Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 125
The Manifestation of Viṣṇu’s Footprints: Vāmana–Trivikrama, Bāṣkali’s Subjugation, and the Rise of Viṣṇupadī
Gaṅgā
एवंभूतमहं ज्ञात्वा तेन त्वां याचयाम्यहम् । अस्याग्निशरणार्थाय दीयतां भू पदत्रयम्
evaṃbhūtamahaṃ jñātvā tena tvāṃ yācayāmyaham | asyāgniśaraṇārthāya dīyatāṃ bhū padatrayam
ਇਸ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਜਾਣ ਕੇ ਮੈਂ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ। ਇਸ ਦੇ ਅੱਗ ਤੋਂ ਆਸਰਾ ਤੇ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਲਈ, ਤਿੰਨ ਪੈਰਾਂ ਜਿਤਨੀ ਧਰਤੀ ਦਾਨ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇ।
Unspecified (context-dependent within Adhyaya 30; verse is part of a dialogue)
Concept: A seemingly small gift offered in faith can become the doorway to divine revelation; surrender is tested through generosity.
Application: Give within your means but with integrity; keep promises even under pressure; treat charity and commitments as offerings to God.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Vāmana, the radiant dwarf-brāhmaṇa, extends his palm for alms while Bali, resolute and generous, prepares to pour water from a golden vessel to seal the gift. In the sky above, the hint of Trivikrama’s immeasurable form begins to manifest—one foot poised to span the cosmos—while a protective aura suggests the ‘agni-śaraṇa’ motive behind the request.","primary_figures":["Vāmana","Bali","Śukrācārya (optional, watching tensely)","Trivikrama (emerging form)"],"setting":"A grand yajña arena with altars, priests, banners, and ritual fires; the horizon opens into cosmic sky as the avatāra expands.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","lotus pink","gold leaf","white jasmine","flame orange"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Vāmana in brahmacārin attire receiving dāna from Bali; Trivikrama’s colossal foot and halo rising behind, lavish gold leaf on halos, crowns, and the yajña fire; rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, ornate pillars and lotus arches framing the miracle.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: detailed yajña courtyard with delicate figures, Bali pouring water into Vāmana’s hand, Śukra’s anxious gaze; soft gradients in the sky where Trivikrama’s form subtly enlarges, cool blues with warm gold highlights, lyrical naturalism in textiles and faces.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of Vāmana and Bali, stylized yajña flames, Trivikrama’s expanding form occupying the upper register; strong red/yellow/green pigments, temple-fresco symmetry, expressive eyes and rhythmic flame patterns.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Vāmana-Bali dāna scene surrounded by lotus borders and intricate floral motifs; deep blue background with gold detailing, stylized yajña fires and peacocks at corners, subtle shankha-chakra patterns woven into the canopy, cosmic foot motif above indicating three strides."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","chanting priests","crackling yajña fire","crescendoing mridanga"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: एवंभूतमहं = एवंभूतम् + अहम्; याचयाम्यहम् = याचयामि + अहम्; अस्याग्निशरणार्थाय = अस्य + अग्नि-शरण-अर्थाय.
FAQs
“Three steps” (pada-trayam) evokes a traditional sacred measure and a well-known puranic motif of requesting only a small, precise portion—often symbolizing humility, strategy, and dharmic negotiation rather than greed.
The request is presented as purpose-driven—protection and refuge—implying that gifts (dāna) are not merely transactional but should be aligned with compassionate, dharmic aims.
The verse highlights prudent restraint and clear intention: one may seek help with measured words and minimal demand, emphasizing responsibility and the welfare of another over personal gain.