Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 26
The Slaying of Vṛtrāsura
Vṛtra’s Death, Indra’s Sin, and Brahmin Censure
जग्मुः स्वस्थानमेवं हि निहते धर्मकंटके
jagmuḥ svasthānamevaṃ hi nihate dharmakaṃṭake
یوں جب دین و دھرم کے کانٹے کو قتل کر دیا گیا تو وہ یقیناً اسی طرح اپنے اپنے مقام کو لوٹ گئے۔
Narrator (contextual; specific speaker not determinable from this single pāda without surrounding verses)
Concept: When adharma is removed, beings naturally return to their rightful duties and abodes; order is not forced but re-established.
Application: Remove ‘dharma-kaṇṭakas’ in one’s life—habits that obstruct integrity—then return to steady routine (svadharma) without triumphalism.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The devas, their armor still dusted from battle, ascend a luminous sky-path back to Svarga as the shadow of the slain ‘dharma-thorn’ dissolves into mist below. The atmosphere shifts from tension to clarity: banners lower, weapons are sheathed, and the gates of heaven open like a calm sunrise after storm.","primary_figures":["Devas (collective)","Indra (implied leader)","celestial gatekeepers"],"setting":"Skyway to Svarga with cloud-terraces, jeweled archways, and distant celestial gardens","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["pearl white","sky blue","sun-gold","amethyst purple","cloud gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: triumphant yet serene return of the devas to Svarga—Indra and attendants on a cloud-terrace approaching jeweled gates, weapons lowered, lotus and conch motifs on banners; lavish gold leaf on the gates and halos, rich reds/greens in garments, gem-studded ornaments, symmetrical divine composition.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a lyrical ascent—devas walking along a pale cloud-path toward a delicate celestial pavilion, soft dawn gradients, fine facial expressions of relief; cool blues and whites with touches of gold, Himalayan-like airy perspective, intricate textile patterns.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized devas in procession returning to their abode, bold outlines, rhythmic poses, ornate celestial arch with lamp motifs; strong reds/yellows/greens, large expressive eyes, temple-wall grandeur emphasizing restored order.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: celestial return framed by dense floral borders—cloud-lotus patterns, peacocks on vine-scrolls, deep blue field with gold highlights; central procession of devas toward a radiant gateway, devotional ornamentation suggesting cosmic harmony."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft conch shell","wind through clouds","distant celestial drums (mṛdaṅga-like)","anklet chimes","gentle silence at the end"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्वस्थानम् + एवम् → स्वस्थानमेवम् (अ + ए = ए); अन्यत्र स्पष्टपदविभागः: जग्मुः / स्वस्थानम् / एवम् / हि / निहते / धर्मकण्टके।
FAQs
It literally means “a thorn to dharma”—a person or force that obstructs righteousness, social order, or moral law.
When a destructive obstacle to righteousness is removed, harmony is restored and people can return to safety and rightful order.
Not explicitly in this line alone; it functions as a general dharmic narrative statement. The sectarian/theological framing depends on the surrounding passage.