Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 19
The Story of Sukalā
Episode: Ugrasena and Padmāvatī’s Return to Vidarbha
प्रेषितानेन राजेंद्र गता पद्मावती स्वकम् । पूर्वं गृहं सती सा तु महाहर्षेण संकुला
preṣitānena rājeṃdra gatā padmāvatī svakam | pūrvaṃ gṛhaṃ satī sā tu mahāharṣeṇa saṃkulā
أيها الملك، وقد أُرسلت من قِبَله، مضت بادمافاتي العفيفة إلى دارها الأولى، إلى بيتها، وهي غامرة بفرحٍ عظيم.
Unspecified narrator addressing the king (rājendra); broader dialogue context not provided in the excerpt.
Concept: Returning to rightful places and relationships with purity (satī) and joy restores harmony; dharma often culminates in reunion and settled order.
Application: Honor your roots and relationships; when reconciliation or reunion is possible, approach it with integrity and gladness rather than pride.
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Padmāvatī travels in a graceful procession back to her former home, her face luminous with restrained happiness, surrounded by attendants carrying auspicious lamps and flower baskets. At the doorway, family and well-wishers gather, the threshold decorated with lotus garlands, as the air fills with the sweetness of reunion.","primary_figures":["Padmāvatī","attendants","doorkeepers","family members at the threshold"],"setting":"palace street leading to an ancestral mansion; decorated doorway with toranas, rangoli-like patterns, and lotus garlands","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["lotus pink","marigold orange","sapphire blue","white jasmine","gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Padmāvatī in a palanquin or walking under a ceremonial umbrella, richly ornamented with gold leaf highlights; attendants with lamps and flower trays; the home doorway rendered as a gilded arch with lotus motifs; gem-like detailing on jewelry and borders, saturated reds and greens for festive auspiciousness.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a lyrical homecoming procession with delicate faces and soft textiles; pastel architecture, flowering trees, and a welcoming group at the threshold; subtle expressions of joy, refined linework, and gentle morning light.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Padmāvatī centered, stylized eyes and ornate hair; attendants in rhythmic arrangement; doorway with bold floral patterns; warm pigments and strong outlines conveying auspicious movement and ‘mahāharṣa’.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: homecoming framed by lotus borders and peacock corners; Padmāvatī depicted like a central lotus-goddess motif; deep blue ground with gold floral filigree; lamps and garlands create a festive devotional ambience even in a worldly scene."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Khamaj","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["processional drums","women’s ululation (mangal dhvani)","ankle bells","temple bell at the threshold"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्रेषितानेन = प्रेषितेन + अनेन; राजेंद्र = राज + इन्द्र; महाहर्षेण = महा + हर्षेण
FAQs
Padmāvatī is the named character in the verse; she is described as being sent by someone and then going to her former home (her own house) with great joy.
Here “satī” functions as an epithet meaning a virtuous, morally upright woman, emphasizing Padmāvatī’s character rather than introducing a separate figure.
The verse highlights a dharmic tone—right conduct and emotional sincerity—by portraying Padmāvatī as virtuous and wholeheartedly joyful as she returns home, suggesting harmony and auspicious resolution within the narrative.