Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 19
The Account of Sukalā: Chastity Overcomes Kāma and an Indra-like Trial
दुर्जयेयं महाप्राज्ञ त्यज पौरुषमात्मनः । पतिकामा महाभागा पतिव्रता सदैव सा
durjayeyaṃ mahāprājña tyaja pauruṣamātmanaḥ | patikāmā mahābhāgā pativratā sadaiva sā
«يا أيها الحكيم العظيم، إنها لا تُقهَر—فاترك اعتدادك بنفسك. تلك المرأة المباركة، الثابتة على عفّة الزوجة (باتيفراتا)، لا ترغب إلا في زوجها.»
Unspecified (context-dependent narrator addressing a “mahāprājña” interlocutor)
Concept: Pativratā-dharma generates invincible spiritual potency; egoistic ‘pौरुष’ (self-assertion) collapses before dharma-tejas.
Application: Practice humility before others’ integrity; restrain pride and coercive impulses; honor commitments and cultivate steadiness in relationships and vows.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A sage-like counselor gestures calmly, urging a proud figure to abandon arrogance as, in the background, a serene pativratā woman sits in quiet resolve, her aura subtly radiant. The composition contrasts brash posture with unshakable stillness, suggesting that true power is moral and inward.","primary_figures":["pativratā woman (unnamed)","mahāprājña interlocutor","narrator/counselor figure"],"setting":"Forest hermitage threshold or a simple household courtyard with a tulasi planter hinted in the corner, emphasizing domestic dharma.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["earthy ochre","leaf green","sandalwood beige","vermillion accent","soft gold aura"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a dignified pativratā seated near a small tulasi pedestal, subtle golden halo around her head, a counselor-sage raising a palm in admonition to a proud man; heavy gold leaf embellishment on jewelry and halo, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, South Indian iconographic symmetry, ornate border motifs.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical courtyard scene with delicate brushwork; the pativratā in simple yet elegant attire, calm face and downcast eyes, a sage advising a prideful figure; cool natural palette, fine floral details, distant hills and trees, refined facial features and soft shading.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and temple-wall aesthetic; the pativratā with large expressive eyes and composed posture, counselor-sage in ochre robes, the proud figure slightly recoiling; red/yellow/green pigments, stylized foliage, rhythmic ornamentation.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central calm pativratā framed by lotus motifs and floral borders; peacocks perched on vines, a small tulasi shrine at the base; deep blues and gold accents, intricate textile-like patterning, devotional stillness emphasized."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","rustling leaves","brief silence between admonitory phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दुर्जया+इयम् → दुर्जयेयम्; पौरुषम्+आत्मनः → पौरुषमात्मनः; सदा+एव → सदैव. Compounds: महा-प्राज्ञ (voc.), पति-कामा, महा-भागा, पति-व्रता.
FAQs
It highlights steadfast marital fidelity and single-minded devotion to one’s spouse as a dharmic ideal, portraying such commitment as morally powerful and spiritually resilient.
It advises giving up ego-driven force or pride when confronting principled virtue; dharma is presented as stronger than coercion or domination.
The verse teaches restraint and humility: do not attempt to overpower someone grounded in virtue; instead, recognize the strength of moral integrity and act without arrogance.