Shloka 14
The Sukalā Account in the Vena Episode: Krikala, Pilgrimage, and the Primacy of Wifely-Dharma
पुण्या सती यस्य गेहे वर्तते सत्यतत्परा । तत्र यज्ञाश्च गावश्च ऋषयस्तत्र नान्यथा
puṇyā satī yasya gehe vartate satyatatparā | tatra yajñāśca gāvaśca ṛṣayastatra nānyathā
في البيت الذي تقيم فيه زوجةٌ فاضلةٌ عفيفة، مخلصةٌ للحقّ، تكون هناك حقّاً القرابينُ (yajña) والأبقارُ والريشيون (ṛṣis)؛ ولا يكون الأمرُ على غير ذلك.
Unspecified (context-dependent within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa narrative dialogue)
Concept: Where satya and satī-dharma abide, the fruits of yajña, go-sevā, and ṛṣi-sannidhya are naturally present; virtue generates a complete sacred ecosystem.
Application: Make truth non-negotiable in speech and dealings; support life-giving values (care, generosity, protection of the vulnerable—symbolized by cows); welcome wise counsel and spiritual study into the home.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A truth-centered home appears like a small āśrama: a sacred fire burns steadily, a gentle cow stands near a feeding trough, and visiting sages sit on kusa mats reciting softly. The virtuous wife, calm and radiant, offers water and flowers, making hospitality itself look like yajña.","primary_figures":["Satī wife devoted to truth","Ṛṣis (visiting sages)","Cow (gauḥ)","Householder (optional)"],"setting":"Courtyard-āśrama hybrid with a small yajña-kuṇḍa, kusa mats, water pot, and simple shrine corner","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["smoke-gray","saffron orange","leaf green","cow-cream white","copper brown"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: domestic courtyard with a bright yajña fire in a small kuṇḍa, a serene cow adorned with a simple garland, sages seated chanting; the satī offers arghya; gold leaf flames and halos, rich reds/greens, ornate borders, traditional South Indian detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: gentle naturalism—sages on kusa mats, soft firelight, cow rendered tenderly; delicate brushwork, cool greens and warm saffron, refined faces, lyrical domestic-āśrama atmosphere.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; central yajña fire, cow in profile, sages symmetrically placed; the satī in offering posture; natural pigments with strong reds/yellows/greens, temple-wall composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate floral border with lotus and vine motifs; central scene of yajña fire and cow, sages as devotional figures; deep blue ground with gold accents, intricate patterns suggesting sacred abundance and satya."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["crackling sacred fire","low Vedic chant drone","cow bell (soft)","rustling leaves","gentle bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सत्यतत्परा = सत्य + तत्परा; यज्ञाश्च = यज्ञाः + च; गावश्च = गावः + च; ऋषयस्तत्र = ऋषयः + तत्र; नान्यथा = न + अन्यथा.
FAQs
It teaches that a household grounded in truth and anchored by a virtuous, truthful spouse becomes spiritually potent—symbolically equivalent to hosting yajña (sacrifice), go-sevā (cows), and ṛṣis (sages).
They represent the pillars of dharmic life: yajña (sacred duty and offering), cows (nourishment, charity, and purity), and sages (wisdom and sanctifying presence). The verse says these are naturally present where truth-based domestic virtue prevails.
It emphasizes satya (truthfulness) and moral integrity in the home, suggesting that inner virtue creates an environment as sacred as external rituals, charity, and learned company.