Shloka 14
The Account of Sukalā (within the Vena Episode): Truth-Power and the Testing of a Devoted Wife
विष्णुरुवाच । आकर्ण्य वाक्यं तु मनोभवस्य एतामसाध्यां तव कामजाने । धैर्यं समुद्यम्य च पुण्यदेहां पुण्येन पुण्यां बहुपुण्यचाराम्
viṣṇuruvāca | ākarṇya vākyaṃ tu manobhavasya etāmasādhyāṃ tava kāmajāne | dhairyaṃ samudyamya ca puṇyadehāṃ puṇyena puṇyāṃ bahupuṇyacārām
Viṣṇu dit : Ayant entendu les paroles de Manobhava (Kāma), ô Kāmajāne, et comprenant que cette tâche t’était difficile, elle, au corps sacré, rassembla son courage ; et par son mérite devint plus méritante encore, dont la conduite était riche de maintes œuvres de vertu.
Vishnu
Concept: Punya (merit) and steadfast courage grounded in virtue make one ‘unassailable’; dharmic conduct increases spiritual potency.
Application: When facing intimidation, strengthen inner discipline—truthfulness, fidelity to vows, prayer—and let virtue be your armor.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Vishnu speaks with calm authority, his face serene, as the scene shifts from threat to the quiet strength of a holy woman. She stands composed, hands in a modest gesture of resolve, surrounded by a soft aura that grows brighter with each act of virtue, while Kama/Manobhava’s restless energy lingers at the edge like a fading flame.","primary_figures":["Vishnu","virtuous woman (pativrata)","Manobhava (Kāma) (referenced presence)"],"setting":"A tranquil grove near a small shrine; Vishnu in divine space addressing the narrative; the woman in the earthly foreground embodying steadfastness.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance softening into peaceful glow","color_palette":["lotus pink","sapphire blue","soft gold","jasmine white","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Vishnu narrating with conch and discus, gold leaf halo and ornate crown; the pativrata woman in graceful posture with a luminous aureole; subtle depiction of Kama at the margin with bow lowered; rich reds/greens, gem-studded ornaments, embossed gold borders emphasizing sanctity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: serene grove with flowering trees; Vishnu’s calm, compassionate gaze; the woman’s quiet courage shown through gentle stance and refined facial expression; cool greens and blues, delicate brushwork, lyrical naturalism and soft sky wash.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Vishnu with characteristic large eyes and elaborate jewelry; the woman framed by a mandala-like aura; Kama as a stylized figure with floral bow; bold outlines, natural pigments, temple-wall composition with red/yellow/green dominance.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Vishnu-centered composition with lotus motifs; the virtuous woman near a floral border suggesting ever-increasing punya; peacocks and cows as auspicious witnesses; deep blue ground with gold highlights, intricate Nathdwara-style ornamentation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","tanpura drone","gentle birdsong","leaf rustle","conch held back as a distant resonance"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विष्णुरुवाच = विष्णुः + उवाच; एतामसाध्याम् = एताम् + असाध्याम्; (मनोभवस्य एताम्) sandhi yields manobhavasya etām; compounds: मनोभव (मनस्+भव), पुण्यदेहा, बहुपुण्यचारा.
FAQs
Manobhava is an epithet of Kāma, the deity of desire/love, literally “he who arises in the mind.”
The verse highlights dhairya (steadfast courage) sustained by puṇya (merit/virtuous conduct), portraying virtue as a force that enables one to face difficult aims.
Even when a task seems hard to achieve, one should summon inner steadiness and rely on righteous conduct; virtue strengthens and elevates the person undertaking the challenge.