Shloka 17
Mohinī-prashna
The Question about Mohinī
तथेदं वाङ्मयं जातं पुराणेभ्यो न संशयः । वेदार्थादधिकं मन्ये पुराणार्थँ वरानने ॥ १७ ॥
tathedaṃ vāṅmayaṃ jātaṃ purāṇebhyo na saṃśayaḥ | vedārthādadhikaṃ manye purāṇārthaṃ varānane || 17 ||
Thus this whole body of sacred utterance (vāṅmaya) has arisen from the Purāṇas—of this there is no doubt. O fair-faced one, I deem the meaning of the Purāṇas to be even greater than the meaning of the Vedas.
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It asserts that Purāṇic teaching is a complete sacred “vāṅmaya” tradition and emphasizes that the Purāṇas present the Vedic purport in a more accessible, integrated way—linking doctrine with narrative, dharma, and lived practice.
By elevating Purāṇic meaning, the verse supports the Purāṇic method of conveying Vedic truth through stories, praises, and practical observances—forms that naturally cultivate śraddhā and bhakti in devotees.
Rather than a specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa), the verse highlights scriptural hermeneutics—how the Vedas’ meaning is best grasped through Purāṇic exposition and applied dharma.