Shloka 76
The Account and Merit of Śivadūtī
with the Nāga-tīrtha at Puṣkara
पप्रच्छ विस्मयाद्देवी प्रोत्फुल्लांबुजलोचना । पृष्ठतो वो न पश्यामि भयं किंचिदुपागतम्
papraccha vismayāddevī protphullāṃbujalocanā | pṛṣṭhato vo na paśyāmi bhayaṃ kiṃcidupāgatam
پھولے ہوئے کنول جیسی آنکھوں والی دیوی نے تعجب سے پوچھا: “میں تمہارے پیچھے سے کوئی خوفناک چیز آتی نہیں دیکھتی؛ پھر یہ کیسا خوف تم پر آ پڑا ہے؟”
Devī (the Goddess)
Concept: In the presence of the divine, fear is questioned rather than amplified; clarity begins with honest inquiry.
Application: When anxious, pause and ask: ‘What exactly is threatening me?’ Naming the fear reduces its power and opens the way to prayerful action.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: mountain
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The Devī turns toward the arriving gods with lotus-bloom eyes—wide, luminous, and curious—her fierce aura softened into attentive compassion. The devas, still breathless, stand in a semicircle as her calm question cuts through the noise of panic like a bell in clear air.","primary_figures":["Devī (lotus-eyed)","Deva-gaṇa","Indra (Śakra)"],"setting":"Mountain shrine terrace with lotus motifs carved in stone; incense smoke curling upward; distant storm clouds receding.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance with gentle dawn undertones","color_palette":["lotus pink","soft gold","pearl white","sky blue","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: close, intimate composition—Devī with large lotus eyes and gold-leaf halo, right hand in gentle questioning gesture; Devas arranged respectfully; rich reds/greens with embossed gold ornaments; temple pillars with lotus carvings and decorative borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: serene mountain terrace scene with delicate facial expressions; Devī’s lotus eyes emphasized with fine linework; pale dawn sky; Devas in soft pastel garments; lyrical naturalism and airy spacing.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Devī frontal with expressive wide eyes, warm yellow-red palette; Devas in profile rows; stylized lotus patterns on the floor; bold outlines and temple-wall symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Devī centered amid lotus medallions and floral borders; deep blue background with gold highlights; Devas as smaller figures below; intricate textile-like patterning and ornamental framing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["single temple bell","soft conch","incense crackle","mountain breeze","brief silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विस्मयाद्देवी = विस्मयात् + देवी; प्रोत्फुल्लांबुजलोचना = प्रोत्फुल्ल + अम्बुज + लोचना; किंचिदुपागतम् = किंचित् + उपागतम्।
FAQs
Devī, surprised, addresses others (plural “vaḥ”) and remarks that she does not perceive any danger approaching them from behind.
It is a traditional epithet expressing beauty, serenity, and auspiciousness, while also highlighting her attentive, discerning gaze in the dialogue.
It underscores vigilance and clear perception: fear should be grounded in what is truly present, not assumed—an invitation to examine danger (or anxiety) with discernment.