Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 20
The Deception of Vṛtra
अर्धमैंद्रं पदं वीर सत्वं भुंक्ष्व सुखेन वै । वर्तंत्वर्द्धेन इंद्रस्तु असुरा देवतास्तथा
ardhamaiṃdraṃ padaṃ vīra satvaṃ bhuṃkṣva sukhena vai | vartaṃtvarddhena iṃdrastu asurā devatāstathā
اے بہادر، اندرا کے مرتبے کا آدھا حصہ آرام سے قبول کر کے بھوگ کر۔ اندرا دوسرے آدھے پر گزر کرے؛ اسی طرح اسُر اور دیوتا بھی رہیں۔
Unspecified (context-dependent speaker in the ongoing dialogue of Bhūmi-khaṇḍa 24)
Concept: Compromise and equitable sharing can stabilize society (and cosmos) when rivalry threatens collective welfare.
Application: In disputes over status/resources, propose fair division and mutual restraint; prioritize stability over total victory.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A symbolic tableau shows Indra’s throne split into two balanced halves, each glowing with equal authority, while Vṛtra stands poised to accept a dignified share. Devas and Asuras appear in two orderly rows, their weapons lowered, as if witnessing a treaty.","primary_figures":["Vṛtra","Indra","Devas","Asuras"],"setting":"A celestial assembly ground with a treaty-platform, banners stilled, and a central throne-pedestal divided into two luminous seats.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["electric blue","gold leaf","pearl white","crimson","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a bifurcated jeweled throne with gold-leaf brilliance; Indra seated on one half, Vṛtra honored on the other; devas and asuras in symmetrical ranks; rich reds/greens, heavy ornamentation, gem-studded crowns, gold leaf emphasizing the ‘half-share’ motif and treaty scrolls.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined court scene with delicate architecture and soft cloud bands; two equal seats on a shared dais; subtle expressions of cautious hope; cool blues and pale golds with fine detailing on garments and banners.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized dais with two seats, bold outlines; Indra and Vṛtra facing forward in formal symmetry; rows of devas/asuras with lowered weapons; warm reds and yellows with green accents, temple-wall compositional clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central twin-throne framed by lotus garlands; symmetrical attendants like gopas in courtly form; deep blue background with gold floral borders; peacocks at corners symbolizing restored harmony."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","ceremonial drums softened","courtly murmurs","temple bells at cadence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अर्धमैंद्रं = अर्ध + ऐन्द्रम्; वर्तंत्वर्द्धेन = वर्तन्तु + अर्धेन; इंद्रस्तु = इन्द्रः + तु।
FAQs
It proposes a division of Indra’s status or realm into halves, suggesting a negotiated balance so different divine factions can continue without total domination by one side.
The verse frames the outcome as affecting both groups, implying a political/cosmic settlement where rival parties (Devas and Asuras) persist under an agreed distribution tied to Indra’s station.
It highlights compromise and proportional sharing as a means to preserve stability—encouraging restraint and negotiated order rather than destructive conflict.