Shloka 32
Kali's Complaint to Brahma (Part 2) — Kali’s Complaint to Brahma and the Arrival of Śrī (Jayaśrī) in Bali’s Reign
चतुःषष्टिकलाः श्वेता महापद्मो निधिः स्थितः मुक्तासुवर्णरजतं रथाश्वगजभूषणम्
catuḥṣaṣṭikalāḥ śvetā mahāpadmo nidhiḥ sthitaḥ muktāsuvarṇarajataṃ rathāśvagajabhūṣaṇam
The sixty-four arts—bright (pure) in nature—are established as a treasure; and the Nidhi named Mahāpadma is present, consisting of pearls, gold, and silver, along with chariots, horses, elephants, and ornaments.
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FAQs
Mahāpadma is one of the famed Nidhis—personified treasuries or archetypal stores of wealth—often associated with Kubera’s domain in wider Purāṇic lore. Here it functions as a named category of abundance, characterized by precious materials and royal assets.
The verse treats accomplishment (kalā) as a form of prosperity parallel to gold and jewels. In classical Indian culture, mastery of arts supports courtly life, governance, ritual, and social refinement—thus it is catalogued as a ‘treasure’ sustaining sovereignty and civilization.
Beyond the literal ‘white,’ it commonly signals auspiciousness and purity—suggesting these arts are ‘bright’ or ‘beneficent’ accomplishments, not merely worldly tricks, and therefore fit to be counted among enduring, dharmically aligned treasures.