Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 16
The Deeds of Sukalā (Vena Episode): Husband as Tīrtha & Pativratā-Dharma
तत्फलं समवाप्नोति सेवया भर्तुरेव हि । गयादीनां सुतीर्थानां यात्रां कृत्वा हि यद्भवेत्
tatphalaṃ samavāpnoti sevayā bhartureva hi | gayādīnāṃ sutīrthānāṃ yātrāṃ kṛtvā hi yadbhavet
إنها تنالُ ذلك الثمرَ بعينه بخدمةِ زوجِها وحدها؛ وهو نفسُ الثوابِ الذي ينشأُ من القيامِ برحلاتِ الحجّ إلى التيـرثاتِ الفاضلة مثل گايا (Gayā).
Unspecified (narrative voice not provided in the input excerpt)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तत्फलं = तत् + फलं (त् + फ → त्फ). भर्तुरेव = भर्तुः + एव (विसर्ग-लोप). यद्भवेत् = यत् + भवेत् (त् + भ → द्भ).
FAQs
It equates the merit of pilgrimages to famed tīrthas (e.g., Gayā) with the merit gained through devoted service (sevā) within household dharma, emphasizing inner discipline over physical travel.
By presenting sincere service (sevā) as spiritually efficacious, the verse highlights devotion expressed through everyday duty, not only through formal rites or journeys.
The verse teaches that consistent, faithful responsibility in one’s immediate role—here framed as service to one’s spouse—can be spiritually transformative and equivalent to celebrated religious acts.