Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 70
Narrative of the Śūdra’s Renunciation of Greed
with the Tulādhāra Greatness Prelude
इत्युक्ते क्षपणश्चासौ स्मितो वचनमब्रवीत् । विज्ञातुं चैव वो धर्ममहं विष्णुरिहागतः
ityukte kṣapaṇaścāsau smito vacanamabravīt | vijñātuṃ caiva vo dharmamahaṃ viṣṇurihāgataḥ
ऐसा कहे जाने पर वह तपस्वी मुस्कराकर बोला—“तुम्हारे धर्म को जानने के लिए मैं विष्णु ही यहाँ आया हूँ।”
An ascetic (kṣapaṇa) revealing himself as Viṣṇu
Concept: Viṣṇu humbly approaches devotees to ‘learn’ dharma—signaling that true dharma is lived devotion, not mere status or display.
Application: Practice humility even when knowledgeable; approach ethical questions as a learner. Treat guests/ascetics with reverence—divinity may be present in simple forms.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The ascetic’s smile is calm and luminous as he gently reveals, ‘I am Viṣṇu,’ while the listener’s posture shifts from suspicion to reverence. A subtle transformation occurs: the mendicant’s plain cloth seems to ripple into a hint of yellow silk, and a soft aura suggests conch and discus without fully manifesting them.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇu in ascetic disguise (kṣapaṇa)","astonished devotee/brāhmaṇa listener"],"setting":"a quiet hermitage clearing with a small tulāsi-less altar space, water-pot, and kusa mat—minimalism emphasizing the revelation","lighting_mood":"divine radiance emerging from simplicity","color_palette":["butter-yellow","ash white","sky blue","soft gold","earth brown"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu as a smiling ascetic at center with a radiant gold-leaf halo; faint conch and discus motifs embossed in the aura; the devotee kneels with folded hands; ornate arch frame, rich reds/greens, gem-like highlights on the halo and border, traditional iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate two-figure composition under a tree; the ascetic’s face serene, eyes compassionate; a delicate aura wash behind him; the listener’s expression transitions to devotion; cool blues and greens, fine linework, gentle shading, lyrical atmosphere.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Viṣṇu-ascetic with stylized large eyes and a controlled halo; minimal props (kamandalu, staff); the listener in añjali-mudrā; warm red/yellow/green palette with blue accents for divinity, temple-wall compositional balance.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central figure as ascetic-Viṣṇu with decorative halo; surrounding border of floral motifs and small conch/discus patterns; deep blue ground with gold highlights; peacocks and lotuses as auspicious fillers, Nathdwara-like ornamentation adapted to a revelation scene."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft tanpura drone","single bell strike at ‘ahaṃ viṣṇuḥ’","forest birds","gentle wind"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ityukte = iti + ukte; kṣapaṇaścāsau = kṣapaṇaḥ + ca + asau; vacanamabravīt = vacanam + abravīt; caiva = ca + eva; dharmamahaṃ = dharmam + aham; viṣṇurihāgataḥ = viṣṇuḥ + iha + āgataḥ
FAQs
It presents Viṣṇu in a humble, inquisitive role—appearing as an ascetic and stating that he has come to understand the dharma of those addressed.
Not explicitly; it sets a devotional-theological tone by portraying Viṣṇu’s presence and intent, often a narrative prelude to teachings that culminate in dharma grounded in devotion.
Even the highest authority models humility and inquiry; learning dharma is shown as worthy of respectful investigation rather than mere assertion of status.