Varaha Purana 61.6: Adhyaya 61, Shloka 6
The Observance for the Fulfilment of Desires: Worship of Keśava in the Form of Guha
Kumāra
Pūrva Bhāga · Nāma-smaraṇa / Devatā-nāma-paryāya (thematic listing of divine epithets)
षड्वक्त्र कार्त्तिक गुह सेनानी कृत्तिकासुत । कुमार स्कन्द इत्येवं पूज्यो विष्णुः स्वनामभिः ॥ ६१.६ ॥
ṣaḍvaktra kārttika guha senānī kṛttikāsuta | kumāra skanda ityevaṁ pūjyo viṣṇuḥ svanāmabhiḥ || 61.6 ||
ShaDvaktra kArttika guha senAnI kRRittikAsuta | kumAra skanda ityevaM pUjyo viShNuH svanAmabhiH || 61.6 ||
विष्णु भगवान को इन सब नाम से बुलाना है, छह मुख वाला, कार्तिक, गुह, सेनापति, कृत्तिका का बेटा, कुमार, स्कंद। यह सब उनके ही नाम हैं।
Sandhi Notes
- इत्येवं = इति + एवम् (इ + ए → ये)
- स्वनामभिः = स्व + नामभिः (समास)
Varāha
Recitation of authoritative divine epithets is itself a complete mode of worship; many names can converge on one deity.
In vrata practice, include structured nāma-japa/archana using the specified epithets with attention and correct pronunciation.
Doctrinal instruction: Varāha teaches name-recitation as worship.
The verse models Purāṇic theism where divine functions/names are harmonized: Viṣṇu as the underlying deity receiving multiple functional epithets—suggesting one Brahman appearing as many devatā-roles.
Nāma as mantra-body: the ‘many names’ function like multiple oblations offered into one fire—unity of recipient despite plurality of offerings.
Supports ekatva (oneness) behind nāma-rūpa plurality: saguna worship through diverse epithets points to a single supreme reality.
Honor Viṣṇu by reciting and worshipping through these recognized epithets: Ṣaḍvaktra, Kārttika, Guha, Senānī, Kṛttikāsuta, Kumāra, Skanda.
Correct nāma-pūjā is implied to secure the vrata’s fruit; careless or incorrect invocation weakens the intended devotional/ritual effect.
Implied protection, victory, and fulfillment associated with Senānī/Skanda epithets, integrated into Vaiṣṇava merit.
Indirect: Vaiṣṇava framework; however the epithets listed are Skanda/Guha-related names applied here to Viṣṇu in a syncretic/identificatory mode.
Varāha Purāṇa 61.61.5 (Guharūpa Keśava worship); Varāha Purāṇa 61.61.7 (vrata conclusion rites)
FAQs
It illustrates a Purāṇic devotional technique—honoring a deity through established epithets—reflecting how Sanskrit texts preserve and systematize divine name-lists (nāma-paryāyas) for liturgical and mnemonic use.
No specific geographic site is named in this verse; it focuses on epithets and ritual honoring through name-recitation.
The verse emphasizes disciplined remembrance and respectful speech as a form of practice: honoring through accurate naming (a linguistic-ritual discipline rather than a coercive command).
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