Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 25
Viṣṇu’s Māyā and the Stratagem Against Vihuṇḍa
with the Kāmodā–Gaṅgādvāra motif
सप्तकोटिमितैश्चैव पुष्पैः पूजय शंकरम् । कामोदसंभवैर्दिव्यैः सौगंधैर्देवदुर्लभैः
saptakoṭimitaiścaiva puṣpaiḥ pūjaya śaṃkaram | kāmodasaṃbhavairdivyaiḥ saugaṃdhairdevadurlabhaiḥ
ഏഴ് കോടി പുഷ്പങ്ങളാൽ ശങ്കരനെ പൂജിക്ക; കൂടാതെ കാമോദത്തിൽ നിന്നു ജനിച്ച ദിവ്യസുഗന്ധ പുഷ്പങ്ങളാൽ—ദേവന്മാർക്കും ദുർലഭമായവയാൽ—ആരാധിക്ക.
Unspecified (context-dependent within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa Adhyaya 118)
Concept: Ritual intensity (saṅkalpa + dravya + niyama) is portrayed as a means to obtain extraordinary results—yet motive determines whether it liberates or binds.
Application: Let offerings symbolize inner qualities: ‘seven crores of flowers’ becomes daily accumulation of small acts—truth, restraint, service—rather than mere display.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A vast temple courtyard before a towering Śiva-liṅga, where heaps upon heaps of blossoms rise like colorful hills—seven crores suggested through scale and repetition. Priests and attendants string garlands in long rivers of flowers, while rare Kāmoda-born blossoms release a visible, shimmering fragrance in the air.","primary_figures":["Śiva (as liṅga with aura of Śaṅkara)","Vihuṇḍa (as sponsor/performer)","Temple priests and attendants"],"setting":"Grand stone temple with carved pillars, offering platforms, and massive baskets of flowers; garland-making stations lining the courtyard.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit with incense haze","color_palette":["marigold orange","jasmine white","crimson vermilion","leaf green","smoky sandalwood brown"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: monumental Śiva-liṅga adorned with thick flower layers and gold leaf highlights; attendants stringing enormous garlands; Vihuṇḍa in ornate attire presenting baskets; rich reds/greens, embossed gold borders, gem-like detailing on vessels and ornaments, incense smoke rendered as stylized curls.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: elegant temple courtyard with rhythmic lines of garland-makers; delicate depiction of varied blossoms and fragrance suggested by pale swirling lines; Śiva shrine in the background with refined architecture; cool shadows and precise textile patterns.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, symmetrical shrine composition; heaps of flowers in stylized clusters; priests in traditional attire; warm yellow-red-green palette, lamp flames and incense smoke as graphic motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: dense floral tapestry effect—garlands and blossoms forming ornate borders; central Śiva-liṅga stylized with lotus motifs; attendants and baskets arranged symmetrically; deep blue background with gold and bright floral colors, intricate repetitive patterning to imply ‘seven crores’."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","conch shell","chanting of Rudra mantras","rustle of flowers","incense crackle"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सप्तकोटिमितैश्चैव = सप्तकोटिमितैः + च + एव; कामोदसंभवैर्दिव्यैः = कामोदसम्भवैः + दिव्यैः; सौगंधैर्देवदुर्लभैः = सौगन्धैः + देवदुर्लभैः.
FAQs
It is a devotional hyperbole emphasizing abundance, intensity, and wholehearted dedication in Śiva-pūjā rather than a strictly literal requirement.
Śaṅkara is a common epithet of Śiva, meaning “the beneficent one,” highlighting his auspicious and gracious nature toward devotees.
The verse underscores bhakti expressed through generous offering—cultivating sincerity, reverence, and the willingness to give one’s best in worship.