Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 12
Prologue to the Suvrata Narrative: Revā (Narmadā) and Vāmana-tīrtha; Greed, Anxiety, and the Ethics of Trust
चिंतायाः कारणं विप्र कथयस्व ममाग्रतः । प्रियावाक्यं समाकर्ण्य सोमशर्माब्रवीत्प्रियाम्
ciṃtāyāḥ kāraṇaṃ vipra kathayasva mamāgrataḥ | priyāvākyaṃ samākarṇya somaśarmābravītpriyām
“اے وِپر (برہمن)، میرے سامنے صاف صاف بتاؤ کہ تمہاری فکر کا سبب کیا ہے؟” یہ محبت بھرے کلمات سن کر سوماشَرما نے اپنی پریا سے کہا۔
Narrator (introducing dialogue); then Somaśarmā (about to reply)
Concept: Compassionate inquiry and affectionate speech open the door for truthful self-disclosure and instruction.
Application: When someone is anxious, ask directly but kindly; create safety before offering advice—this is dharmic communication.
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a quiet inner courtyard, a devoted wife leans forward with compassionate eyes, her hands folded, asking the brāhmaṇa the cause of his worry. Somaśarmā, softened by her affectionate words, turns toward her as if a knot in his chest loosens, while a Tulasi pedestal stands nearby like a silent witness to dharma.","primary_figures":["Somaśarmā","his beloved wife (priyā)","narrator presence (implicit)"],"setting":"Lamp-lit household courtyard with a Tulasi-vṛndāvana, low wooden seats, and a small altar","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["amber lamp-gold","indigo night","sandalwood beige","vermilion","Tulasi green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: an ornate domestic courtyard with carved pillars; Somaśarmā seated with sacred thread visible, his wife speaking with folded hands; gold leaf highlights on jewelry and lamp flames; rich maroon and green textiles; a small Viṣṇu altar and Tulasi pedestal rendered with traditional South Indian iconography.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtyard scene with delicate gestures; the wife’s compassionate face and Somaśarmā’s softened expression; cool evening tones, fine linework, patterned shawls; a small Tulasi plant in a painted pot; lyrical architecture and a quiet sky beyond.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and stylized eyes; the couple in profile within a temple-like home space; warm red/yellow/green pigments; the wife’s priya-vākya suggested by flowing decorative script-like motifs; Tulasi pedestal centered as auspicious symbol.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: domestic scene framed by lotus and creeper borders; central Tulasi-vṛndāvana; the couple placed below a small Krishna-Viṣṇu niche; peacocks at corners; intricate white floral filigree on deep blue with gold accents."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["oil lamp crackle","soft anklet chime","night insects","distant temple bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ममाग्रतः = मम + अग्रतः; सोमशर्माब्रवीत्प्रियाम् = सोमशर्मा + अब्रवीत् + प्रियाम् (त् + प् → त्प्)
FAQs
“Vipra” is a respectful address to a brāhmaṇa; here it refers to Somaśarmā, who is being asked to explain the cause of his worry.
It models compassionate inquiry: instead of reacting harshly to distress, one asks gently and directly about its cause, creating space for honest communication.
This verse is primarily narrative and relational—introducing dialogue—rather than stating a doctrine; its value lies in the interpersonal ethic of kind speech and attentive listening.