Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 57
The Tale of Sukalā: Testing Pativratā Fidelity and the Body-as-House Teaching
वायुनांदोलितं नित्यं गृहं च मलिनायते । मध्यमो वर्तुतः कालो गृहस्य परिकथ्यते
vāyunāṃdolitaṃ nityaṃ gṛhaṃ ca malināyate | madhyamo vartutaḥ kālo gṛhasya parikathyate
جو گھر ہمیشہ ہوا کے جھونکوں سے ہلتا رہتا ہے وہ میلا بھی ہو جاتا ہے؛ اسی لیے گھر کے لیے ایسے عرصے کو درمیانی (معتدل) زمانہ کہا گیا ہے۔
Unspecified (narratorial instruction within the chapter; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue frame typical of the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: All conditioned structures deteriorate under constant agitation; therefore one should assess ‘time’ and conditions realistically and act with moderation.
Application: Reduce needless agitation: protect what you value from constant ‘winds’ (overwork, conflict, distraction); schedule regular cleaning/renewal.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A modest house stands on an open plain, its walls dusted by relentless wind. Leaves and grit swirl around the eaves as a householder watches, understanding that constant exposure hastens grime and wear, calling for measured cycles of renewal.","primary_figures":["householder","personified wind (subtle, optional)"],"setting":"wind-swept rural landscape with a small home, fluttering cloth, bending trees, dust eddies","lighting_mood":"overcast, wind-churned light","color_palette":["dust brown","storm gray","faded white","olive green","muted saffron"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a house on an open plain with stylized swirling wind motifs, the householder holding a broom and plaster pot; gold leaf used to outline wind curls and auspicious threshold symbols, rich earthy reds/greens, ornate border framing the scene.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate depiction of wind through flowing lines in trees and garments, subtle dust haze, restrained palette, lyrical realism; the house slightly weathered, distant hills under a pale sky wash.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: rhythmic spiral patterns representing vāyu around a simple house, bold outlines, natural pigments; expressive eyes of the householder, decorative border of wave-like wind curls, red/yellow/green with gray-brown ground.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: wind rendered as stylized floral-vine swirls around a courtyard; peacocks bracing against gusts, lotus border, deep blue accents with gold highlights, the house as a sanctified space needing protection."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["wind gusts","rustling leaves","distant temple bell","brief silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vāyunāṃdolitaṃ = vāyunām + dolitam.
FAQs
It links constant exposure to wind and shaking with increased dust and impurity, implying that such a dwelling requires more care and is considered only moderately suitable.
Because the house is neither ideal nor wholly unsuitable: it remains usable, but persistent wind-disturbance makes it prone to dirt and thus less favorable.
Maintain cleanliness and attentiveness in domestic life; environmental factors that promote disorder should be managed so the home remains conducive to well-being and dharma.