Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 35
The Abduction/Seduction of Ahalyā and Indra’s Mark
Sahasrākṣa
दुःखिता तमुवाचेदं शापस्यांतो विधीयताम् । इत्युक्ते करुणाविष्टो मन्युनापि परिप्लुतः
duḥkhitā tamuvācedaṃ śāpasyāṃto vidhīyatām | ityukte karuṇāviṣṭo manyunāpi pariplutaḥ
दुःख से व्याकुल होकर उसने उससे कहा— “इस शाप का अंत ठहराया जाए।” ऐसा कहने पर वह करुणा से द्रवित होते हुए भी क्रोध से भरा हुआ (उत्तर देने लगा)।
A sorrowful woman (unnamed in this verse) addressing a male figure who has pronounced/holds a curse
Concept: Even when justice is severe, compassion can open a path to release; dharma is not only punishment but also restoration through prescribed remedy.
Application: When correcting others, keep a door open for reform; when suffering, ask for a concrete path forward rather than despair.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sorrow-stricken woman kneels, palms joined, pleading for the curse to end. The sage who cursed her is shown in a complex expression—eyes softened with compassion while a residual flame of anger still glows—his hand poised as if about to pronounce a merciful condition for release.","primary_figures":["sorrowful woman (petitioner)","sage/authority figure (curse-holder)"],"setting":"Hermitage clearing with a small fire altar and gathered witnesses slightly blurred in the background to focus on the emotional exchange","lighting_mood":"golden dawn (turning from darkness to hope)","color_palette":["warm gold","saffron","soft rose","forest green","smoke grey"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central compassionate-yet-stern sage with gold-leaf halo, one hand raised in blessing/condition-setting, the kneeling woman in humble attire with tearful face; rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments on the sage, ornate arch and gold borders emphasizing the moment of grace.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate emotional turning point—soft dawn light, delicate facial expressions, the woman’s folded hands and bowed head, the sage’s softened gaze; cool greens and warm sunrise wash, refined linework and lyrical calm after tension.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines with expressive eyes—sage’s eyes showing both anger and compassion, stylized flame motif near him fading into lotus-like curves; red/yellow/green pigments, temple-wall symmetry, ritual objects simplified and iconic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: grace-centered tableau framed by lotus and floral borders; dawn-toned background with gold highlights, peacocks and cows as auspicious witnesses at edges, the sage and petitioner centered in a devotional composition suggesting impending redemption."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["gentle temple bells","soft conch in distance","morning birds","crackling fire subdued"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तमुवाचेदं → तम् + उवाच + इदम्; शापस्यांतो → शापस्य + अन्तः; इत्युक्ते → इति + उक्ते; करुणाविष्टो → करुणा + आविष्टः; मन्युनापि → मन्युना + अपि
FAQs
The speaker, overwhelmed by grief, asks that a termination or remedy (anta) be ordained for the curse—i.e., that a condition for its cessation be established.
He is described as simultaneously moved by compassion (karuṇāviṣṭaḥ) and still overwhelmed by anger (manyunāpi pariplutaḥ), showing a tension between mercy and wrath.
Even when anger is present, compassion can arise and guide one toward setting limits, conditions, or a path to resolution—suggesting restraint and mercy within justice.