Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 19
The Deception of Vṛtra
सहस्राक्षो महाप्राज्ञो भवता सह सत्तम । मैत्रमिच्छति वै कर्तुं तत्कथं न करोषि किम्
sahasrākṣo mahāprājño bhavatā saha sattama | maitramicchati vai kartuṃ tatkathaṃ na karoṣi kim
اے بہترین مرد، ہزار آنکھوں والا نہایت دانا اِندر تمہارے ساتھ سچ مچ دوستی کرنا چاہتا ہے؛ پھر تم کیوں نہیں کرتے؟
Unspecified (contextual narrator/speaker not provided in the input)
Concept: Even a rival’s offer of peace should be weighed rationally; refusing conciliation without cause perpetuates saṁsāric cycles of retaliation.
Application: When a sincere peace-offer is extended, examine motives but do not reject dialogue out of pride; ask ‘what prevents agreement?’ honestly.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A messenger-figure or sage-like counselor addresses Vṛtra with open palms, pointing toward a distant, radiant Indra seated on a cloud-throne. The composition balances two powers across a calm horizon, emphasizing negotiation over combat.","primary_figures":["Vṛtra","Indra (Sahasrākṣa)","Counselor/voice of persuasion (sage or envoy)"],"setting":"Sky-meets-earth vista: a battlefield edge with a visible celestial court in the distance, suggesting two realms in dialogue.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["pale gold","cloud white","steel blue","maroon","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Indra on a jeweled throne atop stylized clouds with gold-leaf radiance; Vṛtra in regal armor at left; an envoy in the center gesturing peace; rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, gold leaf highlighting Indra’s aura and the envoy’s dharmic gesture.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: airy landscape with soft dawn wash; Indra small but luminous in the upper distance; Vṛtra large in the foreground listening; delicate facial expressions conveying persuasion; cool blues and muted maroons with fine linework.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Indra with characteristic large eyes and ornate crown, seated amid stylized cloud bands; Vṛtra facing him; central speaker with emphatic hand-mudrā; bold outlines and warm pigment blocks emphasizing moral dialogue.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical layout with Indra framed by lotus medallions above, Vṛtra below; floral borders and peacocks; deep blue ground with gold highlights; the envoy as a vertical axis of reconciliation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["conch shell in the distance","murmur of wind","soft drum pulse","brief pauses for rhetorical question"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मैत्रमिच्छति = मैत्रम् + इच्छति; तत्कथं = तत् + कथम्; सहस्राक्षो/महाप्राज्ञो इति विसर्ग-लोपः पदान्ते।
FAQs
“Sahasrākṣa” (the thousand-eyed) is a common epithet of Indra, the king of the devas.
It promotes reconciliation and forming friendly relations when approached with goodwill, especially by a wise and powerful party.
The verse reflects the importance of maitri (alliance/friendship) and prudent diplomacy—accepting sincere friendship rather than prolonging conflict.