Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 56
The Deeds of Sukalā (Vena Episode): Husband as Tīrtha & Pativratā-Dharma
तेनाहं दुःखिता सख्यो वियोगेनापि नित्यशः । सख्य ऊचुः । तीर्थयात्रां गतो भर्ता पुनरेष्यति ते पतिः
tenāhaṃ duḥkhitā sakhyo viyogenāpi nityaśaḥ | sakhya ūcuḥ | tīrthayātrāṃ gato bhartā punareṣyati te patiḥ
तेनाहं दुःखिता सख्यो वियोगेनापि नित्यशः । सख्य ऊचुः । तीर्थयात्रां गतो भर्ता पुनरेष्यति ते पतिः
A woman (addressing her friends); then her friends reply
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तेनाहं = तेन + अहं; वियोगेनापि = वियोगेन + अपि; सख्य ऊचुः = सख्यः + ऊचुः (विसर्ग-सन्धि); पुनरेष्यति = पुनः + एष्यति (विसर्ग-लोप).
FAQs
It presents pilgrimage (tīrtha-yātrā) as a recognized religious practice that may take a householder away temporarily, with the community (friends) offering reassurance about the pilgrim’s return.
The speaker describes sorrow as continual (nityaśaḥ) and rooted in separation (viyoga), showing viraha as an intense, ongoing emotional state rather than a momentary feeling.
It highlights supportive companionship: friends respond to distress with calming counsel, encouraging patience and trust during temporary separation caused by religious duties.