Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 52
The Deeds of Cyavana
in the Context of Guru-tirtha Glorification
महापातकनाशार्थे चत्वारोमितविक्रमाः । उपपातकनाशार्थं चत्वारोमितविक्रमाः
mahāpātakanāśārthe catvāromitavikramāḥ | upapātakanāśārthaṃ catvāromitavikramāḥ
مہاپاتک (بڑے گناہوں) کے ناس کے لیے چار ناپے ہوئے قدم مقرر ہیں؛ اور اُپپاتک (چھوٹے گناہوں) کے ناس کے لیے بھی چار ناپے ہوئے قدم ہی مقرر ہیں۔
Unspecified (narratorial/teaching voice within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa context)
Concept: Expiation is structured: moral disorder is addressed through disciplined, measurable practice rather than vague sentiment.
Application: When correcting mistakes, adopt concrete, repeatable disciplines (daily japa count, fixed charity, consistent restraint) rather than relying on intention alone.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A pilgrim stands at a sacred ford, taking deliberate, counted steps along a marked path of lotus-stones—each step glowing as if erasing a layer of darkness from the air. Above, a subtle vision of Vāmana/Trivikrama appears in the clouds, suggesting that ‘measure’ is divine order made walkable for humans.","primary_figures":["Pilgrim devotee","Sage-priest instructing counts","Subtle cloud-vision of Vāmana/Trivikrama (Viṣṇu)"],"setting":"Riverbank tīrtha with stone ghāṭa and a pradakṣiṇā path indicated by carved footprints and lotus markers.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["warm sandstone","lotus pink","aqua blue","soft gold","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu as Trivikrama in a small upper register with gold-leaf aura; below, a pilgrim taking four luminous steps on lotus-embossed stones near a river ghāṭa; rich reds and greens, ornate borders, embossed gold footprints marking the counted strides, traditional iconographic clarity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: gentle riverbank scene with a priest counting on fingers while the pilgrim steps along a lotus-stone path; faint Trivikrama vision in pale clouds; cool, refined palette and delicate brushwork emphasizing calm discipline.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized footprints and lotus markers in rhythmic sequence; pilgrim and guru in profile with bold outlines; Trivikrama motif above with strong reds/yellows/greens, mural border of wave patterns and mantra bands.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: decorative sequence of four glowing footprints repeated in a patterned band; central pilgrim figure near a stylized confluence; ornate floral borders, deep blue ground with gold highlights, devotional geometry turning ‘counted steps’ into a sacred textile rhythm."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["counted breath","soft water lapping","single handbell","quiet mantra undertone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: महापातकनाशार्थे = महापातक + नाश + अर्थे; उपपातकनाशार्थं = उपपातक + नाश + अर्थम्; चत्वारोमितविक्रमाः = चत्वारः + मितविक्रमाः (सन्धिः: अः + म् → ओ)।
FAQs
Mahāpātakas are major, highly grievous sins, while upapātakas are lesser or subsidiary transgressions; the verse contrasts these two categories of wrongdoing.
It indicates a regulated ritual act involving a set number of controlled steps/strides, presented here as a prāyaścitta (expiatory) practice aimed at removing sin.
It underscores accountability and remediation: wrongdoing is acknowledged in graded categories, and disciplined corrective practice is prescribed rather than denial or fatalism.