Skanda Purana — Avanti Khanda, Shloka 7
ततस्त्वन्ये पृथग्वर्णाः पृथग्धर्मान् समाचरन् । पर्यायेण समुत्पन्ना ह्यनुलोमविलोमतः
tatastvanye pṛthagvarṇāḥ pṛthagdharmān samācaran | paryāyeṇa samutpannā hyanulomavilomataḥ
Thereafter other distinct classes arose and practiced distinct duties—coming into being in due sequence through unions considered in the direct and reverse orders (anuloma and viloma).
Mārkaṇḍeya
Listener: Yudhiṣṭhira
Scene: A schematic depiction of branching lineages from the four varṇas, showing ‘direct’ and ‘reverse’ unions producing additional classes, with the sage explaining the sequence.
FAQs
It emphasizes that conduct (dharma) is described in differentiated ways for differentiated social realities, urging ordered living aligned with scriptural norms.
No tīrtha is specified in this verse; it is part of the Revā Khaṇḍa’s broader dharma instruction.
No ritual is prescribed here; it introduces categories that later receive practical dharma guidelines.
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