Varaha Purana 187.52 — Adhyaya 187, Shloka 52
Determination of the Origin and Procedure of the Ancestral Offering
Pitṛyajña/Śrāddha
पुत्रेण लभते येन पौरत्रेण च पितामहाः ॥ अथ पुत्रस्य पौरत्रेण मोदन्ते प्रपितामहाः
putreṇa labhate yena pautreṇa ca pitāmahāḥ | atha putrasya pautreṇa modante prapitāmahāḥ ||
പുത്രനാൽ ഏതു ഫലം ലഭിക്കുമോ അത് ലഭിക്കുന്നു; പൗത്രനാൽ പിതാമഹന്മാർ ഉപകൃതരാകുന്നു. പിന്നെ പുത്രന്റെ പൗത്രനാൽ പ്രപിതാമഹന്മാർ ആനന്ദിക്കുന്നു.
Narrative voice (speaker not explicit in this verse); default dialogue frame: Varāha → Pṛthivī
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":false,"speaker_role":"observer"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"shraddha","instruction_summary":"Putra–pautra–prapautra lineage is presented as the means by which successive generations of ancestors (pitṛs) gain satisfaction/rejoicing, implying the necessity of progeny for ongoing śrāddha/ancestral continuity.","karmic_consequence":"With progeny, pitṛs are ‘benefited’ and rejoice through continued offerings and lineage; without progeny, the ancestral line’s ritual support is cut off, leading to deprivation of pitṛ-sukha (implied)."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"dharma-teleology of gṛhastha","core_concept":"Lineage (vaṃśa) as a dharmic instrument for sustaining pitṛ-yajña and intergenerational obligation.","practical_application":"Maintain gṛhastha responsibilities—marriage, progeny, and regular śrāddha/tilodaka—so that ancestral rites continue without break."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Social History"]
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: dharmya
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa: pitṛ/śrāddha discussions in adjacent narrative units (contextual)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Didactic tableau of three ancestral tiers—pitāmaha and prapitāmaha—receiving satisfaction through the presence of son, grandson, and great-grandson, suggested as a ritual-genealogical chain.","item_prompts":["three-generation family line (putra–pautra–prapautra)","pitṛs seated in subtle realm receiving tarpaṇa","water-offering vessel (kalaśa) and darbha grass","ancestral haloed figures labeled pitāmaha/prapitāmaha"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: calm śānta palette; gṛhastha offering tarpaṇa with darbha; pitṛs in upper register with soft aureoles; minimal background, temple-like framing.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style: central gṛhastha with kalaśa and darbha; gold-leaf halos for pitṛs in tiers; ornate arch; rich reds/greens emphasizing auspicious lineage.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style: refined linework; subtle expressions of contentment on pitṛs; domestic-ritual setting with clean architectural cues; restrained ornament.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari style: lyrical hillside-ashrama edge; family line shown in narrative panels; pitṛs in cloud-band above; delicate flora and soft washes."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"didactic and contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"steady, explanatory, with gentle emphasis on kinship terms"}
FAQs
It documents a widespread Purāṇic and Dharma-śāstric valuation of lineage continuity, linking family structure to ancestral well-being and social stability.
No geographic location is named; the verse is genealogical and ethical in scope.
It emphasizes intergenerational responsibility and continuity, presenting descendants as contributors to ancestral fulfillment.
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