Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 192
Brahmā’s Puṣkara Sacrifice: Ṛtvij System, Sāvitrī’s Reconciliation, Tīrtha-Catalogue, Śrāddha & Initiation Rites, and Vrata Fruits
मोदकानां प्रदानेन एवमाह प्रजापतिः । एतदेव तु गौरीणां भोजनं हर शस्यते
modakānāṃ pradānena evamāha prajāpatiḥ | etadeva tu gaurīṇāṃ bhojanaṃ hara śasyate
ਇਉਂ ਪ੍ਰਜਾਪਤੀ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ—ਮੋਦਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਭੇਟ ਨਾਲ। ਨਿਸਚੇ ਹੀ ਇਹੀ ਭੋਜਨ ਗੌਰੀਆਂ ਲਈ ਯੋਗ ਆਹਾਰ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਦੀ ਹਰਾ (ਸ਼ਿਵ) ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ੰਸਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ।
Prajāpati (as indicated by 'evam āha prajāpatiḥ')
Concept: Specific offerings (modaka-dāna) carry sanctioned ritual efficacy; dharma is preserved through transmitted prescriptions from revered authorities.
Application: When performing vows or worship, follow a clear, compassionate discipline: offer wholesome food, share it, and respect inherited ritual guidelines while keeping devotion central.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Prajāpati, radiant and austere, gestures in instruction while a devotee presents a plate of round, sweet modakas before a small altar. In a subtle upper register, Hara’s approving presence is shown as a calm, ash-smeared deity with a gentle gaze, and a circle of ‘Gaurīs’—auspicious women—sit in orderly rows ready to partake of the praised meal as prasāda.","primary_figures":["Prajāpati","Hara (Śiva)","Gaurīs (auspicious women)","a devotee offering modakas"],"setting":"ritual hall or courtyard with altar, offering plate, seated women’s assembly","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["moon-white","ash gray","saffron","ruby red","gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Prajāpati seated with a teaching mudrā, devotee offering a plate of modakas; Hara shown in a haloed upper panel giving assent; rows of Gaurīs seated with lamps; heavy gold leaf on halos, ornaments, and offering vessels; rich vermilion and emerald textiles, ornate arch and pillars.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined court-like ritual assembly; Prajāpati instructing, modakas rendered as delicate white sweets; Hara’s presence subtle in the background; cool palette with saffron highlights, gentle facial expressions, lyrical composition.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Prajāpati and Hara in stylized frontal poses with bold outlines; modaka plate emphasized; Gaurīs seated in a rhythmic row; strong reds/yellows/greens with ash-gray accents, temple mural aesthetic and large expressive eyes.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central offering of modakas framed by lotus borders and lamp motifs; Hara’s emblematic presence above; Gaurīs arranged symmetrically; deep blue ground with gold and ruby accents, intricate floral borders and auspicious symbols."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","soft mridang pulse","ritual chanting undertone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: एतदेव split as एतत् + एव. 'हर' is vocative addressing Śiva.
FAQs
The verse treats modakas as a ritually significant sweet offering (naivedya), implying that offering such food is an approved devotional act within the chapter’s ritual context.
“Gaurīs” here refers to forms or a group associated with Gaurī (Pārvatī), often understood as her attendants or manifestations; the verse states that this food is commended for them.
It emphasizes respectful giving and proper offerings: devotional intent is expressed through sanctioned gifts/food offerings, endorsed by authoritative divine figures (Prajāpati and Hara).