responsibilities with steadiness and fairness; honor rightful shares—credit, gratitude, resources—without intimidation or favoritism.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A fire-altar blazes as an officiant calmly measures oblations, while two luminous Aśvin twins appear at the edge of vision like dawn-riders. A respectful attendant leans forward, addressing the ‘svāmin’ to ensure the Aśvins’ portion is offered, the air shimmering with ghee-scented smoke.","primary_figures":["Aśvinau (Divine Twins)","Yajamāna or officiating master (svāmin)","Ritual attendant/messenger"],"setting":"Yajña pavilion with kusa mats, ladles, ghee pots, and a neatly drawn altar; witnesses seated in orderly rows.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["ghee-gold","smoke-silver","dawn-rose","sandalwood brown","sky blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central yajña-vedi with bright gold leaf flames; the Aśvin twins as radiant, symmetrical figures with gem-studded ornaments and horses suggested in stylized form; the svāmin offering ghee with ornate vessels; rich reds/greens, embossed borders, sacred geometry patterns behind the altar.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate ritual pavilion with delicate lines; soft smoke curls; the Aśvins appear as ethereal dawn figures with subtle halos; cool pastel sky tones, refined facial features, small details of ladles and vessels meticulously rendered.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and flat color fields; vivid yellow-red flames; Aśvin twins with characteristic large eyes and symmetrical stance; ritual implements stylized; background filled with rhythmic floral motifs like temple wall art.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate border of lotuses and vines; central fire-altar with gold highlights; Aśvin twins framed like divine visitors; peacocks at corners; deep indigo ground with intricate white floral detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["crackling fire","wooden ladle taps","soft Vedic chanting","gentle bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्वामिन्दीयतामश्विनोर्बलि = स्वामिन् + दीयताम् + अश्विनोः + बलिः (नकार-लोप/अनुस्वारादि सन्धि; ओः + ब = ओर्ब)
FAQs
The Aśvins are the twin Vedic deities associated with healing, dawn, and swift aid; they are often invoked in ritual contexts and receive a designated share of offerings.
Bhāgadāna means assigning or giving a proper portion/share—typically a prescribed allotment of an offering to a specific deity within a sacrificial or devotional rite.
The verse highlights performing one’s religious duty without inner fear (nirbhayāntaram) and giving each recipient their due share—an ethic of steadiness, fairness, and faithful observance.