Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 122
Means to Slay Tāraka: Girijā’s Birth, Kāma’s Burning, and Umā’s Austerities
प्रसन्नता च तोयस्य मुनिभ्यश्चाधिका तव । न लक्षयामः शैलेन्द्र कुत्राविनयिता स्थिता
prasannatā ca toyasya munibhyaścādhikā tava | na lakṣayāmaḥ śailendra kutrāvinayitā sthitā
तुम्हारे जल की निर्मल प्रसन्नता और मुनियों के प्रति तुम्हारी कृपा अत्यन्त विशेष है। हे शैलेन्द्र! हम तुममें कहीं भी अविनय या अहंकार नहीं देखते।
Unspecified (sages addressing Śailendra, the lord of mountains)
Concept: True greatness is marked by clarity and humility: purity of waters parallels purity of disposition; reverence toward sages is the hallmark of dharmic power.
Application: Keep one’s ‘waters’ clear—speech, intentions, and habits; practice respect toward teachers/elders and those on a spiritual path.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Crystal-clear mountain streams flow over smooth stones, reflecting the calm faces of visiting sages. The mountain-lord is suggested as a benevolent guardian presence, while sages perform ācamana and offer water to a small altar, emphasizing that no trace of arrogance can be found in this sacred domain.","primary_figures":["sages (munis)","Śailendra/Adrirāja (suggested presence)"],"setting":"Streamside near cave-āśramas with kusa grass seats, water pots, and a small fire altar.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["crystal blue","silver white","leaf green","warm saffron","stone gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: luminous stream rendered with silver-blue highlights, sages with gold-edged garments and halos, ornate water pots, gold leaf embellishment on ripples and jewelry, the mountain as a regal backdrop with stylized cave motifs.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: transparent water with delicate brushwork, sages seated on river stones, cool palette with subtle saffron accents, misty ridgelines, refined expressions of humility and serenity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines for sages and stream curves, symbolic clarity in water patterns, red/yellow/green pigments, temple-wall composition with decorative borders of waves and lotus buds.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: patterned stream with lotus motifs, sages as devotional attendants, intricate floral borders, deep blue water with gold highlights, peacocks and deer near the bank to signify gentleness."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["flowing water","soft bell chimes","wind through pines","brief silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मुनिभ्यश्चाधिका = मुनिभ्यः + च + अधिका (ः + च → श्च). कुत्राविनयिता = कुत्र + अविनयिता (a+a→ā).
FAQs
It praises serene qualities—clarity, graciousness, and humility—affirming that true greatness (even of a “lord of mountains”) is recognized through gentle conduct toward sages.
Śailendra literally means “lord/king of mountains.” In this verse it functions as an honorific address to a mountain personified or its presiding lord; the specific identity is not explicit from the single shloka alone.
The verse elevates vinaya (humility, courteous restraint) as a hallmark of nobility: one’s power is validated by calmness and respectful behavior, especially toward the wise.