Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 37
The Glory of the Vāsudeva Hymn: Boons, Japa across the Yugas, and Ascent to Vaikuṇṭha
कलौ युगे सुसंप्राप्ते स्तोत्रे दास्यं प्रयास्यति । वेदभंगप्रसंगेन यस्य कस्य न दीयते
kalau yuge susaṃprāpte stotre dāsyaṃ prayāsyati | vedabhaṃgaprasaṃgena yasya kasya na dīyate
جب کلی یگ پوری طرح آ پہنچے گا تو سچا ستوتر غلامی میں جا پڑے گا؛ اور ‘وید توڑنے’ کے بہانے اسے ہر کسی کو نہیں دیا جائے گا۔
Unspecified (context not provided for the dialogue frame in this single-verse excerpt)
Concept: In Kali-yuga, genuine stotra tradition becomes constrained; fear of ‘Veda-breaking’ becomes a pretext for withholding teachings from the unqualified.
Application: Seek teachings through authentic lineages and cultivate qualification: humility, ethical conduct, and steadiness; avoid both extremes—careless dissemination and gatekeeping driven by pride.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dim, dust-laden hall of learning in Kali-yuga: manuscripts are chained or wrapped, while a true hymn appears as a luminous scroll bound by dark cords labeled ‘Veda-bhaṅga’—symbolizing forced servitude. A sorrowful sage looks on as unworthy seekers argue at the doorway, and the light of sacred sound flickers like a threatened lamp.","primary_figures":["a sage/ācārya guarding stotra knowledge","personified Kali (subtle shadow)","seekers (mixed worthy/unworthy)"],"setting":"Ancient library/paṭhaśālā with palm-leaf manuscripts, fading murals, and a small altar lamp; atmosphere of decline.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["smoky gray","lamp gold","ink black","faded saffron","dull teal"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: allegorical Kali-yuga scene—an ācārya seated with manuscripts, a luminous stotra-scroll partially bound by dark cords; gold leaf used sparingly to show the threatened sacred radiance, heavy ornamental borders contrasting with the theme of decline, stylized figures of disputing seekers at the threshold.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: melancholic paṭhaśālā at night with a single oil lamp; delicate rendering of palm-leaf bundles and a sage’s pensive face; a shadowy Kali figure in the corner; cool blues and grays, fine brushwork, lyrical but sorrow-tinged composition.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: symbolic composition with bold outlines—Kali as a dark curling form behind the manuscript shelf; the stotra depicted as a glowing script panel; strong red/yellow/green palette muted by gray washes, temple-wall allegory, expressive eyes conveying concern.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative border of withering lotuses and broken veena motifs to signify decline; central medallion of a glowing stotra-scroll constrained by patterned cords; deep indigo ground with restrained gold, intricate floral borders turned somber, peacocks rendered in muted tones."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low drum pulse","wind through corridors","distant bell","pages rustling"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वेदभङ्ग + प्रसङ्गेन → वेदभङ्गप्रसङ्गेन (समास/सन्धि); भङ्ग (IAST bhaṃga)
FAQs
It suggests that in Kali-yuga, genuine stotra becomes subordinated—handled with dependence, restriction, or lowered integrity—rather than being upheld as a free, elevating spiritual practice.
It indicates a situation where people cite the fear or accusation of “violating the Veda” as a pretext, leading to withholding or restricting the transmission/teaching of the stotra.
It cautions against misusing scriptural authority to control or suppress sincere devotion and learning, especially during periods of moral and religious decline.