Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 69
The Glory of Dhātrī (Āmalakī) and Tulasī: Ekādaśī Observance and Protection from Preta States
कथं तेषां फलानां च शक्ता वै भक्षणेधुना । द्विजा ऊचुः । अस्माकं वचनेनात्र धात्रीणां भक्षणं शिवम्
kathaṃ teṣāṃ phalānāṃ ca śaktā vai bhakṣaṇedhunā | dvijā ūcuḥ | asmākaṃ vacanenātra dhātrīṇāṃ bhakṣaṇaṃ śivam
“तब भी तुम उन फलों को कैसे खा सकोगे?” द्विज बोले—“यहाँ हमारे वचन से धात्री (आँवला) का भक्षण शिवमय, शुभ और कल्याणकारी हो जाएगा।”
Dvijāḥ (Brahmins), in dialogue
Concept: The auspiciousness of an act can be activated through dharmic authority and right intention; sacred speech can consecrate even what seems impossible for the afflicted.
Application: Seek legitimate guidance and make clear saṅkalpa before spiritual disciplines; words spoken with integrity can reframe and empower difficult reforms.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Brāhmaṇas hold a bowl of freshly gathered āmalakī fruits, their right hands raised in blessing as if sealing a vow with sacred speech. The pretas, previously recoiling, now lean forward cautiously, the air around the fruits shimmering as the brāhmaṇas’ words render the act ‘śivam’—auspicious and safe.","primary_figures":["brāhmaṇas (dvijāḥ)","pretas","dhātrī (āmalakī) fruits as focal object"],"setting":"Hermitage veranda with ritual vessels, kusa mats, and a sacred tree in the background","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["warm amber","pale green","bronze","cream white","deep maroon"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: close-focus consecration scene—brāhmaṇas with gold leaf halos blessing a golden bowl of āmalakī fruits; pretas in softened tones receiving the offering; ornate lamp stands, rich maroon backdrop, heavy gold embossing on vessels and fruit highlights, jewel-like detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate moment of blessing; delicate hands and gestures; fruits painted with fine stippling; pretas’ faces show cautious hope; soft lamplight, cool shadows, refined naturalism in the hermitage setting.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized brāhmaṇas in blessing posture, bold outlines; central bowl of fruits emphasized with rhythmic patterns; pretas shown as subdued figures turning toward light; warm red-yellow field with green accents and decorative borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central offering bowl framed by lotus motifs; brāhmaṇas arranged symmetrically; floral borders and hanging garlands; deep blue or maroon ground with gold linework, intricate ornamentation around the consecrated fruits."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft bell","mantra-like cadence","gentle hand cymbals","leaf rustle","steady silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भक्षणेधुना is read as भक्षणे + धुना (intended अधुना 'now'); no other major sandhi.
FAQs
It presents the idea that an act (here, eating dhātrī/āmalakī fruit) becomes “śiva”—auspicious—when performed under proper sanction or blessing, voiced by the dvijas.
Dhātrī is traditionally regarded as purifying and beneficial; the verse reinforces its auspicious status, especially when consumed in a ritually approved context.
Actions should be guided by dharma and appropriate counsel; the verse implies that intention and proper authorization/blessing can determine whether an act is considered spiritually wholesome.