Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 109
The Episode of Vena: Purification, the ‘Vāsudevābhidhā’ Hymn, and the Dharma of Charity
Times, Tīrthas, Worthy Recipients
यस्मै देयं सुदानं च श्रद्धापूतैर्महात्मभिः । ब्राह्मणं सुकुलोपेतं वेदाध्ययनतत्परम्
yasmai deyaṃ sudānaṃ ca śraddhāpūtairmahātmabhiḥ | brāhmaṇaṃ sukulopetaṃ vedādhyayanatatparam
Bậc đại tâm, được thanh tịnh bởi śraddhā, nên dâng những bố thí thù thắng cho vị brāhmaṇa thuộc dòng tộc tốt đẹp, chuyên cần học tụng Veda.
Unspecified in the provided excerpt (context needed to identify the dialogue frame, e.g., Pulastya–Bhīṣma).
Concept: Sāttvika dāna: gifts offered with faith to a qualified, Veda-devoted brāhmaṇa become 'sudāna' and yield elevated merit.
Application: Support genuine learning and teaching; give respectfully to those who live by what they study; prioritize integrity and service over mere status.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A learned brāhmaṇa sits calmly with sacred thread and palm-leaf manuscripts, eyes lowered in humility, while noble donors approach with offerings held in both hands. The air feels purified by faith—incense smoke rises like a visible form of śraddhā, and the gift exchange appears as a ritual crossing from greed to generosity.","primary_figures":["qualified brāhmaṇa (sukula, vedādhyayana-tatpara)","noble-hearted donors (mahātmabhis)"],"setting":"A simple hermitage veranda or temple courtyard with manuscripts, kuśa grass, and a small fire-altar nearby.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["ochre","ash white","copper brown","leaf green","sky blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central brāhmaṇa with gold leaf halo-like aura of purity, seated with palm-leaf Veda; donors in rich but restrained attire offering a golden vessel; ornate border, embossed gold details on manuscripts and vessels, warm reds/greens balanced by austere whites.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: quiet āśrama scene with delicate foliage; brāhmaṇa reading, donors approaching respectfully; fine textile patterns, soft natural light, lyrical composition emphasizing humility and faith.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: brāhmaṇa and donors in stylized poses; bold outlines, ritual objects simplified into iconic forms; warm earthy palette with green accents; emphasis on sacred thread and manuscripts.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional charity tableau framed by lotus vines; symmetrical donors, central seated brāhmaṇa; intricate floral borders, peacocks at corners; deep blue background with gold and white highlights to suggest śraddhā-purity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"didactic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft Vedic chant undertone","rustle of palm leaves","gentle wind through trees","single bell strike at 'śraddhā'"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: श्रद्धापूतैर्महात्मभिः → श्रद्धापूतैः + महात्मभिः; सुकुलोपेतं → सुकुल + उपेतम्; वेदाध्ययनतत्परम् (समास) = वेद + अध्ययन + तत्पर।
FAQs
The verse highlights a brāhmaṇa of good lineage (sukulopeta) who is devoted to Vedic study (vedādhyayanatatpara) as a worthy recipient.
The giver’s inner disposition matters: gifts are to be offered by noble persons whose act is “purified by faith” (śraddhāpūta), indicating sincerity and reverence.
It teaches discernment and integrity in charity: give generously, but also thoughtfully—supporting learning and dharma through worthy recipients and a faithful intention.