Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 11
The Tale of Sukalā: Testing Pativratā Fidelity and the Body-as-House Teaching
निष्कर्षय महाभागां सुकलां पुण्यमंगलाम् । तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य शक्रस्य तमथाब्रवीत्
niṣkarṣaya mahābhāgāṃ sukalāṃ puṇyamaṃgalām | tacchrutvā vacanaṃ tasya śakrasya tamathābravīt
“اُس نہایت بخت آور سُکَلا کو باہر لے آؤ، جو پُنّیہ اور مَنگل سے بھری ہے۔” شَکر (اِندر) کے یہ کلمات سن کر اُس نے پھر اُن سے عرض کیا۔
Narrator (introducing Indra’s command and the other party’s reply; the responder is unnamed in this single verse)
Concept: Auspicious persons and sacred forces are to be approached with reverence and proper summons, not casual desire.
Application: When seeking help or initiating an important act, begin with maṅgala-bhāva—invite what is sattvic and beneficial rather than impulsive craving.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In Indra’s jeweled court, Śakra raises his vajra-bearing hand in command, the air shimmering with celestial expectancy. Attendants turn toward a curtained threshold from which the ‘pūṇya-maṅgalā’ Sukalā is to be brought forth, as if a sacred presence is about to change the course of the assembly.","primary_figures":["Indra (Śakra)","Sukalā (veiled, auspicious woman)","celestial attendants (Gandharvas/Apsarases)","unnamed respondent/messenger"],"setting":"Amarāvatī’s deva-sabhā with lotus pillars, cloud-thrones, and a curtained inner chamber","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["gold leaf","sapphire blue","lotus pink","pearl white","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Indra seated on a lion-throne in Amaravati, vajra in hand, commanding gesture toward a curtained doorway; Sukalā emerging with a halo of auspicious light, attendants holding chamara fans; heavy gold leaf embellishment on crowns, jewelry, and lotus pillars, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, traditional South Indian deity iconography.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: airy celestial court with delicate brushwork; Indra in refined profile on a cloud-throne, attendants clustered near a silk curtain; Sukalā stepping forward with modest veil, lyrical naturalism, cool blues and soft pinks, fine facial features, subtle floral borders.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and temple-wall composition; Indra with large expressive eyes and ornate mukuta, vajra raised; Sukalā framed by an arch, haloed; red/yellow/green palette with natural pigments, stylized lotus columns and cloud motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a ceremonial ‘bringing forth’ scene framed by lotus creepers and floral borders; Indra enthroned amid peacocks and celestial musicians; Sukalā emerging like a living maṅgala-symbol; deep blues and gold, intricate textile-like patterning, abundant lotus motifs."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","distant conch shell","murmur of a celestial assembly","veena drones"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तच्छ्रुत्वा = तत् श्रुत्वा; तमथाब्रवीत् = तम् अथ अब्रवीत्
FAQs
Śakra is a common epithet for Indra, the king of the devas, here issuing a command concerning Sukalā.
It describes her as both sacred (puṇya) and auspicious (maṅgala), indicating a revered, благотворная presence rather than a neutral character reference.
The verse frames a respectful, duty-bound exchange: an authority figure gives an instruction, and the narrative emphasizes attentive listening and a formal response.