Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 22
Vena Episode Conclusion: Pṛthu’s Merit and the Greatness of Hearing the Padma Purāṇa in Kali-yuga
शृण्वानस्य नरस्यापि महाविघ्नो न संचरेत् । अश्रद्धा जायते पूर्वं पाठकस्य नरस्य च
śṛṇvānasya narasyāpi mahāvighno na saṃcaret | aśraddhā jāyate pūrvaṃ pāṭhakasya narasya ca
แม้แก่ผู้ที่เพียงสดับฟังอยู่ อุปสรรคใหญ่ก็มิได้เข้ามาแทรกแซง แต่กลับเป็นว่า ก่อนอื่นความไร้ศรัทธาย่อมเกิดขึ้นแก่ผู้สวดอ่าน และแก่ผู้นั้นด้วยเช่นกัน
Unknown (context not provided; likely within a Pulastya–Bhīṣma narration frame typical of Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: In sacred transmission, the gross obstacle may not strike the listener, but the subtler obstacle—loss of śraddhā—can arise first in the reciter and the engaged participant; therefore protect faith as the first dharmic safeguard.
Application: Before teaching/reciting, cultivate humility, purity of intent, and prayer for steadiness; if doubt arises, pause, seek clarification from a trustworthy teacher, and resume with reverence rather than argumentation.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sacred recitation hall where a learned reciter sits on a low āsana with palm-leaf manuscripts, while a listener sits respectfully. A faint shadowy figure of ‘Vighna’ hovers near the reciter’s mouth as a subtle mist of doubt, while the listener remains calm, hands folded, protected by a soft Viṣṇu-like aura in the background.","primary_figures":["reciter (pāṭhaka brāhmaṇa)","listener (śrotā)","personified Vighna (subtle shadow form)","a distant protective presence of Lord Viṣṇu (symbolic aura)"],"setting":"Temple-adjacent sabhā or āśrama hall with oil lamps, manuscript stand, kusa grass mat, and a small Viṣṇu shrine niche.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp-amber","manuscript-ochre","deep indigo","smoke-gray","gold leaf"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: an interior sabhā with a small Viṣṇu shrine in the back, gold leaf halo radiating behind the symbolic Viṣṇu presence; the reciter in rich red-green garments holding palm-leaf text, the listener in white with folded hands; a subtle dark translucent ‘Vighna’ form near the reciter’s lips; ornate pillars, gem-studded ornaments, warm lamp glow, heavy gold embellishment.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate āśrama scene with delicate linework; reciter and listener seated on woven mats, manuscript on a wooden stand; a faint smoky silhouette representing doubt curling near the reciter; cool indigo shadows, soft ochres, refined faces, minimal architecture with a small Viṣṇu icon niche and flowering creepers outside.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, flat natural pigments; reciter and listener in profile with expressive eyes; stylized lamp flames and lotus motifs; a dark green-gray ‘Vighna’ cloud near the reciter; a small Viṣṇu emblem (śaṅkha-cakra) glowing in yellow-red behind, temple wall aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional hall framed by intricate floral borders and lotus motifs; a small central Viṣṇu symbol above; the listener’s calm devotion contrasted with swirling patterned ‘doubt’ motifs near the reciter; deep blues and gold accents, peacocks perched on the border, ornate textile-like detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells (soft)","low drone (tanpura)","page rustle of palm leaves","oil lamp crackle","brief silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नरस्यापि = नरस्य + अपि; संचरेत् = सम् + चरेत्; अश्रद्धा = अ-उपसर्ग + श्रद्धा; (पाठकस्य नरस्य च) = ‘of the reader and of the man’ (षष्ठी-सम्बन्ध).
FAQs
It highlights that major obstacles are not said to afflict the listener as much as the loss of faith (aśraddhā) can arise first in the reciter/participant, implying that inner disposition is the primary barrier in scriptural engagement.
It affirms śravaṇa as a comparatively protected or accessible mode of receiving dharma, suggesting that sincere listening can proceed without the same level of disruption attributed to wavering faith.
Maintain śraddhā and steadiness: the greatest impediment is not external interruption but internal skepticism or inattentiveness, especially for those who recite or lead the reading.