Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 130
The Manifestation of Viṣṇu’s Footprints: Vāmana–Trivikrama, Bāṣkali’s Subjugation, and the Rise of Viṣṇupadī
Gaṅgā
बाष्कलिरुवाच । देवेंद्र स्वागतं तेऽस्तु स्वस्ति प्राप्नुहि मा चिरम् । त्वं समीक्षस्वधात्मानं सर्वेषां च परायणम्
bāṣkaliruvāca | deveṃdra svāgataṃ te'stu svasti prāpnuhi mā ciram | tvaṃ samīkṣasvadhātmānaṃ sarveṣāṃ ca parāyaṇam
बाष्कलि ने कहा—हे देवेंद्र, आपका स्वागत है। आप शीघ्र ही कल्याण को प्राप्त हों। आप, जो सबके आश्रय हैं, अपने अंतरात्मा का निरीक्षण करें।
Bāṣkali
Concept: Even the lord of gods should turn inward; true refuge is grounded in self-examination aligned with dharma.
Application: Before judging others or acting from status, pause for honest self-review; cultivate humility and responsibility.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Bāṣkali stands with folded hands, offering auspicious welcome to Indra, whose crown and vajra gleam yet whose face shows a moment of inward pause. Behind them, a luminous hall opens into a sky of layered clouds, suggesting that even celestial power is framed by the call to self-scrutiny and refuge.","primary_figures":["Bāṣkali (sage or dignitary)","Indra (Devendra)","Celestial attendants (gandharvas/apsarases)"],"setting":"Celestial court or elevated pavilion with cloud terraces, jeweled columns, and a quiet alcove for counsel","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["electric blue","sunlit gold","cloud white","amethyst purple","turquoise"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Indra with vajra and ornate crown seated or standing in a jeweled pavilion; Bāṣkali in ascetic attire offering welcome and counsel; heavy gold leaf halos, rich reds/greens in textiles, gem-like ornamentation, sacred benediction mood.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: airy celestial balcony with soft clouds; Indra’s refined expression turning inward; Bāṣkali calm and instructive; cool blues and violets, delicate brushwork, lyrical atmosphere.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Indra with characteristic large eyes and elaborate ornaments; Bāṣkali as serene sage; warm red/yellow/green palette balanced with blue background, temple-wall symmetry, emphasis on gesture of self-examination.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Indra and Bāṣkali framed by lotus and cloud motifs; ornate border with floral filigree; deep blues and gold, peacocks at corners, devotional composition highlighting ‘refuge of all’ theme."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft conch resonance","gentle temple bells","wind through clouds","tanpura drone","brief silence after blessings"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तेऽस्तु = ते + अस्तु. samīkṣasvadhātmānaṃ parsed as समीक्षस्व + अधि + आत्मानम् (adhi as separate upasarga/avyaya).
FAQs
The speaker is Bāṣkali, addressing Devendra—Indra, the lord of the gods.
Even one who is a “refuge of all” is urged toward self-examination (adhyātma-vicāra), emphasizing inner reflection alongside outer authority.
The verse models auspicious hospitality and benevolence—wishing another’s well-being promptly—while also reminding leaders to remain introspective and grounded.