Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 16
Narrative of Sumanā: The Quest for a Worthy Son and the Karmic Roots of Poverty
महामोहेन संमुग्धः प्रियया बोधितो द्विज । तयाहं प्रेषितस्तात तव पार्श्वं समातुरः
mahāmohena saṃmugdhaḥ priyayā bodhito dvija | tayāhaṃ preṣitastāta tava pārśvaṃ samāturaḥ
عظیم فریب میں مدہوش ہو کر میں اندھا سا ہو گیا تھا؛ میری محبوبہ نے مجھے جگایا۔ اے دِوِج (برہمن)، اس نے مجھے بھیجا ہے، اے محترم؛ اسی لیے میں سخت اضطراب کے ساتھ تمہارے پاس آیا ہوں۔
Unspecified (a male narrator speaking to a brāhmaṇa addressed as 'dvija')
Concept: Moha (delusion) is dispelled by timely awakening and by seeking counsel from the spiritually learned; distress becomes the catalyst for surrender to guidance.
Application: When overwhelmed by confusion, pause, accept help, and approach a trustworthy teacher/elder; name your distress honestly before seeking solutions.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A weary traveler, eyes clouded with remorse, stands before a serene brāhmaṇa-sage seated on a kusa-grass mat. Behind the traveler, a veiled beloved gestures him forward from a doorway, as if urging him toward truth; the air feels heavy with confession and the first hint of relief.","primary_figures":["distressed seeker (male narrator)","beloved woman (priyā)","brāhmaṇa-sage (dvija)"],"setting":"forest hermitage threshold with a small hut, tulasi planter near the entrance, and a quiet path leading in","lighting_mood":"forest dappled with late-afternoon softness, subdued and intimate","color_palette":["earth brown","saffron ochre","leaf green","smoke gray","soft ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a distressed seeker with folded hands before a calm dvija-sage on a raised wooden plank, the beloved standing slightly behind as a guiding presence; gold leaf halo around the sage, rich maroon and emerald textiles, gem-studded ornaments minimal and dignified, temple-like arch framing the hermitage doorway, intricate floral borders with subtle tulasi motifs.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate linework showing a forest āśrama, the seeker leaning forward in sorrow, the beloved pointing gently toward the sage; cool greens and muted browns, lyrical trees and distant hills, refined faces with expressive eyes, a narrow path and small hut rendered with poetic simplicity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, warm natural pigments; the sage seated in composed posture, the seeker in anguished humility, the beloved as a calm intermediary; stylized foliage, temple-wall aesthetic, prominent eyes and ornamental but restrained costume detailing in red, yellow, and green.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional framing with ornate floral borders and lotus motifs; the seeker approaching a saintly figure under a canopy-like arch, peacocks at the margins, deep indigo background with gold highlights; include a small tulasi shrine element to align with Vaishnava ambience, intricate textile patterns and symmetrical composition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["soft wind through leaves","distant temple bell","low drone (tanpura)","brief silence after key phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tayāhaṃ = tayā + aham; प्रेषितस्तात = प्रेषितः + तात (विसर्ग-लोपः); तव पार्श्वं = गत्यर्थक-कर्मप्रयोगः
FAQs
It depicts a shift from delusion (mahāmoha) to clarity through admonition, prompting the speaker to seek help or refuge from a brāhmaṇa/authority figure.
No. It focuses on personal moral-psychological transformation and approaching someone respected (dvija) rather than describing a place or deity.
When overcome by confusion or wrongdoing, one should accept correction, act promptly, and seek guidance from a wise or dharmic authority.