Varaha Purana 17.5: Adhyaya 17, Shloka 5
King Prajāpāla’s Visit to Sage Mahātapā’s Hermitage and the Doctrinal Praise of Nārāyaṇa
तस्य पुत्रत्वमापेदे सुप्रभो मणिजो धरे । प्रजापालेति वै नाम्ना श्रुतकीर्तिर्महाबलः ॥ १७.५ ॥
tasya putratvam āpede suprabho maṇijo dhare | prajāpāleti vai nāmnā śrutakīrtir mahābalaḥ || 17.5 ||
يا دارا (الأرض)، إنَّ مَنيجا—ويُدعى أيضًا سوبْرَبها—قد صار ابنَه؛ وهو، ذائعُ الصيت عظيمُ القوّة، دُعي حقًّا باسم «براجابالا» (حامي الرعيّة).
Varāha (default dialogue framework; speaker not explicit in excerpt)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false,"earth_interaction":"Varāha addresses Earth directly (‘dhare’) while detailing succession and royal epithets."}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"speaker_role":"instructor","bhu_devi_state":"attentive, integrating lineage details"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":false}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"rājadharma (implicit)","core_concept":"A king’s true identity is expressed through function: ‘Prajāpāla’ signals the dharmic duty of protecting and nurturing the people.","practical_application":"In leadership roles, adopt titles/identities that reflect service; measure authority by protection and welfare of dependents."}
Subject Matter: ["Genealogy","Royal Epithets and Names","Puranic Narrative"]
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: genealogical frame
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 17.17.3 (Suprabha introduced); Varāha Purāṇa 17.17.4 (Śrutakīrti as predecessor)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A succession tableau: Śrutakīrti’s lineage continues as his son Maṇija/Suprabha is identified with the epithet Prajāpāla, emphasizing protective kingship.","item_prompts":["two-generation royal depiction (father and son)","inscribed name ribbons: ‘Maṇija’, ‘Suprabha’, ‘Prajāpāla’","symbol of protection (umbrella, shield, or sheltering canopy over citizens)"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: father-king and son-king side-by-side with bold name cartouches; protective parasol over small figures representing prajā.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: gold-embossed royal pair; ornate parasol and throne; name plaques in decorative frames.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: courtly succession scene with gentle realism; citizens in background; emphasis on the son receiving insignia.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: narrative panel with palace balcony; the prince presented to the people; delicate inscriptions for multiple names."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"genealogical, steady","suggested_raga":"Kambhoji","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"measured and declarative, with clear enunciation of the multiple names and vocative ‘dhare’"}
FAQs
It preserves a genealogical notice typical of Purāṇic historiography, recording succession through sonship and highlighting royal/heroic identity via epithets such as “Prajāpāla,” a title associated with protection and governance.
No specific geographic location is named in this verse; the vocative “Dharā” addresses the Earth as a narrative interlocutor rather than indicating a place.
Implicitly, the epithet “Prajāpāla” frames rulership as protective stewardship—an ideal of governance emphasizing safeguarding subjects (prajā) rather than mere power.
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