Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 14
The Account of Sukalā (within the Vena Episode): Truth-Power and the Testing of a Devoted Wife
विष्णुरुवाच । आकर्ण्य वाक्यं तु मनोभवस्य एतामसाध्यां तव कामजाने । धैर्यं समुद्यम्य च पुण्यदेहां पुण्येन पुण्यां बहुपुण्यचाराम्
viṣṇuruvāca | ākarṇya vākyaṃ tu manobhavasya etāmasādhyāṃ tava kāmajāne | dhairyaṃ samudyamya ca puṇyadehāṃ puṇyena puṇyāṃ bahupuṇyacārām
وشنو نے فرمایا: منوبھَو (کام) کے کلام کو سن کر، اے کامجانے، اور یہ جان کر کہ یہ کام تمہارے لیے دشوار ہے، وہ پاکیزہ پیکر والی نے حوصلہ باندھا؛ اپنے پُنّیہ کے سبب اور زیادہ پُنّیہ والی ہوئی، اور اس کا آچرن بے شمار نیکیوں سے بھرپور تھا۔
Vishnu
Concept: Punya (merit) and steadfast courage grounded in virtue make one ‘unassailable’; dharmic conduct increases spiritual potency.
Application: When facing intimidation, strengthen inner discipline—truthfulness, fidelity to vows, prayer—and let virtue be your armor.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Vishnu speaks with calm authority, his face serene, as the scene shifts from threat to the quiet strength of a holy woman. She stands composed, hands in a modest gesture of resolve, surrounded by a soft aura that grows brighter with each act of virtue, while Kama/Manobhava’s restless energy lingers at the edge like a fading flame.","primary_figures":["Vishnu","virtuous woman (pativrata)","Manobhava (Kāma) (referenced presence)"],"setting":"A tranquil grove near a small shrine; Vishnu in divine space addressing the narrative; the woman in the earthly foreground embodying steadfastness.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance softening into peaceful glow","color_palette":["lotus pink","sapphire blue","soft gold","jasmine white","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Vishnu narrating with conch and discus, gold leaf halo and ornate crown; the pativrata woman in graceful posture with a luminous aureole; subtle depiction of Kama at the margin with bow lowered; rich reds/greens, gem-studded ornaments, embossed gold borders emphasizing sanctity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: serene grove with flowering trees; Vishnu’s calm, compassionate gaze; the woman’s quiet courage shown through gentle stance and refined facial expression; cool greens and blues, delicate brushwork, lyrical naturalism and soft sky wash.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Vishnu with characteristic large eyes and elaborate jewelry; the woman framed by a mandala-like aura; Kama as a stylized figure with floral bow; bold outlines, natural pigments, temple-wall composition with red/yellow/green dominance.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Vishnu-centered composition with lotus motifs; the virtuous woman near a floral border suggesting ever-increasing punya; peacocks and cows as auspicious witnesses; deep blue ground with gold highlights, intricate Nathdwara-style ornamentation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","tanpura drone","gentle birdsong","leaf rustle","conch held back as a distant resonance"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विष्णुरुवाच = विष्णुः + उवाच; एतामसाध्याम् = एताम् + असाध्याम्; (मनोभवस्य एताम्) sandhi yields manobhavasya etām; compounds: मनोभव (मनस्+भव), पुण्यदेहा, बहुपुण्यचारा.
FAQs
Manobhava is an epithet of Kāma, the deity of desire/love, literally “he who arises in the mind.”
The verse highlights dhairya (steadfast courage) sustained by puṇya (merit/virtuous conduct), portraying virtue as a force that enables one to face difficult aims.
Even when a task seems hard to achieve, one should summon inner steadiness and rely on righteous conduct; virtue strengthens and elevates the person undertaking the challenge.