Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 35
The Account of Sukalā: Chastity Overcomes Kāma and an Indra-like Trial
अहं रक्षायुता नित्यं दमशांतिपरायणा । न मां जेतुं समर्थश्च अपि साक्षाच्छचीपतिः
ahaṃ rakṣāyutā nityaṃ damaśāṃtiparāyaṇā | na māṃ jetuṃ samarthaśca api sākṣācchacīpatiḥ
میں ہمیشہ حفاظت میں ہوں اور سدا ضبطِ نفس اور شانتی کی طرف مائل رہتی ہوں؛ خود شچی پتی اندرا بھی مجھے مغلوب کرنے کی قدرت نہیں رکھتا۔
Unspecified (context needed from surrounding verses to identify the speaker reliably)
Concept: Dama (self-restraint) and śānti (peace) generate a protective power stronger than worldly sovereignty—even Indra cannot ‘conquer’ one established in inner discipline.
Application: Practice restraint in speech, consumption, and reactions; cultivate peace through japa, sāttvika routine, and non-escalation—this makes one psychologically and ethically ‘unconquerable’.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A calm, resolute woman sits in meditative posture near a household shrine, her face serene yet firm. Behind her, a faint silhouette of Indra with vajra appears at a distance, halted by an invisible barrier of peace and self-control that radiates like a translucent dome.","primary_figures":["A disciplined woman devotee","Indra (Śacīpati)","Personified Śānti and Dama (optional as subtle auras)"],"setting":"Home shrine corner with incense, lamp, and a small Viṣṇu symbol (śālagrāma or conch) on a pedestal; distant sky hinting at svarga where Indra stands restrained.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["pearl white","vajra silver","sapphire blue","marigold gold","smoke gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central seated woman with a large golden halo, hands in japa; ornate shrine with conch and discus motifs; Indra in the background with jeweled crown and vajra, stopped by a gold-leaf aura barrier; rich reds/greens, embossed gold detailing, temple-arch frame.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: quiet interior with soft gradients; the woman’s composed gaze and delicate jewelry; Indra rendered small and distant in a pale sky panel, emphasizing moral superiority; cool blues and gentle gold accents, fine floral patterns on textiles.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized shrine elements, large eyes; the woman’s śānti shown as a circular aura; Indra with vajra at the edge, visually ‘checked’ by a patterned band of dharma motifs; red/yellow/green pigments with lotus borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central devotee before a tulasī planter and Viṣṇu symbols; surrounding floral border of lotuses; Indra depicted in a corner vignette, subdued; deep blue background with gold highlights, peacocks and temple lamps framing the theme of inner victory."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["single temple bell strikes","steady tanpura drone","soft conch shell","stillness"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: rakṣāyutā = rakṣā-yutā; damaśāṃtiparāyaṇā = dama-śānti-parāyaṇā; samarthaśca = samarthaḥ ca; sाक्षाच्छचीपतिः = sākṣāt śacī-patiḥ (t + ś -> cch).
FAQs
It teaches that inner disciplines—self-control (dama) and peace (śānti)—function as powerful protection, making one spiritually unconquerable even by great celestial powers like Indra.
Śacīpati means “the lord (husband) of Śacī,” a common epithet for Indra, the king of the devas.
It emphasizes mastery over oneself rather than dominance over others: steadfast restraint and calmness are portrayed as the true source of strength and security.