Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 25
The Account of Sukalā (within the Vena Episode): Truth-Power and the Testing of a Devoted Wife
एवं विचार्यैव तदा महासती सत्याख्यरज्ज्वा दृढबद्धचेतना । गृहं स्वकीयं प्रविवेश सा तदा तत्तस्यभावं नियमेन वेत्तुम्
evaṃ vicāryaiva tadā mahāsatī satyākhyarajjvā dṛḍhabaddhacetanā | gṛhaṃ svakīyaṃ praviveśa sā tadā tattasyabhāvaṃ niyamena vettum
Setelah merenung demikian, sang mahāsatī—dengan batin terikat kukuh oleh tali bernama Satya (Kebenaran)—lalu memasuki rumahnya sendiri, bertekad mengetahui keadaan sejatinya dengan pasti menurut aturan.
Narrator (third-person narration within the Padma Purana’s Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Satya is a binding discipline (like a rope) that steadies the mind; discernment and measured inquiry reveal reality without being swayed by passion or rumor.
Application: Before reacting, reflect; bind the mind to truth through self-restraint, then investigate facts carefully—especially in relationships and ethical conflicts.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A noble woman stands at the threshold of her home, eyes steady, holding a crimson rope labeled ‘SATYA’ that wraps gently around her heart like a vow. She steps inside with calm determination, the interior lit by a single lamp, suggesting a quiet investigation guided by discipline rather than anger.","primary_figures":["Mahāsatī (virtuous lady)","Satya (as symbolic rope/inscription)"],"setting":"House entrance and inner corridor with carved doorframe, a small lamp niche, and a courtyard beyond—domestic space treated as sacred.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["crimson","warm amber","ivory","emerald green","bronze"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: mahāsatī entering her home beneath an ornate arch, gold-leaf halo subtle, holding a red satya-rājju that encircles her chest like a vow; lamp-lit corridor with rich maroons and greens, gem-studded ornaments, gold leaf emphasizing the rope and her unwavering gaze.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a poised woman at a doorway, delicate facial features and restrained emotion; a thin red ribbon/rope motif curling toward her heart; soft dawn light in the courtyard, refined architectural details, gentle palette and lyrical calm.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, the woman in dignified stance with large serene eyes; red rope motif prominent; warm yellow and red background with green borders, temple-wall narrative composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: doorway framed by lotus and floral borders; central figure stepping inward, satya-rope rendered as a decorative red ribbon with script; deep blue and gold accents, intricate vines symbolizing niyama and steadiness."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft bell","lamp crackle","gentle footstep echo","quiet tanpura"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विचार्यैव = विचार्य + एव; सत्याख्यरज्ज्वा = सत्याख्य + रज्ज्वा; तत्तस्यभावं = तत् + तस्य + भावम्.
FAQs
It is a metaphor for inner discipline: Truth functions like a binding cord that steadies the mind, preventing it from being carried away by doubt, fear, or impulse.
It highlights thoughtful deliberation followed by firm action grounded in truth—seeking certainty about a situation without abandoning moral restraint.
No. The verse is in third-person narrative style and does not explicitly name a dialogue pair or a direct speaker within the shloka itself.