Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 16
Indumatī’s Auspicious Dream and the Prophecy of a Viṣṇu-Portioned Son
समाकर्ण्य महाराजश्चिंतयामास वै पुनः । समाहूय गुरुं पश्चात्कथितं स्वप्नमुत्तमम्
samākarṇya mahārājaściṃtayāmāsa vai punaḥ | samāhūya guruṃ paścātkathitaṃ svapnamuttamam
ครั้นได้ฟังแล้ว มหาราชาก็ใคร่ครวญอีกครั้ง จากนั้นทรงเชิญอาจารย์มา แล้วทรงเล่ามหาสุบินอันประเสริฐนั้น
Narrator (contextual; verse describes the king’s action)
Concept: When confronted with omens and inner experiences, a ruler should reflect and seek guidance from a qualified preceptor rather than act impulsively.
Application: Before major decisions, pause, reflect, and consult a trusted mentor/teacher; treat intense experiences as prompts for discernment, not as commands.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A great king sits in the quiet of his palace chamber, brows knit in contemplation, the last traces of a vivid dream lingering like incense in the air. He gestures to attendants to summon his guru, and the scene holds a poised stillness—royal power softened by humility before wisdom.","primary_figures":["The King (rājā)","Royal preceptor (guru/purohita)","Attendants"],"setting":"Inner palace hall with carved pillars, low lamps, a small shrine niche with Viṣṇu icon or śālagrāma on a pedestal, scrolls and ritual vessels nearby.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["deep maroon","antique gold","sandalwood beige","lapis blue","smoke gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a contemplative king seated on a jeweled throne in a palace mandapa, right hand raised to summon the guru; a small Viṣṇu shrine with śālagrāma and tulasī leaves in the corner; heavy gold leaf halos and borders, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, traditional South Indian iconographic detailing, ornate pillars and patterned floor tiles.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: an intimate palace interior with delicate linework; the king in soft textiles sits near a low lamp, attendants at the doorway calling the guru; cool muted palette with lyrical shading, refined faces, subtle architectural arches, a tiny Viṣṇu shrine suggested with minimal strokes.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and flat natural pigments; the king’s expressive eyes and poised posture, attendants in profile, a glowing lamp and a small Viṣṇu emblematic shrine; red/yellow/green dominance with rhythmic ornamental borders like temple walls.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a palace scene framed by lotus and floral borders; the king’s contemplation centered, with a small Krishna/Vishnu shrine motif, peacocks perched on palace parapets, intricate patterns in deep blues and gold, stylized lotuses echoing the dream-omen theme."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","night silence","distant conch shell","lamp crackle"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: महाराजश्चिंतयामास = महाराजः + चिन्तयामास; पश्चात्कथितं = पश्चात् + कथितम्; स्वप्नमुत्तमम् = स्वप्नम् + उत्तमम्
FAQs
The verse shows the king pausing to reflect after hearing something, then calling his guru and recounting an auspicious dream.
By having the king summon his preceptor before acting, it highlights seeking authoritative guidance and interpretation—especially for omens like dreams.
It suggests restraint and discernment: reflect first, then consult a wise teacher rather than acting impulsively on emotionally charged information or portents.