Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 28
Sukalā’s Narrative (within the Vena Episode): Varāha, Ikṣvāku, and the Dharma of Battle
एवमुक्त्वा प्रियो भार्यां लुब्धकान्वाक्यमब्रवीत् । यथा शूरो महाशूराः प्रेषयध्वं हि शूकरम्
evamuktvā priyo bhāryāṃ lubdhakānvākyamabravīt | yathā śūro mahāśūrāḥ preṣayadhvaṃ hi śūkaram
प्रिय पत्नीला असे सांगून तो लुब्धकांना म्हणाला—“शूरांसारखे, हे महाशूरांनो! त्या शूकराला पुढे हाका, त्याला खदेडा.”
An unnamed hunter (addressing other hunters after speaking to his wife)
Concept: Speech galvanizes action; when leadership channels a group toward harm, the karmic burden becomes shared—intention and command are themselves potent causes.
Application: Use influence responsibly; before rallying others, examine whether the goal is protective and dharmic or merely thrilling and destructive.
Primary Rasa: vira
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The hunter turns from his wife to a gathered band of forest-men, raising his hand in command. Hunters tighten straps, lift bows, and exchange fierce glances as the path into the woods opens like a dark corridor toward the unseen boar.","primary_figures":["hunter leader","band of hunters"],"setting":"forest camp at the threshold of dense woodland, with spears, bows, and dogs implied by leashes and tracks","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["dark olive","leather brown","copper","ashen white","crimson"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: commanding hunter at center with raised hand, hunters arranged symmetrically, gold leaf on weapon edges and ornaments, rich red-green background, ornate border with stylized forest creepers and lotus medallions.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: diagonal composition showing hunters preparing to move, delicate detailing of quivers and patterned garments, cool shaded forest ahead, expressive but restrained faces, lyrical sense of motion.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: rhythmic linework, hunters in bold poses, flat pigment blocks, stylized trees forming an archway, intense eyes and dynamic gestures conveying command and readiness.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: processional feel—hunters moving in a line framed by floral borders, decorative motifs on bows, deep blue-green ground with gold highlights, small animals and foliage patterns filling negative space."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["murmured assent","clinking arrowheads","dogs panting (implied)","footfalls gathering","wind rising"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: एवमुक्त्वा = एवम् + उक्त्वा; लुब्धकान्वाक्यमब्रवीत् = लुब्धकान् + वाक्यम् + अब्रवीत्.
FAQs
The speaker is an unnamed hunter who, after speaking to his wife, addresses a group of hunters and urges them to act.
It is an imperative to the hunters to set upon the boar—i.e., to send themselves forward/drive the boar onward as part of the hunt.
The verse highlights how martial rhetoric (calling others “heroes”) can be used to spur action; in Purāṇic narrative contexts, such scenes often set up consequences that contrast worldly impulse (violence, bravado) with dharma-oriented restraint.