Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 38
The Deeds of Sukalā (Vena Episode): Husband as Tīrtha & Pativratā-Dharma
कथयंतु महात्मानं यदि दृष्टो महामतिः । तस्यास्तद्भाषितं श्रुत्वा तामूचुस्ते महामतिम्
kathayaṃtu mahātmānaṃ yadi dṛṣṭo mahāmatiḥ | tasyāstadbhāṣitaṃ śrutvā tāmūcuste mahāmatim
انہوں نے کہا: “ہمیں اُس مہاتما کا حال سناؤ—کیا وہ نہایت دانا شخص دیکھا گیا ہے؟” اُس کے کلام کو سن کر لوگوں نے اسی نہایت فہیم خاتون سے گفتگو کی۔
Narrator (contextual; exact speaker not identifiable from this single verse alone)
Concept: Satsaṅga and inquiry: respectful questioning about a mahātmā becomes the doorway to dharmic knowledge.
Application: Ask sincere questions about virtue and practice; create spaces where good conduct is discussed and remembered, not only gossip or complaint.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A small gathering forms around the distressed yet dignified woman; their hands gesture in polite inquiry, faces attentive. The moment feels like the opening of a sacred tale—stillness before narration—where compassion and curiosity meet.","primary_figures":["Sukalā","villagers/travelers (inquirers)"],"setting":"courtyard edge with a low platform for conversation; a road and trees beyond","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit twilight, intimate and story-ready","color_palette":["smoky violet","lamp-flame amber","leaf green","cream parchment","deep maroon"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: semicircle of listeners with ornate textiles, gold-leaf accents on lamps and jewelry; Sukalā seated/standing at center; decorative arch motif behind like a mandapa; rich reds, greens, and embossed gold patterns.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: conversational tableau with delicate gestures; soft twilight wash; patterned rugs; slender figures with refined profiles; a quiet tree line and pale sky gradient behind.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; stylized group composition; oil-lamp prominent; warm reds and yellows dominate; rhythmic spacing like a temple-wall narrative panel.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative circle framed by floral borders; symmetrical arrangement of listeners; lotus motifs at corners; deep blue ground with gold highlights; peacocks near the lamp stand."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low murmurs of a gathering","oil lamp crackle","distant conch from a shrine","night insects"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तस्यास्तद्भाषितं = तस्याः + तत् + भाषितम् (स् + त → स्त); तामूचुः = ताम् + ऊचुः (म् + ऊ → मू); ऊचुस्ते = ऊचुः + ते (विसर्गलोप); समासाः: महात्मन्, महामति (कर्मधारय)।
FAQs
It records a request to describe a “great-souled” person and then notes that, after hearing the woman’s words, the others respond to her.
No. The verse refers generally to a “mahātmā” and a “mahāmati,” but the specific identity depends on surrounding verses.
The verse highlights respectful inquiry and attentive listening—key narrative virtues that often frame teachings about holy persons (mahātmans) in Purāṇic literature.