Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 25
The Episode of Śivaśarmā: Testing Somaśarmā through Service and Truth
संज्ञापयति सुप्रीतौ द्वावेतौ च महागुरू । शय्यासने च तौ विप्रः प्रस्वापयति नित्यशः
saṃjñāpayati suprītau dvāvetau ca mahāgurū | śayyāsane ca tau vipraḥ prasvāpayati nityaśaḥ
وہ برہمن اُن دونوں خوشنود عظیم گروؤں کی ادب سے خدمت کرتا ہے؛ اور ہر روز انہیں بستر اور نشست پر آرام کراتا ہے۔
Narrator (contextual; specific dialogue speaker not identifiable from this single verse alone)
Concept: True reverence is sustained attention: pleasing the venerable through daily, practical care (āsana, śayyā) is a living form of worship.
Application: Make respect tangible: offer a seat, ensure comfort, and attend to elders/teachers daily; devotion is measured by reliability, not occasional intensity.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a quiet, orderly home, a brāhmaṇa gently offers a cushioned seat and prepares a clean bed for two revered elders, whose faces show calm satisfaction. Lamps glow softly as folded cloths, water vessels, and flower garlands signal respectful, daily attendance rather than grand ceremony.","primary_figures":["brāhmaṇa attendant","two mahā-guru elders"],"setting":"Interior of a traditional home with low wooden seat, neatly arranged bed, oil lamps, brass water pot, and a small shrine corner","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["warm amber","cream white","rose madder","indigo shadow","antique gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: brāhmaṇa offering āsana and śayyā to two elders; gold leaf on lamp flames and halos; rich maroon and green textiles; ornate patterns on cushions and bedspread; symmetrical composition with decorative borders and jewel-like detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate indoor scene with delicate architectural lines; soft lamplight and refined expressions; patterned quilts and cushions; gentle gestures of service; cool shadows balanced with warm amber highlights.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; elders seated with dignified calm; attendant arranging bed and seat; warm pigments, stylized lamps, temple-wall framing, characteristic large eyes and patterned garments.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: domestic seva scene framed by lotus-vine borders; central elders on ornate seat with attendant arranging bedding; deep blue background with gold accents, intricate floral filigree, devotional symmetry and calm."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft lamp crackle","distant temple bell","night insects","quiet footsteps","silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: द्वावेतौ = द्वौ + एतौ; शय्यासने = शय्या + आसने (द्वन्द्व, dual locative); महागुरू = महा + गुरू (karmadhāraya); प्रस्वापयति causative from स्वप्.
FAQs
It highlights nitya-dharma expressed as daily, respectful service to revered elders/teachers—ensuring their comfort through proper care and rest.
Yes. It presents devotion as tangible seva: attentive, consistent care for those worthy of reverence, rather than merely verbal praise.
The verse refers to two highly revered elders/teachers (mahāgurū, dual). Their specific identities depend on the surrounding narrative context of Bhūmi-khaṇḍa, Adhyaya 4.