Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 125
Pitṛmātṛtīrtha Greatness & the Discourse on Embodiment: Karma, Birth, Impurity, and Dispassion
विविधा व्याधयस्तत्र सर्पाद्याः प्राणिनस्तथा । विषाणि चाभिचाराश्च मृत्योर्द्वाराणि देहिनाम्
vividhā vyādhayastatra sarpādyāḥ prāṇinastathā | viṣāṇi cābhicārāśca mṛtyordvārāṇi dehinām
وہاں طرح طرح کی بیماریاں، سانپ وغیرہ جیسے جاندار، نیز زہر اور ابھچار (جادو ٹونا)—یہ سب جسم دھاریوں کے لیے موت کے دروازے ہیں۔
Unspecified (narratorial voice within the Adhyāya context)
Concept: Embodied life has many ‘doors’ to death—disease, animals, toxins, and hostile rites—so one should live carefully and seek higher protection.
Application: Adopt practical safety (health, hygiene, caution with wildlife/poisons) and spiritual safeguards (ethical living, prayer, charity, mantra) without paranoia.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A symbolic ‘gate’ to death stands in the center, split into four archways: one filled with feverish shadows (disease), one with coiled serpents, one with a swirling poison cloud, and one with ominous ritual effigies representing sorcery. A small human figure stands before the gate holding a lamp of discernment, while a sage gestures toward the path of refuge beyond the arches.","primary_figures":["an embodied human (dehin)","a guiding sage","serpents (nāga/sarpa)","personified disease spirits (symbolic)"],"setting":"Allegorical landscape: a crossroads between a dark forest and a clear path leading to a distant temple silhouette, indicating choice and refuge.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["charcoal black","emerald green","toxic yellow-green","crimson","radiant gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: allegorical gateway with four panels (disease, serpents, poison, sorcery) surrounding a central devotee holding a lamp; sage pointing toward a distant Viṣṇu temple; gold leaf on the lamp flame, temple outline, and halos; rich reds/greens, ornate borders, gem-like detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined allegory at a forest crossroads; serpents delicately painted, poison as translucent wash, sorcery as small effigies; a sage and traveler rendered with gentle expressions; cool palette with lyrical naturalism and distant hills.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold segmented composition like a temple panel; four danger-arches in strong colors; central figure with lamp; sage with iconic eyes; natural pigments and thick outlines, mural-like symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate floral border with lotus and peacock motifs; central gateway motif stylized; dangers rendered as decorative yet ominous patterns; deep blues and gold, with a distant shrine and subtle śaṅkha-cakra motifs implying divine protection."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["thunder rumble","hissing wind","conch shell","temple bells","forest insects"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vyādhayastatra = vyādhayaḥ + tatra; cābhicārāḥ = ca + abhicārāḥ; abhicārāśca = abhicārāḥ + ca; mṛtyordvārāṇi = mṛtyoḥ + dvārāṇi
FAQs
It presents common causes that lead embodied beings toward death—illness, dangerous creatures (like snakes), toxins, and harmful practices—framing them as entry-points through which mortality manifests in worldly life.
The verse groups physical threats (disease, venom, poison) with socially and spiritually conceived threats (abhicāra), reflecting a worldview where suffering and danger can be understood as arising from both material and ritual-ethical domains.
It underscores the fragility of embodied life and encourages vigilance and right conduct—avoiding harmful actions, recognizing dangers, and cultivating protective, life-supporting habits in a world where multiple factors can precipitate death.