Padma Purana — Svarga Khanda, Shloka 5
The Greatness of the Revā (Narmadā): Release from the Piśāca Curse
उवाच सूनृतां वाचं बद्ध्वा शिरसि चांजलिम् । महाभाग्योदये विप्र साधूनां संगतिर्भवेत्
uvāca sūnṛtāṃ vācaṃ baddhvā śirasi cāṃjalim | mahābhāgyodaye vipra sādhūnāṃ saṃgatirbhavet
उसने सिर पर अंजलि बाँधकर मधुर और सत्य वचन कहे—“हे विप्र! जब महान् सौभाग्य उदय होता है, तब साधुओं का संग प्राप्त होता है।”
Unspecified speaker (a respectful petitioner addressing a brāhmaṇa)
Concept: Sat-saṅga is a rare fruit of great fortune; it arises when merit ripens and becomes the doorway to dharma and devotion.
Application: Prioritize time with virtuous people—teachers, elders, sincere devotees; speak sūnṛta-vākya (gentle truth) and cultivate gratitude for good influences.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A humbled petitioner, hands folded and lifted to the crown of his head, speaks with soft sincerity before the radiant sage. The tension of the earlier threat has dissolved into a quiet, auspicious moment—faces relaxed, the forest seeming gentler, as if virtue itself has changed the air.","primary_figures":["Petitioner (piśāca or brāhmaṇa, now reverent)","Lomaśa Ṛṣi"],"setting":"Forest hermitage-edge or clearing with a simple kuśa seat, water pot, and a small sacrificial fire in the background.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["warm amber","sandalwood beige","forest green","copper","soft white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Lomaśa seated with gold-leaf halo; petitioner in añjali-mudrā touching the head; include small homa-kuṇḍa, kamaṇḍalu, and palm-leaf manuscripts; rich red/green drapery accents, ornate border, gold embossing on halo and ritual items.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate dialogue scene with delicate facial expressions; soft amber light, slender trees, a small hut in the distance; refined brushwork emphasizing humility and gentle speech.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized añjali gesture prominent; bold outlines, warm yellow-red background, green foliage; calm, large eyes conveying sincerity; mural texture and rhythmic ornamentation.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional conversation framed by lotus creepers and floral borders; deep blue ground with gold highlights; peacocks perched above as auspicious witnesses; the saint’s aura rendered as a circular mandala."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft bells","crackling ghee lamp","gentle birdsong","low tanpura drone","quiet footsteps on leaves"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: चांजलिम् → च अञ्जलिम्; महाभाग्योदये → महाभाग्य-उदये; संगतिर्भवेत् → संगतिः भवेत्
FAQs
It teaches that meeting and associating with virtuous people (sādhus) is itself a sign and result of great merit and good fortune.
It indicates deep reverence and humility—an intensified form of respectful greeting and submission while speaking.
It elevates sādhū-saṅga (holy company) as a key catalyst for inner transformation, which is foundational to Bhakti practice and the cultivation of dharma.