Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 22
Sukalā’s Episode: Padmāvatī’s Crisis, the Speaking Embryo (Kālanemi), and Sudevā’s Begging at Śivaśarmā’s House
मामेव हि न जानासि भवती यादृशो ह्यहम् । दृष्टः श्रुतस्त्वया पूर्वं कालनेमिर्महाबलः
māmeva hi na jānāsi bhavatī yādṛśo hyaham | dṛṣṭaḥ śrutastvayā pūrvaṃ kālanemirmahābalaḥ
Tunay nga, hindi mo ako nakikilala—kung sino ako sa aking tunay na anyo. Noon ay nakita at narinig mo ang makapangyarihang Kālanemi.
Unspecified (a male speaker identifying himself as Kālanemi)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मामेव = माम् + एव; ह्यहम् = हि + अहम्; श्रुतस्त्वया = श्रुतः + त्वया; कालनेमिर्महाबलः = कालनेमिः + महाबलः.
FAQs
Kālanemi is a named figure (often associated with an asura in Purāṇic narratives) whom the speaker claims to be, emphasizing his recognized might (mahābala).
The verse stresses mistaken recognition: the listener does not know the speaker’s true identity, even though she has previously seen or heard of the famed Kālanemi.
It highlights the theme of discernment—appearances and prior impressions can mislead, so true identity should be understood carefully rather than assumed.