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
Ada seorang raja bernama Yayāti, yang arif tentang dharma dan tekun memelihara rakyat. Dan ada juga seratus gadis, dikurniai kecantikan, kemurahan hati, serta segala kebajikan.
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.