Varaha Purana 211.22: Adhyaya 211, Shloka 22
Methods for the Removal of Sin and the Eulogy of Prabodhinī Ekādaśī/Dvādaśī
Uttara Bhāga · Vrata-vidhi and Tīrtha-snānā (Kārttika/Ekādaśī context)
दक्षिणावर्तशङ्खेन कृत्वा चैव करे जलम् ॥ शिरसा तद्गृहीत्वा तु विप्रो हृष्टमनाः शुचिः ॥
dakṣiṇāvartaśaṅkhena kṛtvā caiva kare jalam || śirasā tadgṛhītvā tu vipro hṛṣṭamanāḥ śuciḥ
dakShiNAvarttasha~Nkhena kRRitvA chaiva kare jalam || shirasA tadgRRihItvA tu vipro hRRiShTamanAH shuchiH
दक्षिणावर्त शंख से पानी हाथ में लो। फिर उस पानी को सर पे रख लो। ब्राह्मण का मन खुश हो जाता है और वो साफ हो जाता है।
Sandhi Notes
- चैव = च + एव
- तद्गृहीत्वा = तत् + गृहीत्वा (द् + ग् → द्ग्)
Varāha
Relieved/hopeful; focused on auspicious implements and the affective result (hṛṣṭa-manas)
What is the correct method and inner disposition for receiving consecrated water via a dakṣiṇāvarta conch?
Auspicious symbols and correct bodily reception cultivate inner joy and purity; the affect (hṛṣṭatā) is presented as a sign of successful sanctification.
When receiving tīrtha/abhiṣeka water, do so with cleanliness, reverence, and gratitude; let the act consciously ‘crown’ the mind with restraint and clarity.
The right-turning conch is a Viṣṇu-emblem of auspicious cosmic order; pouring/receiving water on the head signifies descent of grace and consecration of the ‘crown’ (buddhi) toward dharma.
Śaṅkha as ritual vessel of ṛta; water as consecratory essence; head as ‘uttama-aṅga’ receiving sanctification—microcosmic abhiṣeka mirroring cosmic restoration.
Grace (anugraha) is received when the mind is purified (śuci) and uplifted (hṛṣṭa); the head-reception symbolizes offering ego to the higher principle.
Using a dakṣiṇāvarta śaṅkha, take water into the hand and receive it upon the head in purity and gladness—this is part of the proper consecratory procedure.
Auspicious implement + śauca + right reception completes the rite and supports purification; careless handling or impure state undermines sanctity and fruit.
Ritual completion marked by purity and joyful mind (hṛṣṭa-manas), implying successful śuddhi.
Varāha Purāṇa 211.23 (abhiṣeka according to vidhi; this verse supplies implement and gesture)
FAQs
It preserves a Purāṇic description of ritual water-handling (ācamanā/abhiseka-like gestures) and the symbolic use of the dakṣiṇāvarta conch in late-classical Hindu practice.
No explicit place-name appears in this verse; it functions as a general ritual instruction rather than a site-specific tīrtha description.
Emphasis on śauca (purity/cleanliness) and disciplined ritual procedure as preparatory conduct for religious observance.
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