Shloka 20
The Power of a Chaste Woman: Indra and Kāma Confront Satī’s Radiance
वैश्यस्य भार्यां सुकलां सुपुण्यां सत्येस्थितां धर्मविदां गुणज्ञाम् । इतो हि गत्वा कुरु कार्यमुक्तं साहाय्यरूपं च प्रिये सखे शृणु
vaiśyasya bhāryāṃ sukalāṃ supuṇyāṃ satyesthitāṃ dharmavidāṃ guṇajñām | ito hi gatvā kuru kāryamuktaṃ sāhāyyarūpaṃ ca priye sakhe śṛṇu
ఇక్కడి నుండి వెళ్లి వైశ్యుని భార్య సుకల వద్దకు పో—ఆమె మహాపుణ్యవతి, సత్యనిష్ఠ, ధర్మవిదుషి, గుణవిచక్షణ. అక్కడికి వెళ్లి నేను చెప్పిన కార్యాన్ని నెరవేర్చు; సహాయకరూపంగా ప్రవర్తించు. ప్రియ సఖా, విను.
Unspecified (contextual speaker not provided in the excerpt; likely a dialogue instruction within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa narratives).
Concept: Satya and dharma-jñāna are praised as the true ornaments of household life; virtue is recognized as a spiritual power even within worldly plots.
Application: Seek counsel from the truly dharmic; choose helpers by integrity and discernment rather than status; let truthfulness guide decisions.
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A discreet messenger receives instructions in a refined household courtyard, where Sukalā—serene, modest, and luminous—stands with the quiet authority of dharma. The air feels like a moral test disguised as a social errand, with subtle tension between virtue and persuasion.","primary_figures":["Sukalā (vaiśya’s wife)","the instructing speaker (unseen or partially shown)","a messenger/friend figure"],"setting":"Earthly city home with inner courtyard, tulasi-vṛndāvana hinted at in the corner, carved pillars, water pot and lamps suggesting domestic sanctity.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","deep maroon","lamp-flame gold","leaf green","pearl white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a dignified domestic courtyard scene with Sukalā portrayed as a virtuous householder-woman, halo-like glow, gold leaf embellishment on jewelry and lamp flames, rich reds and greens, ornate pillars, a small tulasi-vṛndāvana at the edge, traditional South Indian iconographic serenity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: an intimate courtyard with delicate brushwork, soft architectural lines, Sukalā with refined facial features and downcast compassionate eyes, cool pastel palette with lyrical naturalism, a small garden corner and water vessel, subtle narrative tension in gestures.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, natural pigments, Sukalā centered with large expressive eyes, warm red/yellow/green palette, stylized courtyard motifs, lamp and floral borders, dignified stillness conveying dharma.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: domestic sanctity rendered with lotus motifs and ornate floral borders, peacocks perched on parapets, deep blues and gold accents, Sukalā framed like a devotional figure near a tulasi planter, intricate textile-like patterning."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft anklet chime","distant temple bell","courtyard silence","low murmurs of counsel"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: satyesthitāṃ = satye + sthitāṃ (Aluk); kāryamuktaṃ = kāryam + uktam
FAQs
Sukalā is identified as the Vaiśya’s wife, praised as highly pious, truthful, and knowledgeable in dharma—indicating a morally exemplary character within the narrative.
The verse highlights satya (truthfulness) and dharma-jñāna (knowledge of righteous conduct), presenting them as defining virtues worthy of respect and reliance.
The speaker instructs someone to go to Sukalā and accomplish an already-stated task, explicitly asking the person to serve in a supportive, helping role.