Varaha Purana 63.2 — Adhyaya 63, Shloka 2
Procedure for the Son-Obtaining Vow
Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī Observance
मासे भाद्रपदे या तु कृष्णपक्षे नरेश्वर । अष्टम्यामुपवासेन पुत्रप्राप्तिव्रतं हि तत् ॥ ६३.२ ॥
māse bhādrapade yā tu kṛṣṇapakṣe nareśvara | aṣṭamyām upavāsena putraprāptivrataṃ hi tat || 63.2 ||
O lord of men, that observance which is performed in the month of Bhādrapada, in the dark fortnight—by fasting on the eighth lunar day (Aṣṭamī)—is indeed the vow for obtaining a son.
Varāha (default framework; not explicit in fragment)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false,"aspect_highlighted":"None","boar_form_detail":"None","earth_interaction":"None"}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":false,"speaker_role":"instructor","bhu_devi_state":"None","key_question":"None"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false,"specific_site":"None","parikrama_context":"None","krishna_connection":"None"}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"None","instruction_summary":"Observe the putra-prāpti vrata in Bhādrapada, kṛṣṇa-pakṣa, by fasting on Aṣṭamī.","karmic_consequence":"Correct timing and upavāsa support the intended fruit (putra-prāpti); wrong timing/neglect diminishes efficacy and merit."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":true,"vrata_name":"Putra-prāpti-vrata","tithi_month":"Bhādrapada māsa, kṛṣṇa-pakṣa, Aṣṭamī (fast)","promised_fruit":"Putra-prāpti (obtaining a son/offspring)."}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false,"symbolic_interpretation":"None","yajna_varaha_imagery":"None","vedantic_connection":"None"}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"Ritual discipline","core_concept":"Desire is refined through niyama: aligning intention with sacred time (kāla) and bodily restraint (upavāsa).","practical_application":"If undertaking the vow, plan for Bhādrapada kṛṣṇa Aṣṭamī; prepare fasting capacity and supportive sāttvika conduct."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Heritage Sites"]
Primary Rasa: Śānta
Secondary Rasa: Vātsalya
Type: Calendrical observance (kāla-vidhi)
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 63.3–63.4: saṅkalpa on Ṣaṣṭhī, worship on Saptamī and Aṣṭamī
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A calendrical tableau: Bhādrapada dark fortnight night sky transitioning to Aṣṭamī dawn; a devotee prepares for fasting and worship.","item_prompts":["lunar calendar motif","crescent/dark fortnight sky","devotee with simple meal set aside (fasting)","clean worship space","water pot and lamp"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: symbolic moon-phase band above, devotee in profile preparing for upavāsa, warm earthy palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style: decorative calendar/moon motif with gold highlights; devotee before a small shrine, rich ornamented borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style: gentle dawn light, precise ritual objects; emphasis on serenity and restraint.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari style: minimal interior with window showing dark fortnight sky; soft colors, contemplative mood."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"Instructional, precise","suggested_raga":"Dhanyāsi","pace":"Medium","voice_tone":"Measured, enumerative (month–pakṣa–tithi)"}
FAQs
It documents a calendrical vrata practice (fasting on Aṣṭamī in Bhādrapada’s dark fortnight), reflecting how Purāṇic texts systematized ritual time (tithi, pakṣa, māsa) and linked observances with socially valued aims such as progeny.
No specific geographic site is named in this verse; it is framed by ritual time (Bhādrapada, kṛṣṇapakṣa, Aṣṭamī) rather than a pilgrimage location.
The verse promotes disciplined observance through fasting (upavāsa) as a structured practice, presenting self-restraint and adherence to calendrical duties as culturally meaningful forms of conduct.
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