Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 9
The Account of Sukalā and the Greatness of Nārī-tīrtha
Wife-Assisted Śrāddha and Pitṛ-Liberation
तया समागतं दृष्ट्वा भर्तारं धर्मकोविदम् । कृतं सुमंगलं पुण्यं भर्तुरागमने तदा
tayā samāgataṃ dṛṣṭvā bhartāraṃ dharmakovidam | kṛtaṃ sumaṃgalaṃ puṇyaṃ bharturāgamane tadā
جب اُس نے اپنے شوہر کو—جو دھرم کا جاننے والا تھا—لوٹتا ہوا دیکھا، تو اُس وقت شوہر کی آمد پر اس نے مبارک اور ثواب والے منگل کرم ادا کیے۔
Narrator (contextual; specific speaker not identifiable from the single verse alone)
Concept: Auspicious domestic rites performed with purity and devotion sanctify life-events; honoring a dharma-knowing spouse and welcoming him rightly becomes punya.
Application: Mark reunions and returns with gratitude practices—prayer, charity, respectful welcome, and renewed commitments—turning ordinary events into spiritual merit.
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At the doorway adorned with mango leaves and fresh garlands, the pativratā wife welcomes her dharma-knowing husband with a lamp, sandal paste, and a tray of flowers and rice. The moment is intimate yet ceremonial: elders or attendants stand respectfully behind, and the household shrine glows, turning reunion into visible punya.","primary_figures":["pativratā wife","husband (dharmakovida)","optional household elders/attendants"],"setting":"decorated threshold and inner shrine area with lampstands, flower trays, rice, kumkuma; rangoli/kolam patterns on the floor","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp-flame gold","vermillion red","jasmine white","emerald green","midnight blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: auspicious homecoming rite at a decorated threshold—wife performing āratī for her returning husband; gold leaf on lamp flames, jewelry, and shrine arch; rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, ornate borders with maṅgala symbols (conch, lotus, kalasha).","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate domestic maṅgala scene with refined expressions, soft lamp glow, intricate garlands and textiles; cool shadows with warm highlights; detailed ritual tray with flowers and rice, lyrical intimacy.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: iconic depiction of the maṅgala rite—bold outlines, expressive eyes, stylized lamp and garlands; natural pigments emphasizing reds/yellows/greens; temple-wall framing with auspicious border motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate auspicious threshold scene framed by lotus creepers and floral borders; deep blues and gold; include peacocks near the doorway and intricate textile patterns; devotional symmetry highlighting maṅgala and household sanctity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["hand bell","soft ululation (mangala)","lamp crackle","gentle mantra chant"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भर्तुरागमने = भर्तुः + आगमने; सुमंगलं = सु + मङ्गलम्
FAQs
It highlights reverence for dharma within family life—honoring a righteous spouse and marking significant moments (like a homecoming) with auspicious, merit-producing observances.
“Sumaṅgala” suggests culturally and religiously auspicious rites—gestures of welcome that invoke well-being, harmony, and merit (puṇya) for the household.
It teaches gratitude, respect, and dharmic conduct in relationships—responding to a loved one’s safe return with auspicious actions rather than indifference.