Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 46
Sukalā’s Narrative (within the Vena Episode): Varāha, Ikṣvāku, and the Dharma of Battle
अनेकैर्भटसाहस्रैर्वने तं समरे स्थितम् । दिक्षु सर्वासु संहत्य बिभिदुः शूकरं रणे
anekairbhaṭasāhasrairvane taṃ samare sthitam | dikṣu sarvāsu saṃhatya bibhiduḥ śūkaraṃ raṇe
جنگل میں ہزاروں سپاہی—ہر سمت سے اکٹھے ہو کر—میدانِ جنگ میں ڈٹے ہوئے اس سور پر ٹوٹ پڑے اور اسے چھید ڈالا۔
Unspecified narrator (context not provided in the excerpt)
Concept: Overwhelming numbers and coordinated directionality can threaten even a steadfast opponent; steadfastness is tested under pressure.
Application: When surrounded by pressures from ‘all directions,’ maintain inner steadiness; assess threats systematically rather than reacting blindly.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a dense forest arena, thousands of soldiers pour in from the four quarters, forming a tightening ring around a massive boar standing its ground. Spears and arrows flash through shafts of light between trees as the encirclement closes, the boar’s bristled silhouette unyielding amid the storm of weapons.","primary_figures":["the boar (śūkara)","massed soldiers"],"setting":"thick forest with a central clearing, trees scarred by weapons, dust and leaf-litter churned by feet","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["dark umber","moss green","blood red","steel blue","ashen white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central monumental boar with stylized bristles and ornamented harness, surrounded by concentric ranks of soldiers from all directions, gold-leaf highlights on weapons and borders, rich reds/greens, dramatic symmetry like a mandala of battle.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: forest rendered with fine foliage and layered hills, soldiers converging in elegant arcs, the boar poised in the center, delicate depiction of arrows mid-flight, cool greens and browns with bright vermilion accents.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, flattened forest backdrop, rhythmic repetition of soldiers, the boar enlarged and iconic at center, strong red-yellow-green palette, dynamic diagonals of spears and arrows.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a circular composition with floral borders, the boar centered like a narrative medallion, surrounding soldiers stylized, lotus and vine motifs intertwining with weapon patterns, deep indigo background with gold detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["arrow volleys","shouts","rustling leaves","drums"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अनेकैर्भटसाहस्रैर्वने = अनेकैः + भटसाहस्रैः + वने; दिक्षु सर्वासु; बिभिदुः शूकरं रणे (no further sandhi).
FAQs
From this verse alone, it is not explicit. “Śūkara” can mean a literal boar, but in Purāṇic contexts it can also allude to the Varāha motif; confirmation requires the surrounding verses of Adhyaya 43.
A large force of warriors assembles from all directions and collectively attacks, striking/piercing the boar that is standing its ground in battle.
It emphasizes the intensity of conflict and the idea of steadfastness under assault (“standing firm in battle”), a common Purāṇic-epic motif that frames courage and endurance.