Varaha Purana 115.46: Adhyaya 115, Shloka 46
The Arising of Diverse Dharmas: Devotional Observances and Varṇa-Based Duties
Uttara Bhāga · Yoga–Dharma Instructions (Austerities and Dietary Regimens)
पयसा यावकेनापि कदाचिद्वायुभक्षणः ॥ कदाचित्षष्ठकालेन क्वचिद्दृष्टमहाफलः ॥
payasā yāvakenāpi kadācid vāyubhakṣaṇaḥ || kadācit ṣaṣṭhakālena kvacid dṛṣṭamahāphalaḥ ||
payasA yAvakenApi kadAchidvAyubhakShaNaH || kadAchitShaShThakAlena kvachiddRRiShTamahAphalaH
कभी सिर्फ दूध पीता है। कभी दलिया खाता है। कभी कुछ नहीं खाता, बस साँस लेता है। कभी दिन में एक बार खाता है। ऐसे करने से बड़ा फल मिलता है।
Sandhi Notes
- यावकेनापि = यावकेन + अपि
- कदाचित्षष्ठकालेन = कदाचित् + षष्ठकालेन
Varāha
Curious about tapas and its results
Which dietary austerities (milk, yāvaka, extreme fasting) are practiced, and what fruits are said to arise from them?
Regulated deprivation refines desire and strengthens inner freedom; results depend on right measure and intention.
Choose an austerity suited to capacity (milk/yāvaka etc.), keep it time-bound, and align it with devotion and ethical conduct.
Varāha teaches Bhū-devī graded austerities of diet/fasting and their reputed fruits
Undertake graded fasting regimens—milk-only, barley-gruel, extreme fasting, or eating at set intervals—recognized as producing great results when properly practiced.
Proper tapas yields purification and spiritual merit; reckless extremes without fitness can lead to bodily harm and instability, undermining dharma.
Varāha Purāṇa 115.52 (further schedules: 4th/10th day, fruit-only)
FAQs
It records a spectrum of austerity-related dietary practices known across Sanskrit ascetic traditions, framed here as contributing to recognized outcomes within a Purāṇic ethical-yogic program.
No geographic location is identified.
Adopt disciplined, regulated consumption (including fasting) as part of austerity-oriented practice, with attention to measured observance.
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