Shloka 20
The Power of a Chaste Woman: Indra and Kāma Confront Satī’s Radiance
वैश्यस्य भार्यां सुकलां सुपुण्यां सत्येस्थितां धर्मविदां गुणज्ञाम् । इतो हि गत्वा कुरु कार्यमुक्तं साहाय्यरूपं च प्रिये सखे शृणु
vaiśyasya bhāryāṃ sukalāṃ supuṇyāṃ satyesthitāṃ dharmavidāṃ guṇajñām | ito hi gatvā kuru kāryamuktaṃ sāhāyyarūpaṃ ca priye sakhe śṛṇu
«اذهب من هنا إلى زوجة الفيشيا، سوكالَا؛ فهي بالغةُ الفضيلة عظيمةُ الثواب، ثابتةٌ على الحق، عارفةٌ بالدارما ومميِّزةٌ لمحاسن الصفات. فإذا بلغتَها فأتمِم العمل الذي ذكرتُه، وكن عونًا. اسمع يا صديقي الحبيب.»
Unspecified (contextual speaker not provided in the excerpt; likely a dialogue instruction within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa narratives).
Concept: Satya and dharma-jñāna are praised as the true ornaments of household life; virtue is recognized as a spiritual power even within worldly plots.
Application: Seek counsel from the truly dharmic; choose helpers by integrity and discernment rather than status; let truthfulness guide decisions.
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A discreet messenger receives instructions in a refined household courtyard, where Sukalā—serene, modest, and luminous—stands with the quiet authority of dharma. The air feels like a moral test disguised as a social errand, with subtle tension between virtue and persuasion.","primary_figures":["Sukalā (vaiśya’s wife)","the instructing speaker (unseen or partially shown)","a messenger/friend figure"],"setting":"Earthly city home with inner courtyard, tulasi-vṛndāvana hinted at in the corner, carved pillars, water pot and lamps suggesting domestic sanctity.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","deep maroon","lamp-flame gold","leaf green","pearl white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a dignified domestic courtyard scene with Sukalā portrayed as a virtuous householder-woman, halo-like glow, gold leaf embellishment on jewelry and lamp flames, rich reds and greens, ornate pillars, a small tulasi-vṛndāvana at the edge, traditional South Indian iconographic serenity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: an intimate courtyard with delicate brushwork, soft architectural lines, Sukalā with refined facial features and downcast compassionate eyes, cool pastel palette with lyrical naturalism, a small garden corner and water vessel, subtle narrative tension in gestures.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, natural pigments, Sukalā centered with large expressive eyes, warm red/yellow/green palette, stylized courtyard motifs, lamp and floral borders, dignified stillness conveying dharma.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: domestic sanctity rendered with lotus motifs and ornate floral borders, peacocks perched on parapets, deep blues and gold accents, Sukalā framed like a devotional figure near a tulasi planter, intricate textile-like patterning."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft anklet chime","distant temple bell","courtyard silence","low murmurs of counsel"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: satyesthitāṃ = satye + sthitāṃ (Aluk); kāryamuktaṃ = kāryam + uktam
FAQs
Sukalā is identified as the Vaiśya’s wife, praised as highly pious, truthful, and knowledgeable in dharma—indicating a morally exemplary character within the narrative.
The verse highlights satya (truthfulness) and dharma-jñāna (knowledge of righteous conduct), presenting them as defining virtues worthy of respect and reliance.
The speaker instructs someone to go to Sukalā and accomplish an already-stated task, explicitly asking the person to serve in a supportive, helping role.