Shloka 71
The Deeds of Sukalā (Vena Episode): Husband as Tīrtha & Pativratā-Dharma
निष्फलं जायते तस्याः पुंश्चली परिकथ्यते । नारीणां यौवनं रूपमवतारं स्मृतं ध्रुवम्
niṣphalaṃ jāyate tasyāḥ puṃścalī parikathyate | nārīṇāṃ yauvanaṃ rūpamavatāraṃ smṛtaṃ dhruvam
അവൾക്കു എല്ലാം നിഷ്ഫലമാകുന്നു; അവളെ ‘പുംശ്ചലീ’ എന്നു പറയുന്നു. സ്ത്രീകളുടെ യൗവനവും രൂപവും നിശ്ചയമായും ക്ഷണഭംഗുരം—ക്ഷണികാവതാരമെന്നപോലെ—എന്ന് സ്മരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു।
Unspecified (contextual narrator within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa dialogue; likely a sage addressing an inquirer such as Bhīṣma)
Concept: Youth and beauty are transient; when unmoored from dharma they become fruitless and socially censured.
Application: Cultivate self-restraint and long-term virtues (truthfulness, fidelity, service, devotion) rather than building identity on appearance or short-lived attention.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A reflective domestic courtyard scene: a woman gazes into a bronze mirror as lotus petals fall and a sand-hourglass empties beside her, symbolizing the swift passing of youth. In the background, a Tulasi plant and a small Viṣṇu shrine glow softly, suggesting the turn from fleeting beauty to lasting dharma.","primary_figures":["a contemplative woman (archetypal gṛhastha figure)","Tulasi plant (as silent witness)","small Viṣṇu mūrti or śālagrāma on a pedestal"],"setting":"North Indian courtyard with a small home-shrine, Tulasi-vṛndāvana, and scattered lotus petals; subtle symbols of time (hourglass/setting sun).","lighting_mood":"golden dusk","color_palette":["lotus pink","antique bronze","saffron gold","indigo shadow","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a domestic Tulasi courtyard with a small Viṣṇu shrine; the woman holds a mirror while lotus petals drift; heavy gold leaf halo around the shrine lamp, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, ornate jewelry rendered with gem-like highlights, intricate floral borders and embossed gold detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical courtyard with delicate architecture and a Tulasi-vṛndāvana; the woman’s expression is introspective, petals and a small hourglass indicate impermanence; cool twilight blues and soft pinks, fine brushwork, refined facial features, gentle naturalism with a distant riverbank hinted beyond the wall.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments; central Tulasi-vṛndāvana and a small Viṣṇu icon with lamp; the woman’s gaze lowered in contemplation; strong red-yellow-green palette, stylized eyes, patterned textiles, temple-wall aesthetic with ornamental creepers framing the scene.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a Tulasi courtyard transformed into a devotional tableau—lotus motifs and floral borders; a small Kṛṣṇa/Viṣṇu shrine at center with deep blue backdrop, gold highlights, peacocks perched on the wall; petals falling like a garland of time, intricate ornamentation and symmetrical composition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bell","evening lamp crackle","distant birds settling","gentle silence between pādas"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: रूपम् + अवतारम् → रूपमवतारम्. ध्रुवम् used adverbially (avyaya-like usage).
FAQs
It warns that unchaste or reckless conduct leads to life becoming “fruitless,” and it underscores that youth and beauty are impermanent, so one should not base one’s life or choices solely on them.
It treats youth (yauvana) and beauty (rūpa) as transient—something that appears and disappears—encouraging detachment and a focus on lasting virtues and dharma.
No. This shloka is primarily a moral observation (nīti) rather than a passage about a deity, sacred geography, or ritual instruction.