Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 17
The Glory of the Mother-and-Father Tīrtha
Within the Vena Episode
समागताः समाहूता नाना विद्याधरास्तथा । सुकर्माणं ततः प्रोचुर्देवाश्चाग्निपुरोगमाः
samāgatāḥ samāhūtā nānā vidyādharāstathā | sukarmāṇaṃ tataḥ procurdevāścāgnipurogamāḥ
یوں بلائے گئے بہت سے وِدیادھر جمع ہو گئے؛ اور آگنی کی قیادت میں دیوتاؤں نے پھر سُکرمَان سے خطاب کیا۔
Narratorial voice (contextual speaker not explicit in this single verse)
Concept: Truth and right action are strengthened when confirmed in the presence of qualified witnesses and higher principles.
Application: Before concluding a contentious matter, gather perspectives from competent, impartial sources; let clarity arise through orderly dialogue.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"From multiple directions, Vidyādharas glide in on shimmering aerial paths, carrying garlands and manuscripts of vidyā, forming a ring around Sukarmā. Agni-led devas descend like a disciplined procession, and the moment freezes as they begin to speak—an atmosphere of solemn verification and mystic grandeur.","primary_figures":["Sukarmā","Agni","assembled devas","Vidyādharas"],"setting":"A sky-court above an earthly threshold—cloud terraces, faint pillars of light, and a central speaking space like a mandapa in the air.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sunrise gold","pearl white","vermillion","lapis lazuli","smoky gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a grand celestial mandapa with gold leaf pillars; Vidyādharas in ornate jewelry forming a semicircle, Agni at the head of the deva procession; Sukarmā centered below receiving their address; rich reds/greens, embossed halos, symmetrical iconography.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate cloud-banks and pale dawn gradients; Vidyādharas with flowing scarves and fine ornaments; Agni’s flame aura softly rendered; refined faces, gentle movement lines, cool palette with warm highlights.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stacked registers—Vidyādharas above, Sukarmā below, Agni prominent; bold outlines, stylized flame motifs, temple-wall composition with red/yellow/green dominance.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: circular floral border framing a celestial assembly; Vidyādharas as decorative aerial figures among lotuses; Agni as radiant center; intricate patterning, deep blues with gold and vermillion accents."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["wind through clouds","soft cymbals","temple bells","distant conch","murmur of a celestial crowd"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्रोचुर्देवाश्चाग्निपुरोगमाः → प्रोचुः देवाः च अग्नि-पुरोगमाः.
FAQs
Vidyādharas are celestial beings often portrayed as bearers of vidyā (knowledge) and magical attainments; they appear in Purāṇic and epic literature as members of divine assemblies.
Agni frequently functions as a chief divine representative—especially in contexts of ritual, mediation, and proclamation—so describing the devas as ‘Agni-led’ signals his prominence in the delegation or assembly.
It sets the scene of a formal divine gathering: summoned celestial groups assemble and then collectively address a central figure (Sukarmāṇa), indicating an impending instruction, request, or decree.