Varaha Purana 55.21: Adhyaya 55, Shloka 21
Observance of the Auspicious Dvādaśī Vow and the Sacred Account of the Kubjākāmra Tīrtha
आसीदादियुगे राजा ब्रह्मवादी दृढव्रतः । स पुत्रकामः पप्रच्छ ब्रह्माणं परमेष्ठिनम् । तस्येदं व्रतमाचख्यौ ब्रह्मा स कृतवांस्तथा ॥ ५५.२१ ॥
āsīd ādiyuge rājā brahmavādī dṛḍhavrataḥ | sa putrakāmaḥ papraccha brahmāṇaṁ parameṣṭhinam | tasyedaṁ vratam ācakhyau brahmā sa kṛtavāṁs tathā || 55.21 ||
Im Urzeitalter gab es einen König, dem die Rede über das Brahman lieb war und der fest in seinem Gelübde stand. Da er einen Sohn begehrte, befragte er Brahmā, den höchsten Ordner; und Brahmā erklärte ihm dieses Gelübde, das der König daraufhin pflichtgemäß auf sich nahm.
Varāha (default framework; explicit speaker not stated in the verse fragment)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":false,"speaker_role":"instructor"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"varnashrama","instruction_summary":"A king desiring progeny should approach a competent authority (Brahmā/ācārya) and undertake the prescribed vrata with firmness and brahma-oriented conduct.","karmic_consequence":"Properly performed vrata yields desired progeny and dharmic continuity; neglect or inconstancy frustrates the aim and weakens merit."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":true,"vrata_name":"Putra-prāpti-vrata (as taught by Brahmā)","tithi_month":"Not specified in this verse (context implies a complete vrata-cycle ending in a vow-conclusion).","promised_fruit":"Attainment of a worthy son and the fruition of dharmic kingship through lineage."}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"dharma-sādhana (means-oriented instruction)","core_concept":"Kāma (desire) becomes dharmic when pursued through śāstra-guided vrata and right counsel.","practical_application":"Seek qualified instruction, adopt a firm observance, and align personal aims (like progeny) with dharma rather than impulse."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Ritual Observance (Vrata)","Kingship and Dharma"]
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: mythic-temporal frame
Related Themes: 55.55.22-25 (vow’s completion, divine manifestation, boon, and result)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A primordial king, austere and composed, approaches Brahmā in a luminous assembly to ask for a son; Brahmā instructs a specific vrata.","item_prompts":["king with folded hands (añjali)","Brahmā seated on lotus/throne","scripture/veda manuscripts","austere symbols: kamaṇḍalu, darbha","courtly yet ascetic atmosphere"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Brahmā radiant on lotus, the king in regal attire with restrained palette; emphasize sacred instruction gesture (upadeśa-mudrā) and calm śānta bhāva.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style: ornate Brahmā with gold-leaf halo and lotus throne; king with jeweled crown yet humble posture; include stylized palm-leaf manuscripts and rich architectural frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style: delicate linework, soft shading; Brahmā’s serene face and the king’s disciplined austerity; warm temple-interior ambience.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari style: intimate court-forest hermitage blend; Brahmā on lotus with pastel sky; king kneeling, minimal props, emphasis on narrative clarity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"didactic and contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium-slow","voice_tone":"steady, instructive, reverent"}
FAQs
It reflects a common Purāṇic narrative pattern: a ruler seeks guidance from a primordial authority (Brahmā) regarding a regulated observance (vrata), illustrating how dharma and ritual practice are framed as consultative and textually authorized.
No geographic location is specified in this verse; the setting is temporal (“ādiyuga,” the primordial age) rather than spatial.
The verse foregrounds disciplined conduct (dṛḍhavrata) and seeking authoritative counsel before undertaking a vow, presenting ethical restraint and informed practice as integral to royal and personal aims.
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