Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 46
The Aśokasundarī–Nahuṣa Episode: Demon Stratagems, Protection by Merit, and Lineage Prophecy
ययातिं नामधर्मज्ञं प्रजापालनतत्परम् । तथा कन्याशतं चापि रूपौदार्यगुणान्वितम्
yayātiṃ nāmadharmajñaṃ prajāpālanatatparam | tathā kanyāśataṃ cāpi rūpaudāryaguṇānvitam
യയാതി എന്നൊരു രാജാവുണ്ടായിരുന്നു—ധർമ്മജ്ഞനും പ്രജാപാലനത്തിൽ തത്പരനും; കൂടാതെ രൂപം, ഔദാര്യം, ഗുണങ്ങൾ എന്നിവയാൽ സമ്പന്നമായ നൂറു കന്യകളും ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു.
Unspecified (narratorial voice within the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa dialogue context; commonly framed in the Pulastya–Bhīṣma discourse, but not explicit in this single verse).
Concept: The ideal king is dharma-jña and prajā-pālana-tatpara; social harmony rests on protective governance rooted in moral knowledge.
Application: In any leadership role, prioritize protection and fairness; let competence be guided by ethical literacy and responsibility for dependents.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A courtly genealogical tableau: King Yayāti sits on a lotus-carved throne, listening to ministers and sages reciting dharma and statecraft. Nearby, a procession of a hundred maidens appears like a living garland—each distinct in attire and virtue—symbolizing abundance, alliance, and the moral tests of royalty.","primary_figures":["King Yayāti","court sages","ministers","hundred maidens (kanyā-śata)"],"setting":"royal sabhā with carved pillars, lotus motifs, and a side pavilion for the maidens’ procession","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["royal purple","antique gold","sandalwood beige","deep maroon","jade green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: King Yayāti enthroned with a gold halo, sages holding śāstra scrolls, and a stylized row of maidens with ornate jewelry and silk garments; heavy gold leaf on throne and ornaments, rich reds/greens, gem-studded details, symmetrical South Indian court composition.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined palace interior with delicate patterns; Yayāti in calm profile, sages reciting, and a lyrical procession of maidens in pastel garments; cool palette, fine facial features, architectural arches opening to a garden courtyard.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of Yayāti and sages, with a rhythmic band of maidens as decorative narrative frieze; strong reds/yellows/greens, lotus borders, temple-wall aesthetic emphasizing dharma and prosperity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate floral borders and lotus medallions framing a royal scene; deep blues and gold, peacocks on pillars, maidens arranged like garland motifs, subtle Vaishnava symbols indicating dharma-protection as sacred duty."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["court ambience","soft mridangam","palm-leaf rustle","temple bells in distance"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नामधर्मज्ञं = नाम + धर्मज्ञम्; चापि = च + अपि; रूपौदार्यगुणान्वितम् = रूप + औदार्य + गुण + अन्वितम्
FAQs
He is presented as a dharma-knowing king (dharmajña) whose primary commitment is the protection and welfare of his subjects (prajā-pālana).
They are described as endowed with beauty (rūpa), generosity or nobility (audārya), and virtues (guṇa).
The verse foregrounds prajā-pālana—seeing the king’s central duty as safeguarding and rightly governing the people in accordance with dharma.