Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 18
Dialogue of Gobhila and Padmāvatī: Daitya Obstruction vs. the Power of Pativratā Dharma
नित्यमादेशकारी यः पश्चात्तिष्ठति चाग्रतः । स भृत्यः कथ्यते देवि पुण्यभागी न संशयः
nityamādeśakārī yaḥ paścāttiṣṭhati cāgrataḥ | sa bhṛtyaḥ kathyate devi puṇyabhāgī na saṃśayaḥ
Ô Déesse, celui qui exécute sans cesse les ordres—se tenant derrière et aussi devant, en service—est appelé un véritable serviteur ; il partage le mérite, sans aucun doute.
Unspecified (addressing Devī/Parvatī)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नित्यम्+आदेशकारी→नित्यमादेशकारी; च+अग्रतः→चाग्रतः
FAQs
A true servant is one who consistently executes instructions and remains attentively present—both behind and in front—ready to support.
Because sincere service and faithful fulfillment of duty are treated as dharmic acts that generate spiritual merit (puṇya).
It emphasizes reliability, attentiveness, and dutiful service as virtues—showing that integrity in one’s role is spiritually meaningful.