Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 19
Nahusha’s Challenge to Hunda and the Mustering of Battle
स्यंदनं योजयस्व त्वं तुरगैः साधुभिः शिवैः । सेनाध्यक्षं समाहूय इत्युवाच समातुरः
syaṃdanaṃ yojayasva tvaṃ turagaiḥ sādhubhiḥ śivaiḥ | senādhyakṣaṃ samāhūya ityuvāca samāturaḥ
“Ikabit mo ang karwahe sa mabubuti at mapalad na mga kabayo. Ipatawag mo ang pinuno ng hukbo,” wika niya, nababalot ng matinding dalamhati.
Unspecified (a distressed person addressing an attendant/servant)
Concept: In crisis, the mind seeks swift control; distress can either sharpen duty or deepen panic—steadiness is the true charioteer of action.
Application: When overwhelmed, ground yourself before acting—breathe, recall dharma, seek wise counsel; let urgency serve responsibility, not rashness.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A distressed ruler, garments slightly disheveled, points toward a magnificent chariot as servants rush to yoke it with sleek, auspicious horses. In the courtyard, dust rises as a herald runs to summon the army commander; the air vibrates with urgency, bells, and the clatter of armor.","primary_figures":["distressed king/warrior","charioteer/attendant","auspicious horses","army commander (being summoned)","herald/runner"],"setting":"Fortress courtyard with open gates, chariot stand, stables, and assembling soldiers.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sunlit amber","horse-coat chestnut","lapis blue","white jasmine","bronze"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: courtyard mobilization scene with ornate chariot, gold leaf on harness ornaments and royal jewelry, rich reds/greens in textiles, horses rendered with glossy highlights, attendants in dynamic poses, decorative border emphasizing urgency through rhythmic repetition.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: airy courtyard with delicate architecture, refined horses and attendants, soft light and dust haze, expressive yet restrained faces showing anxiety, detailed harness patterns, a runner mid-stride to summon the commander.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized horses with ornate tack, saturated warm palette, the king’s gesture large and clear, attendants shown in sequential action, mural border motifs framing the mobilization.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: processional energy—chariot and horses central, attendants arranged symmetrically yet in motion, deep blue and gold accents, floral borders with lotus motifs, decorative bells and tassels emphasized, narrative clarity like a temple textile panel."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["horse snorts","harness bells","armor clatter","urgent footsteps","conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इत्युवाच = इति + उवाच।
FAQs
The verse does not name the speaker; it only describes him as “samāturaḥ” (greatly distressed) issuing urgent instructions to prepare a chariot and summon the army commander.
It emphasizes that the horses should be of good quality (“sādhu”) and ritually/omen-wise auspicious (“śiva”), suggesting urgency combined with concern for favorable outcomes.
Even in distress, the speaker gives clear, ordered commands—showing the value of decisive action and organized leadership during crisis.