Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 37
The Glory of the Vāsudeva Hymn: Boons, Japa across the Yugas, and Ascent to Vaikuṇṭha
कलौ युगे सुसंप्राप्ते स्तोत्रे दास्यं प्रयास्यति । वेदभंगप्रसंगेन यस्य कस्य न दीयते
kalau yuge susaṃprāpte stotre dāsyaṃ prayāsyati | vedabhaṃgaprasaṃgena yasya kasya na dīyate
കലിയുഗം പൂർണ്ണമായി വന്നെത്തുമ്പോൾ (സത്യ) സ്തോത്രം ദാസ്യത്തിലേക്ക് പതിക്കും; ‘വേദഭംഗം’ എന്ന പേരിൽ അത് ഏവർക്കും നൽകപ്പെടുകയില്ല.
Unspecified (context not provided for the dialogue frame in this single-verse excerpt)
Concept: In Kali-yuga, genuine stotra tradition becomes constrained; fear of ‘Veda-breaking’ becomes a pretext for withholding teachings from the unqualified.
Application: Seek teachings through authentic lineages and cultivate qualification: humility, ethical conduct, and steadiness; avoid both extremes—careless dissemination and gatekeeping driven by pride.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dim, dust-laden hall of learning in Kali-yuga: manuscripts are chained or wrapped, while a true hymn appears as a luminous scroll bound by dark cords labeled ‘Veda-bhaṅga’—symbolizing forced servitude. A sorrowful sage looks on as unworthy seekers argue at the doorway, and the light of sacred sound flickers like a threatened lamp.","primary_figures":["a sage/ācārya guarding stotra knowledge","personified Kali (subtle shadow)","seekers (mixed worthy/unworthy)"],"setting":"Ancient library/paṭhaśālā with palm-leaf manuscripts, fading murals, and a small altar lamp; atmosphere of decline.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["smoky gray","lamp gold","ink black","faded saffron","dull teal"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: allegorical Kali-yuga scene—an ācārya seated with manuscripts, a luminous stotra-scroll partially bound by dark cords; gold leaf used sparingly to show the threatened sacred radiance, heavy ornamental borders contrasting with the theme of decline, stylized figures of disputing seekers at the threshold.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: melancholic paṭhaśālā at night with a single oil lamp; delicate rendering of palm-leaf bundles and a sage’s pensive face; a shadowy Kali figure in the corner; cool blues and grays, fine brushwork, lyrical but sorrow-tinged composition.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: symbolic composition with bold outlines—Kali as a dark curling form behind the manuscript shelf; the stotra depicted as a glowing script panel; strong red/yellow/green palette muted by gray washes, temple-wall allegory, expressive eyes conveying concern.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative border of withering lotuses and broken veena motifs to signify decline; central medallion of a glowing stotra-scroll constrained by patterned cords; deep indigo ground with restrained gold, intricate floral borders turned somber, peacocks rendered in muted tones."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low drum pulse","wind through corridors","distant bell","pages rustling"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वेदभङ्ग + प्रसङ्गेन → वेदभङ्गप्रसङ्गेन (समास/सन्धि); भङ्ग (IAST bhaṃga)
FAQs
It suggests that in Kali-yuga, genuine stotra becomes subordinated—handled with dependence, restriction, or lowered integrity—rather than being upheld as a free, elevating spiritual practice.
It indicates a situation where people cite the fear or accusation of “violating the Veda” as a pretext, leading to withholding or restricting the transmission/teaching of the stotra.
It cautions against misusing scriptural authority to control or suppress sincere devotion and learning, especially during periods of moral and religious decline.