Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 9
Dialogue of Gobhila and Padmāvatī: Daitya Obstruction vs. the Power of Pativratā Dharma
पतिव्रतां महाभागां सुमतिं भर्तृतत्पराम् । दूरेणापि परित्यज्य तिष्ठामो नात्र संशयः
pativratāṃ mahābhāgāṃ sumatiṃ bhartṛtatparām | dūreṇāpi parityajya tiṣṭhāmo nātra saṃśayaḥ
സുമതി മഹാഭാഗ്യവതിയായ പതിവ്രത, ഭർത്തൃപരായണ; അവളെ ദൂരത്തുനിന്നുതന്നെ ഉപേക്ഷിച്ച് ഞങ്ങൾ ഇവിടെ തന്നെയിരിക്കും—ഇതിൽ സംശയമില്ല।
Unspecified (context-dependent narration/dialogue within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Pativratā-dharma (steadfast conjugal fidelity) generates a protective spiritual force that hostile beings avoid.
Application: Cultivate integrity and steadfastness in one’s vows and relationships; spiritual strength often appears as quiet consistency rather than outward power.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At the threshold of a humble home, Sumati stands serene, hands folded, her presence radiating a quiet brilliance that makes unseen malevolent beings recoil. The air around her seems purified, as if an invisible circle of light expands from her steadfast devotion.","primary_figures":["Sumati (pativratā)","shadowy dānavas/rākṣasas (retreating, partially visible)"],"setting":"Village household courtyard or āśrama threshold with tulsi-vedi implied but not explicit, earthen lamps, and a simple doorway","lighting_mood":"soft dawn radiance with a protective halo-like glow","color_palette":["warm sandalwood beige","lotus pink","soft gold","indigo shadow","white jasmine"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Sumati in traditional attire with rich gold jewelry and a luminous gold-leaf aura, standing at a decorated threshold; retreating dark figures at the margins; ornate arch framing, rich reds and greens, and gold leaf emphasizing her vow-born tejas.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a gentle domestic scene with delicate facial features and fine textiles; Sumati calm and centered, while small dark rākṣasa silhouettes withdraw into trees; cool morning sky, refined brushwork, and lyrical naturalism.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Sumati rendered iconically with bold outlines and large expressive eyes, a radiant circular aura behind her; rākṣasas stylized at the border, recoiling; natural pigments with red-yellow-green dominance and symmetrical composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Sumati as a central devotional figure framed by floral borders and lotus motifs; a symbolic ring of light around her, with dark encroaching forms pushed outward; deep blues and gold detailing, textile-like ornamentation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["morning birds","soft temple bell","gentle wind","distant conch (very faint)","silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दूरेणापि = दूरेण + अपि (अ + अ → आ); नात्र = न + अत्र (a-sandhi: न + अत्र → नात्र).
FAQs
Sumati is the woman explicitly named in the verse, praised as mahābhāgā (highly fortunate/noble) and pativratā—one devoted to her husband.
The verse foregrounds pativratā-dharma—steadfast marital fidelity and single-minded dedication to one’s spouse—as a mark of virtue and auspiciousness.
It literally means “having left (someone) even from far away,” suggesting separation/abandonment at a distance, while the speakers resolve to remain where they are.