Shloka 72
The Deeds of Sukalā (Vena Episode): Husband as Tīrtha & Pativratā-Dharma
एकस्यापि हि भर्तुश्च तस्यार्थे भूमिमंडले । सुपुत्रा सुयशा नारी परिकथ्येत वै सदा
ekasyāpi hi bhartuśca tasyārthe bhūmimaṃḍale | suputrā suyaśā nārī parikathyeta vai sadā
ഈ ഭൂമിമണ്ഡലത്തിൽ ഒരേയൊരു ഭർത്താവിനുവേണ്ടിയെങ്കിലും, സുതന്മാരും സുയശസ്സും ഉള്ള സ്ത്രീയെ എപ്പോഴും മാതൃകയായി പരികഥിക്കണം।
Unspecified (contextual narrator within Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue likely, but not stated in the provided verse alone)
Concept: Single-minded fidelity and support of one’s spouse is praised as the ground of good progeny and lasting reputation.
Application: Honor commitments; cultivate reliability and shared spiritual practice in family life; measure success by character and dharma rather than social display.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dignified household scene where a devoted wife offers water and flowers at a small Viṣṇu shrine while her husband returns from duty; their children stand nearby, symbolizing ‘supuṭrā’ and ‘suyāśā’. The atmosphere is calm and honorable, with the home ordered like a small temple.","primary_figures":["devoted wife (pativratā archetype)","husband (gṛhastha)","children (symbol of supuṭra)","Viṣṇu or Śālagrāma in a home shrine"],"setting":"Clean domestic shrine room opening to a courtyard with Tulasi-vṛndāvana; ritual tray with flowers, lamp, and water pot.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["warm gold","vermillion red","ivory white","peacock blue","fresh green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a pativratā couple before a Viṣṇu shrine; gold leaf radiance around the deity and lamp, rich reds/greens in garments, gem-studded ornaments, ornate arch (prabhāvali) framing the shrine, children depicted with auspicious motifs (mango leaves, kalasha).","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate domestic devotion—wife with pūjā-thālī, husband seated respectfully, children at the threshold; delicate brushwork, soft pastel architecture, lyrical naturalism, refined faces, a small Tulasi planter and distant hills for serenity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal composition with bold outlines; central Viṣṇu icon and lamp, the couple in traditional attire; strong red-yellow-green palette, stylized eyes, patterned borders like temple murals, auspicious symbols (conch, discus) subtly integrated.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Kṛṣṇa-centered household devotion—small Śrīnāthjī/Viṣṇu shrine with lotus motifs, cows and peacocks in the courtyard border, intricate floral frame; deep blues and gold, celebratory yet serene depiction of family dharma as worship."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft conch in distance","temple bells","children’s faint footsteps","oil lamp flicker"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: एकस्य + अपि → एकस्यापि. भर्तुः + च → भर्तुश्च. तस्य + अर्थे → तस्यार्थे. Optative passive: परिकथ्येत.
FAQs
It praises a woman’s steadfast dedication to her husband’s welfare, presenting such loyalty—along with good offspring and good reputation—as a model worthy of continual praise.
No. The verse is ethical/social in focus and contains no direct mention of deities, sacred places, or rituals in its wording.
That devotion to one’s marital duty and the welfare of one’s spouse is regarded as a lasting source of honor and good name in the world.