Varaha Purana 54.21: Adhyaya 54, Shloka 21
Nārada’s Teaching on a Viṣṇu-Vrata for Securing a Husband
Narrative of the Apsarases
एतस्मिन्नेव सरसि अष्टावक्रो महामुनिः । तस्योपहासं कृत्वा तु शापं लप्स्यथ शोभनाः ॥ ५४.२१ ॥
etasminneva sarasi aṣṭāvakro mahāmuniḥ | tasyopahāsaṃ kṛtvā tu śāpaṃ lapsyatha śobhanāḥ || 54.21 ||
इसी सरोवर में एक बड़े रिशि रहते हैं, अष्टावक्र। अगर तुम उनका मज़ाक उड़ाओ, तो तुम्हे श्राप मिलेगा।
Varāha (default dialogue framework)
FAQs
It reflects a common Purāṇic narrative pattern where sacred landscapes are linked to renowned sages, and social-ethical conduct (especially respect toward ascetics) is framed as integral to engaging with heritage sites.
The verse specifies a 'sarasi' (lake/pond) associated with the sage Aṣṭāvakra, but the excerpt does not preserve a distinct toponym; a precise modern identification cannot be made from this single line alone.
The verse cautions against ridicule (upahāsa) of a revered sage, presenting respectful speech and conduct as a key moral discipline within sacred-space narratives.
Ask anything about this verse
Answers come straight from the texts, with the shlokas they draw on. Ask in your own words.
A free sign-in with Google or Apple keeps your chat saved across web and the app.
Read Varaha Purana in the Vedapath app
Scan the QR code to open this directly in the app, with word-by-word meanings, Sanskrit recitation where available, and more.