Shloka 39
The Tale of Sukalā: Testing Pativratā Fidelity and the Body-as-House Teaching
अहं तवांतिकं प्राप्ता कार्यार्थं वरवर्णिनि । श्रूयतामभिधास्यामि श्रुत्वा चैवाव धार्यताम्
ahaṃ tavāṃtikaṃ prāptā kāryārthaṃ varavarṇini | śrūyatāmabhidhāsyāmi śrutvā caivāva dhāryatām
വരവർണിനീ, ഒരു കാര്യാർത്ഥം കൊണ്ട് ഞാൻ നിന്റെ സന്നിധിയിൽ എത്തിയിരിക്കുന്നു. ദയവായി കേൾക്കുക; ഞാൻ പറയുന്നു—കേട്ട് മനസ്സിൽ നന്നായി ധരിക്കണം.
Unspecified female speaker (context needed to identify precisely)
Concept: Acting with clear purpose (kāryārtha) and attentive listening (śravaṇa-dhāraṇa) is the basis of right action.
Application: When receiving important guidance, listen fully, repeat it back, and commit it to memory before acting.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A messenger arrives at the threshold, posture upright and purposeful, addressing a radiant noblewoman with formal respect. The composition emphasizes attention: the listener’s stillness and the speaker’s poised gesture suggest that what is spoken must be remembered like a mantra.","primary_figures":["female speaker/messenger","noblewoman (varavarṇinī)"],"setting":"palace doorway or refined courtyard with flowering creepers, attendants at a respectful distance, a low seat prepared for counsel","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["lotus pink","ivory","emerald green","saffron","antique gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: palace-threshold counsel scene, gold leaf on jewelry and architectural motifs, rich lotus-pink and emerald garments, the messenger’s hand raised in instruction, the noblewoman seated with attentive gaze, ornate arch framing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: elegant courtyard with flowering vines, delicate facial expressions, soft dawn gradient, refined textiles, subtle narrative tension—purposeful arrival and attentive listening.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, warm saffron and red background, stylized palace pillars, expressive eyes, clear speaking/listening mudras, emphasis on dhāraṇa (retention) through composed symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: decorative border of lotuses and creepers, two principal female figures in narrative panel, deep blue and gold accents, intricate textile patterns, auspicious atmosphere of receiving counsel."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["courtyard birds","soft anklets","distant conch from temple","gentle mridangam taps"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tavāṃtikaṃ = tava + antikam; śrūyatāmabhidhāsyāmi = śrūyatām + abhidhāsyāmi; caivāva = ca + eva + ava; avadhāryatām written as ava dhāryatām (ava + dhāryatām).
FAQs
The verse addresses a woman as “varavarṇini” (“lady of excellent/fair complexion/beauty”). The specific identity is not stated in this single shloka; it requires the surrounding verses of Adhyaya 53 to confirm the addressee.
It serves as a formal transition into a message or instruction: the speaker announces a purpose for coming, requests attentive listening, and urges the listener to retain the teaching carefully.
It emphasizes attentive listening and mindful retention of important counsel—suggesting that teachings or requests should be heard carefully and remembered before acting.