Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 6
The Aśokasundarī–Nahuṣa Episode: Demon Stratagems, Protection by Merit, and Lineage Prophecy
मामेव भज चार्वंगि भुंक्ष्व भोगान्मनोनुगान् । किं करिष्यसि तेन त्वं मानुषेण गतायुषा
māmeva bhaja cārvaṃgi bhuṃkṣva bhogānmanonugān | kiṃ kariṣyasi tena tvaṃ mānuṣeṇa gatāyuṣā
“اے خوش اندام! صرف میری ہی عبادت کر، اور دل کے موافق لذتیں بھوگ۔ اُس فانی انسان سے تو کیا کرے گی جس کی عمر پوری ہو چکی؟”
Unspecified (context-dependent; a male speaker addressing a woman as 'cārvaṅgi')
Concept: Adharma often argues through ‘pragmatism’: dismissing virtue and mortality to justify exploitation.
Application: Recognize manipulative rhetoric that urges ‘enjoy now’ at the cost of integrity; anchor choices in dharma rather than pressure.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The Dānava gestures grandly toward jewels, perfumes, and silks, offering a life of indulgence while sneering at the ‘mortal husband.’ Aśokasundarī remains upright and unshaken, her ascetic aura forming an invisible boundary that his words cannot cross.","primary_figures":["Dānava (tempter)","Aśokasundarī / Śivakanyā"],"setting":"luxurious pavilion opening to an ashoka grove; trays of ornaments and garlands; a threshold marked by a small sacred fire or ascetic water-pot near her","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["peacock blue","antique gold","rose red","leaf green","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the Dānava presenting riches with sweeping arm, Aśokasundarī calm with a subtle halo; gold leaf on ornaments and pavilion arch; saturated reds/greens; gem-studded detailing; strong iconographic contrast between bhoga and tapas.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical garden pavilion with delicate ashoka blossoms; the Dānava’s persuasive posture contrasted with Aśokasundarī’s stillness; cool palette with fine textile patterns; expressive but restrained drama.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; the Dānava’s ornate costume and exaggerated eyes; Aśokasundarī with serene gaze and ascetic symbols; red/yellow/green dominance; stylized foliage and rhythmic decorative borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate border of lotuses and ashoka leaves; central moral contrast—temptation offerings arranged like a mandala on one side, ascetic simplicity on the other; deep blue background with gold floral filigree and subdued peacocks."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["jewelry clink","rustling silk","wind in ashoka leaves","low ominous drone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मामेव = माम् + एव; भोगान्मनोनुगान् = भोगान् + मनोनुगान्
FAQs
It urges exclusive devotion to the speaker and encourages sensual enjoyment, dismissing a mortal human partner as already “spent” in lifespan—highlighting desire, manipulation, and the theme of human impermanence.
The word “bhaja” (worship/serve) is used as a command for exclusive devotion; depending on context, it can illustrate either true devotion (if the speaker is divine) or a deceptive, self-serving demand (if spoken by a non-divine tempter).
It cautions against being swayed by flattering persuasion and sense-driven counsel, especially when it devalues human relationships and exploits the reality of mortality for selfish ends.