Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 23
The Deception of Vṛtra
तदा किं क्रियते विप्रा इत्यर्थे प्रत्ययं हि किम् । ऋषयस्त्विंद्रमाचख्युरित्यर्थं प्रत्ययं वद
tadā kiṃ kriyate viprā ityarthe pratyayaṃ hi kim | ṛṣayastviṃdramācakhyurityarthaṃ pratyayaṃ vada
اے برہمنو، پھر کیا کیا جائے؟—یہاں ‘کِم’ کا لفظ استفہام کے معنی میں مقصود ہے۔ اور چونکہ رشیوں نے اندرا کو مخاطب کیا، اس تعبیر کا مقصود بھی بیان کرو۔
Unclear from the single verse (context needed to identify the dialogue frame reliably).
Concept: Right understanding of words (artha) safeguards right action (dharma); inquiry precedes proper conduct.
Application: Before judging or acting, ask clarifying questions; verify intent and context; avoid acting on assumptions—especially in moral or devotional matters.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A circle of austere rishis sits on kusa-grass in a forest hermitage, palm-leaf manuscripts open, as one elder raises a hand to parse the meaning of ‘kim’ and the intent behind addressing Indra. The air feels charged with the sanctity of precise speech—words treated like offerings into an unseen fire.","primary_figures":["Rishis (sages)","a senior acharya-like sage (as commentator figure)","Indra (suggested presence, distant or symbolic)"],"setting":"Forest ashram with yajna-shala, low wooden desks, palm-leaf folios, deer wandering at the edge of the clearing","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","leaf green","smoke gray","ochre","ink black"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a semicircle of rishis in a yajna-shala, one sage pointing to a palm-leaf manuscript explaining the interrogative ‘kim’, subtle depiction of Indra’s vajra emblem in the background; gold leaf embellishment on manuscript borders and sacrificial vessels, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments minimal, traditional South Indian iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate brushwork showing a Himalayan-foothill hermitage, rishis seated on kusa mats with palm-leaf texts, a gentle stream nearby; cool mountain palette, lyrical naturalism, refined faces, soft clouds and pine silhouettes, emphasis on quiet scholarly dialogue.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines of rishis with expressive eyes, manuscript and stylus prominent, temple-wall aesthetic; natural pigments with red/yellow/green dominance, a stylized Indra emblem (vajra) framed like a mural medallion, rhythmic composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: scholarly satsanga scene framed by lotus and tulasi borders, peacocks perched on branches, deep blue background with gold script-like motifs; Krishna not central but suggested as a small Shaligrama-like symbol near the manuscripts, intricate floral borders and textile richness."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["rustling leaves","soft birdsong","distant sacrificial fire crackle","brief silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: इत्यर्थे = इति + अर्थे; ऋषयस्त्विंद्रमाचख्युरित्यर्थं = ऋषयः + तु + इन्द्रम् + आचख्युः + इति + अर्थम्।
FAQs
It reads like an explanatory/interpretive gloss (clarifying intended sense), rather than a standalone narrative statement.
Indra is the king of the Devas and a frequent figure in Purāṇic narratives, often appearing in episodes involving sages, rituals, and cosmic governance.
By itself, the verse emphasizes careful interpretation and clarity of meaning in sacred dialogue; the broader ethical lesson depends on the surrounding verses.