Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 21
The Sukalā Account in the Vena Episode: Krikala, Pilgrimage, and the Primacy of Wifely-Dharma
भार्याहीनस्य पुंसोपि न सिध्यति महाव्रतम् । धर्मकर्माणि सर्वाणि पुण्यानि विविधानि च
bhāryāhīnasya puṃsopi na sidhyati mahāvratam | dharmakarmāṇi sarvāṇi puṇyāni vividhāni ca
স্ত্রীহীন পুরুষের মহাব্রতও সিদ্ধ হয় না। তদ্রূপ তার সকল ধর্মকর্ম এবং নানাবিধ পুণ্যকর্মও পূর্ণতা লাভ করে না।
Unspecified (narratorial instruction within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa context)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पुंसोपि → पुंसः अपि; भार्याहीनस्य = भार्या-हीनस्य (षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष)
FAQs
No. It emphasizes that certain “mahāvratas” and household-based rites are traditionally structured around the gṛhastha (householder) framework, where wife and husband jointly perform ritual duties.
The verse highlights the ideal of shared religious responsibility in household life—many rites and vows are conceived as being completed through the partnership of husband and wife.
It underscores interdependence and responsibility: dharma is not only personal austerity but also relational duty, cooperation, and sustaining righteous life through family obligations.