Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 57
Dialogue of Gobhila and Padmāvatī: Daitya Obstruction vs. the Power of Pativratā Dharma
न भयं विद्यते तेऽद्य ममापि शृणु पुंश्चलि । किं भवेत्तव शापेन वृथैव परिकंपसे
na bhayaṃ vidyate te'dya mamāpi śṛṇu puṃścali | kiṃ bhavettava śāpena vṛthaiva parikaṃpase
ഇന്ന് നിനക്ക് ഭയം ഒന്നുമില്ല—എന്റെ വാക്കും കേൾക്കുക, ഹേ പുംശ്ചലി. നിന്റെ ശാപം കൊണ്ട് എന്ത് സംഭവിക്കും? നീ വെറുതെ വിറയ്ക്കുന്നു.
Unspecified speaker addressing a woman (puṃścali) in direct speech
Concept: Arrogant dismissal of a righteous person’s spiritual power (śāpa/tejas) is a hallmark of āsuric delusion; contempt invites downfall.
Application: Do not belittle the moral agency of others; intimidation and name-calling (‘puṃścali’) reveal inner insecurity and adharma.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: hasya
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A harsh speaker leans forward, finger raised in scorn, addressing a trembling yet resolute woman. The air is tense—her fear is visible, but behind her eyes a steady flame of dharma gathers, hinting that the taunt will soon be answered.","primary_figures":["Arrogant male antagonist (Dānava/āsuric figure)","addressed woman (pativratā/Padmāvatī figure)"],"setting":"Narrow passage near a house threshold or hermitage gate, with earthen walls and a small shrine niche","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["dusty ochre","shadow violet","copper","leaf green","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the antagonist in aggressive stance with ornate but dark-toned attire, pointing and sneering; the woman with composed posture, subtle halo beginning to glow; gold leaf on shrine niche and jewelry; rich reds/greens with dramatic contrast between menace and sanctity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate close-quarters confrontation; delicate expressions—taunt on one face, restrained strength on the other; soft foliage and patterned textiles; cool shadows with a warm highlight on the woman’s face indicating inner tejas.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, intense eyes; the antagonist’s mouth drawn in contempt, the woman’s gaze steady; symbolic flame motif near the woman’s hands; earthy reds and yellows with green accents.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: framed confrontation with lotus-and-vine borders; stylized gestures, deep blue-violet ground; decorative motifs (peacocks, floral sprays) used to contrast the woman’s purity against the antagonist’s harshness."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["sharp hand cymbal accent","wind through leaves","distant conch (faint)","brief tense silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तेऽद्य = ते + अद्य; ममापि = मम + अपि; भवेत्तव = भवेत् + तव; वृथैव = वृथा + एव
FAQs
It dismisses fear and the supposed power of a curse, asserting that trembling is unnecessary and pointless.
No. The speaker challenges the efficacy of the curse, implying it cannot cause harm in this context.
It encourages steadiness and discernment—do not be shaken by threats, and do not overestimate harmful speech when it lacks true power or merit.