Varaha Purana 177.46: Adhyaya 177, Shloka 46
The Curse of Sāmba and the Prescribed Observance of Sun-Worship
द्विधाकृतात्मयोगेन साम्बकुष्ठमपोहितम् ॥ साम्बः प्रख्याततीर्थे तु तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥
dvidhākṛtātmayogena sāmbakuṣṭham apohitam || sāmbaḥ prakhyātatīrthe tu tatraivāntaradhīyata ||
Melalui amalan ātma-yoga yang membahagi (menggandakan) diri, penyakit kusta Sāmba telah disingkirkan. Kemudian Sāmba, di tīrtha yang masyhur itu, lenyap dari pandangan di tempat itu juga.
Varāha
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":false,"speaker_role":"observer"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":true,"specific_site":"A ‘prakhyāta tīrtha’ in the same sequence (unnamed here)","parikrama_context":"Represents a climactic stop in the tīrtha itinerary where healing occurs; a narrative anchor for pilgrims retracing the route.","krishna_connection":"Sāmba’s identity (Kṛṣṇa’s son) makes the healing a Yādava-linked miracle within the kṣetra’s sacred memory."}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":false}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"yoga and grace","core_concept":"Affliction can be removed through yogic power aligned with divine favor; the tīrtha becomes a conduit for transformation.","practical_application":"Approach sacred places with śraddhā and disciplined practice; interpret healing as impetus for inner purification and detachment (symbolized by disappearance)."}
Subject Matter: ["Healing Narratives","Sacred Geography","Ritual Practice"]
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Type: tīrtha site
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 177.52 (purification leading to Brahman); Varāha Purāṇa 177.54 (Sāmba’s subsequent inquiry to Sūrya)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At a famed tīrtha, Sāmba’s diseased skin is shown transforming to healthy radiance as a yogic act ‘divides/duplicates the self’; immediately after, Sāmba fades/vanishes at the same spot.","item_prompts":["river/ford setting","Sāmba with signs of leprosy transitioning to healed body","double-image effect (two Sambas or split aura) to show ‘dvidhākṛta’","light swirl indicating yogic action","onlookers or subtle divine presence"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized transformation with twin-outline figure; bold color blocks; sacred river band; ornamental aura patterns.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: gilded healing aura; embossed rays around Sāmba; dramatic before/after depiction; ornate arch framing the tīrtha.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: elegant metamorphosis with soft gradients; fine detailing of garments and water; subtle disappearance effect.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: narrative split-panel feel—left afflicted, right healed/vanishing; delicate landscape and clear storytelling."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"wonder-filled yet composed","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"bright, slightly heightened, narrative"}
FAQs
It concludes an etiological tīrtha narrative by linking the site to healing and extraordinary events, a common Purāṇic strategy for memorializing pilgrimage places.
A “renowned tīrtha” (prakhyāta-tīrtha) referenced in the immediate narrative context—associated with the Mādhyandinīyaka tīrtha described earlier in the chapter.
The narrative presents restoration of wellbeing as connected to disciplined observance and place-based practice, encouraging continuity of culturally preserved rites without coercive claims.
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