Shloka 23
The Account of Sukalā (Vena-Episode Continuation): Padmāvatī, Gobhila’s Deception, and the Threat of a Curse
दयिता उग्रसेनस्य पतिव्रतपरायणा । आत्मबलेन तिष्ठंती दुष्प्राप्या पुरुषैरपि
dayitā ugrasenasya pativrataparāyaṇā | ātmabalena tiṣṭhaṃtī duṣprāpyā puruṣairapi
सा उग्रसेनस्य दयिता पतिव्रतधर्मपरायणा । स्वात्मबलेन सुदृढा तिष्ठन्ती पुरुषैरपि दुष्प्राप्या ॥
Unspecified narrator (contextual speaker not provided in the input excerpt)
Concept: Pativratā-dharma is portrayed as a spiritual power (ātma-bala) that protects and elevates; virtue itself becomes an inviolable armor.
Application: Cultivate integrity and boundaries; let inner discipline, not external pressure, define choices.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A young queen stands composed and luminous, her posture unwavering as courtiers and would-be suitors linger at a respectful distance. The air around her feels guarded by invisible vows—her calm gaze and folded hands radiate a quiet, unapproachable sanctity.","primary_figures":["Vaidaṛbhī (pativratā queen)","Ugrasena (as referenced spouse)","courtiers/men at a distance"],"setting":"Royal inner courtyard with jasmine trellises, a small shrine niche, and attendants holding lamps and fans.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["lotus pink","pearl white","saffron","emerald green","burnished gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: pativratā queen standing in a palace courtyard near a small Vishnu shrine, hands in añjali, serene face; gold leaf aura, rich reds and greens, heavy jewelry with gem highlights, ornate arches, floral borders emphasizing vow-power and dignity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined queen in pale silk with delicate jewelry, standing beneath flowering vines; distant figures kept small to show her unapproachability; cool greens and pinks, fine brushwork, lyrical calm, soft Himalayan-like horizon stylization.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal dignified queen with large expressive eyes, stylized ornaments, bold outlines; attendants and distant men rendered smaller; warm red-yellow-green palette, lotus border, temple-wall symmetry conveying dharmic power.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central pativratā figure framed by lotus and creeper motifs, small Vishnu emblem in the background, peacocks at corners; deep blue ground with gold floral filigree, intricate border suggesting vow as protective mandala."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","gentle breeze through leaves","distant conch","quiet courtyard ambience"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पुरुषैरपि = पुरुषैः + अपि; तिष्ठंती (पाठभेद/लिप्यन्तर) = तिष्ठन्ती
FAQs
The verse praises pativratā-dharma—steadfast fidelity and devotion to one’s husband—supported by inner strength (ātma-bala).
Ātma-bala implies moral and spiritual fortitude—the inner resolve that enables a person to remain unwavering in dharma despite external pressure.
It teaches that integrity and steadfast commitment to one’s vows make a person spiritually “unassailable,” not easily swayed by desire or persuasion.