Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 29
The Deception of Vṛtra
इन्द्रस्तमागतं दृष्ट्वा वृत्रं मित्रार्थमुद्यतः । सिंहासनात्समुत्थाय अर्घमादाय सत्वरः
indrastamāgataṃ dṛṣṭvā vṛtraṃ mitrārthamudyataḥ | siṃhāsanātsamutthāya arghamādāya satvaraḥ
Nang makita ni Indra si Vṛtra na dumarating, na may layuning pakikipagkaibigan, agad siyang tumindig mula sa trono at nagmadaling kunin ang handog na arghya upang parangalan siya.
Narrator (contextual; specific speaker not stated in this single verse)
Concept: Satkāra (honoring a guest) and humility in power are marks of dharma; true sovereignty includes reverence and self-restraint.
Application: When reconciliation is possible, meet the other party with visible respect—stand up, welcome, and offer a gesture of honor to rebuild trust.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In Indra’s jeweled hall, the king of devas rises swiftly from a lion-throne as Vṛtra enters—no weapons raised, only intent for friendship. Indra holds a shining arghya vessel, water glinting like liquid light, signaling a dramatic reversal from enmity to honor.","primary_figures":["Indra","Vṛtra","celestial attendants"],"setting":"Amarāvatī’s sabhā with jeweled pillars, lotus capitals, and a high throne dais; attendants with fly-whisks and conch.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["electric blue","molten gold","ruby red","white jasmine","turquoise"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Indra rising from an ornate lion-throne, haloed, holding a gold arghya-pātra with shimmering water; Vṛtra entering with dignified posture; thick gold leaf on throne, pillars, and halos; rich reds/greens, gem-studded ornaments, symmetrical court attendants with cāmara.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: elegant court scene with refined faces; Indra mid-motion stepping down from the throne, arghya vessel catching light; Vṛtra at the threshold; cool blues and soft golds, delicate architectural detailing, lyrical clouds beyond arches.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Indra’s expressive eyes and crown, arghya vessel prominent; Vṛtra rendered with controlled grandeur; patterned floor, lotus borders, warm reds and yellows with green accents, temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: court framed by lotus and floral borders; Indra centered with arghya, attendants and peacocks stylized at margins; deep blue background with gold highlights, intricate textile motifs, devotional symmetry despite the diplomatic theme."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","court drums (soft)","temple bells","murmur of attendants"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इन्द्रः+तम्→इन्द्रस्तम्; तम्+आगतम्→तमागतं; मित्रार्थम्+उद्यतः→मित्रार्थमुद्यतः; सिंहासनात्+समुत्थाय→सिंहासनात्समुत्थाय; अर्घम्+आदाय→अर्घमादाय
FAQs
It highlights the dharma of honoring an arriving person—especially a significant visitor—by rising from one’s seat and offering arghya as a formal gesture of respect.
The verse frames Indra’s reception of Vṛtra not as hostility but as a deliberate attempt at amicable relations, emphasizing reconciliation and courteous intent.
Status does not excuse discourtesy; even a ruler should practice humility and prompt hospitality when someone arrives, especially in a context seeking peace.