Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 44
The Glory of the Mother-and-Father Tīrtha
Within the Vena Episode
तयोक्तोसौ मुनिश्रेष्ठो मा भैरिति महामुनिः । पद्मपत्रं सुविस्तीर्णं पंचयोजनमायतम्
tayoktosau muniśreṣṭho mā bhairiti mahāmuniḥ | padmapatraṃ suvistīrṇaṃ paṃcayojanamāyatam
Nang siya’y kausapin nila, ang pinakadakila sa mga pantas—ang dakilang muni—ay nagsabi, “Huwag kang matakot,” at ipinamalas ang isang dahon ng lotus na malapad na nakabuka, na may habang limang yojana.
Mahāmuni (a great sage; specific identity not explicit in this single verse)
Concept: Fear dissolves when one is placed upon a divinely provided support; refuge (āśraya) is granted through sage-guidance and sacred symbols (lotus).
Application: In moments of panic, accept guidance from the wise; create a ‘lotus-leaf practice’—a simple, repeatable refuge (mantra, breath, japa) that you can step onto mentally.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A great sage raises his hand in blessing, speaking ‘mā bhaiḥ’ as a colossal lotus leaf unfurls like a green-gold raft across the cosmic expanse. The leaf’s veins shimmer with sacred geometry, its scale vast—five yojanas—yet it feels tender, like a cradle for the frightened.","primary_figures":["Mahāmuni (foremost sage)","Group of frightened beings (implied ‘they’)","Lotus leaf (padma-patra) as sacred object"],"setting":"Cosmic waters or misty liminal space; the lotus leaf spreads wide, forming a floating sanctuary; faint aura of Vishnu’s realm in the distance.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["fresh leaf green","sunrise gold","pale turquoise","cream white","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the sage in blessing posture saying ‘mā bhaiḥ’, a gigantic lotus leaf rendered with embossed gold highlights along veins; rich reds and greens, ornate jewelry on divine attendants if present, gold leaf borders, devotional symmetry emphasizing protection.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: airy composition with a vast lotus leaf floating on pale turquoise waters, the sage calm and compassionate; delicate brushwork for leaf veins, soft dawn light, minimal ornamentation, lyrical reassurance conveyed through posture and spacing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, large stylized lotus leaf with patterned veins, sage with expressive eyes and raised palm; warm yellow halo-like backdrop, temple-wall composition with rhythmic curves of the leaf.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: oversized lotus leaf as central motif with intricate floral borders; devotional textural detailing, gold accents, symmetrical attendants, lotuses repeating across the cloth, creating a protective mandala-like field."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["flowing water","soft bells","gentle flute","calming silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तयोक्तोसौ = तया उक्तः असौ; भैरिति = भैः इति; पंचयोजनमायतम् = पञ्चयोजनम् आयतम्.
FAQs
The speaker is described as a “mahāmuni” and “muniśreṣṭha” (a great sage, foremost among sages). This verse alone does not name him explicitly.
The verse uses expansive lotus imagery to convey extraordinary scale and protective provision—suggesting a miraculous or divinely aided means of support, shelter, or passage.
It highlights reassurance in the presence of a realized guide: fear is dispelled through the sage’s authority and compassionate intervention, implying trust, composure, and reliance on dharmic guidance.