Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 13
The Narrative of Śivaśarman: Indra’s Obstacles, Menakā’s Mission, and the Triumph of Pitṛ-Devotion
विष्णुशर्मोवाच । चरित्रं देवदेवस्य विदितं मे वरानने । भवत्याश्चप्रजानामिनाहंचैतादृशःशुभे
viṣṇuśarmovāca | caritraṃ devadevasya viditaṃ me varānane | bhavatyāścaprajānāmināhaṃcaitādṛśaḥśubhe
Wika ni Viṣṇuśarman: “O ginang may magandang mukha, batid ko ang mga banal na gawa ng Diyos ng mga diyos. Ngunit hindi ko lubos na nalalaman ang tungkol sa iyo at sa iyong mga supling, O mapalad na isa.”
Viṣṇuśarman
Concept: Discernment begins with proper knowledge: one should understand the divine exemplar and also inquire carefully into worldly identities and consequences (lineage/offspring).
Application: Before acting in emotionally charged situations, ask clarifying questions and consider long-term consequences; anchor decisions in sacred exemplars and ethical knowledge.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Viṣṇuśarmā raises a calm hand in gentle pause, his face serene as he speaks of the ‘God of gods’ and the sanctity of divine deeds. Behind him, a faint visionary tableau appears—Vishnu reclining on Śeṣa with a lotus rising—while he turns back to inquire about the woman’s identity and lineage.","primary_figures":["Viṣṇuśarmā","Menikā","Viṣṇu (visionary)","Śeṣa","Brahmā (on lotus, visionary)"],"setting":"Hermitage grove with a subtle ‘vision-cloud’ revealing Vaishnava cosmology in the background","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["pale gold","sapphire blue","lotus pink","pearl white","sage green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: foreground Viṣṇuśarmā speaking with composed gesture, Menikā listening; background medallion shows Viṣṇu on Śeṣa with lotus and Brahmā, heavy gold-leaf work on halos, lotus, and ornaments, rich reds/greens, gem-like detailing, traditional South Indian iconography.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined two-figure dialogue in a quiet grove at dawn, with a delicate cloud-cartouche above depicting Viṣṇu on Śeṣa and the lotus-born Brahmā, cool yet luminous palette, fine brushwork and lyrical spacing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, iconic Vishnu-on-Śeṣa vignette behind the speakers, stylized eyes and gestures, warm yellow-red-green pigments, temple-panel composition emphasizing sacred narrative authority.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central dialogue framed by lotus borders; upper register shows Vishnu reclining with lotus motif repeated across the textile, deep blue ground with gold lotuses, intricate floral creepers and peacocks, Nathdwara-like ornamental symmetry."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["tanpura drone","morning birds","soft conch (very distant)","gentle bell at cadence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विष्णुशर्मोवाच = विष्णुशर्मा + उवाच; भवत्याश्च = भवत्याः + च; (… )प्रजानामिनाहंच = प्रजानाम् + इना + अहम् + च (as in provided text; 'इना' treated as particle); एतादृशःशुभे = एतादृशः + शुभे.
FAQs
The speaker is Viṣṇuśarman, who acknowledges knowing the deeds of “Devadeva” while admitting limited knowledge about the addressed lady and her progeny—setting up a request for further narration.
“Devadeva” literally means “God of gods,” an honorific title used in Purāṇic literature for a supreme deity; the verse does not specify which deity by name, only the epithet.
It models humility in knowledge: even when one knows revered narratives, one should admit gaps and seek clarification respectfully from a worthy interlocutor.