Varaha Purana 164.40 — Adhyaya 164, Shloka 40
The Efficacy of Circumambulating Annakūṭa
Govardhana
एतत्ते कथितं भद्रे अन्नकूटपरिक्रमम् ॥ यथानुक्रमयोगेन तथाषाढेपि चोच्यते ॥
etat te kathitaṃ bhadre annakūṭaparikramam || yathānukramayogena tathāṣāḍhe 'pi cocyate ||
O Edle, dir ist die heilige Umrundung (Pradakṣiṇā) des Annakūṭa dargelegt worden; ebenso wird sie auch für Āṣāḍha in derselben Reihenfolge beschrieben.
Varāha (default dialogue-frame attribution)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"speaker_role":"instructor","bhu_devi_state":"satisfied, seeking calendrical completeness","key_question":"How is the Annakūṭa parikramā to be performed, and is the same sequence applicable in Āṣāḍha?"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":true,"specific_site":"Annakūṭa at Govardhana (Girirāja)","parikrama_context":"Directly names Annakūṭa-parikramā and states it is taught in sequential order (yathānukrama-yoga); extends the same itinerary to Āṣāḍha.","krishna_connection":"Annakūṭa/Govardhana is strongly tied to Kṛṣṇa’s Govardhana-līlā and later Vraja parikramā traditions; calendrical repetition hints at ongoing Kṛṣṇa-bhakti festivals."}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"dana","instruction_summary":"Undertake Annakūṭa circumambulation in the prescribed sequence; the same ordered practice is enjoined for Āṣāḍha as well.","karmic_consequence":"Following preserves the integrity of the rite and yields the stated tīrtha fruits; disorder/neglect reduces efficacy (implied by emphasis on anukrama)."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":true,"vrata_name":"Annakūṭa-parikramā (Govardhana-parikramā)","tithi_month":"Āṣāḍha (also; primary Annakūṭa timing otherwise implied by tradition)","promised_fruit":"Merit of properly sequenced Govardhana pilgrimage; continuity of fruit across calendrical observances (implied)."}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"discipline of practice (niyama)","core_concept":"Sacred action gains potency through correct order (anukrama) and right timing (kāla), reflecting harmony with dharma.","practical_application":"Follow the prescribed route/sequence for Govardhana parikramā; repeat the same discipline in Āṣāḍha as instructed."}
Subject Matter: ["Heritage Sites","Geography","Ritual Practice"]
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Type: parikramā-mārga around sacred hill
Related Themes: 164.46.0 (tīrthānukramaṇa śravaṇa); 164.42.0-164.44.0 (associated vigil, bath, piṇḍa fruits)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Varāha addresses Bhū-devī (‘bhadre’) while indicating a mapped route around Govardhana/Annakūṭa; pilgrims are shown circumambulating in a clear sequence, with seasonal markers for Āṣāḍha.","item_prompts":["Govardhana hill with path encircling it","route markers/mini-shrines","pilgrims walking clockwise","calendar/season cue (monsoon clouds for Āṣāḍha)","Varāha teaching posture (if depicted)"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: teaching tableau with Bhū-devī listening; stylized Govardhana with a looping parikramā path; monsoon-toned background for Āṣāḍha; rich greens and reds.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central Govardhana icon with gold-leaf path motifs; ornate border; pilgrims in rhythmic procession; subtle monsoon cloud motifs in blue with gold highlights.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: detailed landscape with clear circumambulatory path; refined figures; gentle monsoon ambiance; emphasis on orderly procession.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: sweeping hill landscape; delicate procession line; soft rain-cloud wash for Āṣāḍha; intimate devotional travel mood."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"concluding-instructional","suggested_raga":"Desh (seasonal/monsoon association, suitable for calendrical mention)","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"firm, summarizing, benevolent"}
FAQs
It indicates that pilgrimage circuits were standardized by sequence and could be seasonally replicated, suggesting an organized ritual calendar around the site.
Annakūṭa (associated with the Govardhana sacred landscape in later tradition) is referenced as the locus for circumambulation.
Follow orderly, non-disruptive practice—‘in proper sequence’—an ethic of disciplined participation in shared heritage spaces.
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