Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 7
The Cyavana Narrative
within the Glory of Guru-tīrtha, in the Vena Episode
स्थितः सरित्तटे रम्ये च्यवनस्योपपश्यतः । एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातं तेषां वृत्तं महात्मनाम्
sthitaḥ sarittaṭe ramye cyavanasyopapaśyataḥ | etatte sarvamākhyātaṃ teṣāṃ vṛttaṃ mahātmanām
چیاون کی موجودگی میں، دریا کے دلکش کنارے پر کھڑے ہو کر، میں نے تمہیں ان عظیم ہستیوں کے کردار کا پورا حال سب کچھ سنا دیا ہے۔
Pulastya (narrating to Bhīṣma)
Concept: Sacred history is authenticated by place and witness: telling dharmic conduct (vṛtta) of mahātmans at a riverbank in a sage’s presence becomes a purifying transmission.
Application: Choose a calm ‘tīra’ in daily life (quiet corner, park, riverside) for reading/listening to sacred narratives; value reliable transmission and context.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Pulastya stands on a beautiful riverbank, the water moving slowly like a mantra, while the venerable Cyavana watches in silent approval. Facing Bhīṣma (or an implied listener), Pulastya concludes the account of the great-souled ones, the scene carrying the calm finality of a completed rite.","primary_figures":["Pulastya","Cyavana","Bhīṣma (as implied listener figure)","riverbank ascetics"],"setting":"Riverside ashram with reeds, stone steps, deer nearby, and a small hut; Cyavana seated under a tree, Pulastya standing with staff and water-pot.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["silver blue","river green","ash white","dusky violet","soft gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Pulastya on a riverbank with ornate gold leaf accents on the river’s ripples; Cyavana seated under a stylized tree with halo; Bhīṣma respectfully listening; rich reds/greens in garments, embossed gold borders, traditional South Indian ornamental framing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Himalayan-like lyrical river landscape, delicate brushwork on reeds and flowing water; Pulastya standing, Cyavana seated, Bhīṣma attentive; cool moonlit palette, refined faces, gentle atmospheric perspective.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized river with rhythmic curves; Pulastya and Cyavana with large expressive eyes; warm red-yellow-green pigments balanced with blue river tones; temple-wall aesthetic borders with lotus and wave motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: riverbank scene framed by lotus borders and peacocks; deep indigo night sky with gold stars; sages arranged symmetrically; water rendered as patterned textile waves; intricate floral margins in Nathdwara-inspired ornamentation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["flowing water","night insects","distant conch (very faint)","soft bell at conclusion","brief silence after final line"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सरित्तटे = सरित् + तटे; च्यवनस्योपपश्यतः = च्यवनस्य + उपपश्यतः; एतत्ते = एतत् + ते; सर्वमाख्यातं = सर्वम् + आख्यातम्.
FAQs
It places the narration on a beautiful riverbank and specifies that the account is delivered in Cyavana’s presence, grounding the story in a tīrtha-like landscape associated with sages.
Cyavana is a renowned ṛṣi, widely remembered in Purāṇic and epic literature, often associated with ascetic power and transformative episodes; here he functions as a respected witness to the narration.
The term highlights exemplary character—suggesting the narrative is not mere history but a moral-spiritual model of conduct intended for reflection and imitation.