Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 29
Vena Episode Conclusion: Pṛthu’s Merit and the Greatness of Hearing the Padma Purāṇa in Kali-yuga
अष्टोत्तरतिलाज्यैश्च पालाशैः समिधैरपि । ग्रहाणामपि कर्त्तव्यं स्थापनं पूजनं द्विज
aṣṭottaratilājyaiśca pālāśaiḥ samidhairapi | grahāṇāmapi karttavyaṃ sthāpanaṃ pūjanaṃ dvija
Dengan 108 persembahan biji wijen dan ghee, serta kayu samidh daripada pohon palāśa, wahai dwija (brāhmaṇa), hendaklah juga didirikan (sthapana) dan dipuja para Graha, dewa-dewa planet (Navagraha).
Unspecified (narratorial instruction within the ritual context; vocative 'dvija' indicates the instruction is addressed to a brāhmaṇa).
Concept: Stabilize worldly life by ritually acknowledging the Grahas through proper establishment (sthāpana) and worship, using prescribed counts and pure materials.
Application: Treat external pressures (time, circumstance) with disciplined remedies: consistent practice, measured giving, and respectful acknowledgment of forces beyond control—without superstition or panic.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Nine small altars or yantra-stands are arranged around the central fire, each marked with a planetary emblem—Sun’s wheel, Moon’s crescent, Mars’ spear—while the priest offers 108 sesame-and-ghee oblations. Palāśa sticks glow ember-red, and the air feels ordered, as if the wandering planets have paused to listen to the mantras.","primary_figures":["brāhmaṇa priest","Navagrahas (symbolic or anthropomorphic forms)","Agni (fire deity, as flame presence)"],"setting":"ritual courtyard with nine marked stations, central vedi, palāśa wood bundles, sesame bowls, ghee ladle, and a clean white cloth spread for sthāpana","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["ember red","sesame brown","ghee gold","chalk white","deep indigo"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central homa fire with thick gold leaf flames; nine graha icons in medallions around the altar, each with gem-like highlights; priest offering 108 tila-ājya oblations; rich maroon background, emerald borders, ornate vessels with gold embossing and traditional symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a serene courtyard with nine small platforms painted delicately, subtle anthropomorphic grahas hovering like translucent guardians; cool blues and soft reds, fine linework on palāśa leaves, gentle morning light and refined facial expressions.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined Navagraha figures in a circular arrangement around the fire, each with characteristic colors; priest in profile; strong reds/yellows/greens with black contours; decorative lotus border and stylized flames.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: circular mandala composition—central fire, nine graha medallions, repeating sesame-seed motifs as patterned dots; deep blue cloth ground with gold and white detailing; floral borders and auspicious birds at corners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["steady mantra intonation","fire crackle","occasional bell","soft drum pulse","morning birds"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अष्टोत्तरतिलाज्यैश्च = अष्टोत्तर-तिल-आज्यैः + च; समिधैरपि = समिधैः + अपि; ग्रहाणामपि = ग्रहाणाम् + अपि
FAQs
It instructs that the Grahas should be formally established (sthāpana) and then worshipped (pūjana), using offerings counted as 108 (aṣṭottara), specifically sesame and ghee, along with palāśa fuel-sticks.
Aṣṭottara indicates a complete, auspicious count used in many Hindu worship procedures (e.g., 108 names or 108 offerings), signaling thoroughness and devotional completeness in the worship of the Grahas.
The verse highlights disciplined, methodical worship—performing prescribed acts with proper materials and counts—suggesting that spiritual practice benefits from sincerity expressed through careful observance and ritual order.