Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 59
The Glory of Guru-Tīrtha: The Guru as Supreme Pilgrimage
Prelude: Cyavana and the Parable Cycle
तस्या विवाहकाले तु संप्राप्ते समये नृप । मृतोसौ चित्रसेनस्तु कालधर्मेण वै किल
tasyā vivāhakāle tu saṃprāpte samaye nṛpa | mṛtosau citrasenastu kāladharmeṇa vai kila
Tâu Đại vương, khi đến đúng kỳ hạn cử hành hôn lễ của nàng, Citrasena quả thật đã qua đời, theo pháp tắc tất yếu của Thời gian (Kāla).
Unspecified narrator addressing the king (nṛpa) within the chapter’s dialogue context
Concept: Kāla (Time) is irresistible; worldly auspiciousness can be overturned instantly, urging reliance on dharma and remembrance of the Divine.
Application: Hold plans lightly; cultivate daily devotion and ethical steadiness so that sudden change does not destroy inner balance.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The wedding pavilion stands adorned, yet a chilling stillness falls as messengers and priests freeze mid-ritual—Citrasena lies lifeless, garlands slipping from his chest. The sacred fire flickers low, and the bride’s ornaments gleam against a sudden shadow of impermanence.","primary_figures":["Citrasena (deceased)","the princess (bride)","Divodāsa","brāhmaṇa priests","messengers/attendants"],"setting":"Wedding maṇḍapa with fire altar, scattered flowers, halted ritual trays, stunned onlookers.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["ashen grey","wilted marigold","deep crimson","smoky violet","pale gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a halted royal wedding scene—ornate maṇḍapa, sacred fire dimming, Citrasena shown peacefully fallen with garland askew; gold leaf still glitters on jewelry and pillars, creating poignant contrast; rich reds subdued by smoky overlays, expressive yet dignified faces, symbolic Kāla presence suggested by a darkened corner and fading lamp.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate, tragic tableau—bride’s wide eyes, priests pausing with ladles, flowers scattered; cool night palette with soft gradients, refined sorrowful expressions, minimal bloodless depiction emphasizing anityatā; a thin crescent moon above palace roofline.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized grief; central figure of Citrasena reclined, attendants in frozen gestures, fire altar with reduced flames; red-yellow-green palette tempered with dark indigo background, large eyes conveying karuṇa.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ceremonial pavilion with ornate floral borders now drooping; lotus motifs interwoven with darker vines to signify impermanence; deep blue ground with gold highlights, peacocks subdued, the sacred fire rendered as a small glowing lotus-flame at center."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["sudden silence","faint crackle of fire","distant wail","low temple bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: मृतोसौ = मृतः + असौ; चित्रसेनस्तु = चित्रसेनः + तु.
FAQs
The verse explicitly addresses a king (“nṛpa”), but the specific identity depends on the surrounding chapter’s dialogue frame; this line functions as a narrative report to the royal listener.
It means “by the law/nature of Time,” i.e., death occurs as an inevitable consequence of Time’s order—an expression of mortality as a universal principle.
The verse underscores impermanence: even at auspicious life-moments (like marriage), worldly plans can be overturned by Time, encouraging detachment and readiness for life’s uncertainties.