Varaha Purana 198.4 — Adhyaya 198, Shloka 4
Description of the Torments within the Cycle of Rebirth: Hymn to Yama and the Introduction to Citragupta’s Administration
तस्य वक्त्रं महारौद्रं नित्यमेव भयानकम् ॥ पश्यतस्तस्य मां विप्रास्ततः सौम्यतरं बभौ
tasya vaktraṃ mahāraudraṃ nityam eva bhayānakam || paśyatas tasya māṃ viprās tataḥ saumyataraṃ babhau
Wajah baginda amat garang—sangat raudra dan sentiasa menakutkan. Namun ketika baginda memandangku, wahai para brāhmaṇa, ketika itu baginda tampak lebih lembut dan tenang.
Varāha (default narrative voice per instruction)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":true,"boar_form_detail":"Maharāudra, nitya-bhayānaka vaktra (exceedingly fierce, ever-fearsome face).","earth_interaction":"His terrifying visage softens as he looks upon ‘me’ (Bhu-devī implied), indicating compassion transforming wrath in her presence."}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":false,"speaker_role":"observer","bhu_devi_state":"reassured/relieved (fear giving way to comfort)"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":false}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":true,"symbolic_interpretation":"The same divine form holds both ugra and saumya: cosmic power that terrifies adharma becomes gentleness toward the protected Earth—illustrating īśvara’s dual function of saṃhāra (for evil) and anugraha (for devotees).","yajna_varaha_imagery":"Ugra-vaktra = Rudra-like protective fire of yajña; saumya shift = cooling soma-like grace when the offering (devotee/Earth) is beheld.","vedantic_connection":"Nirguṇa reality appears as saguna with context-sensitive līlā; fearsome for the ego/adharma, gentle for surrendered consciousness."}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"theology of grace (anugraha)","core_concept":"Divine power is not mere ferocity; it is relational—wrath against harm, gentleness toward the one sheltered.","practical_application":"Approach the divine with trust: what seems fearsome (discipline, cosmic law) becomes protective when met with sincerity and surrender."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Cosmology"]
Primary Rasa: bhayānaka
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Type: cosmic/narrative space
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa: recurring ugra/saumya oscillation in avatāra characterization
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Varāha’s fearsome face—flaring nostrils, sharp tusks, blazing expression—softening into a gentle, benevolent countenance as he gazes upon Earth/personified figure; brāhmaṇas witness in awe.","item_prompts":["Varāha face transitioning from fierce to gentle","tusks","intense eyes","Bhu-devī figure nearby","brāhmaṇa witnesses","aura shifting from dark to luminous"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: dramatic ugra mukha with bold outlines; then softened eyes and lips; Bhu-devī in green/earth tones; layered halos.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: split-moment composition—ugra visage with gold radiance turning calm; embossed halo; rich reds for fury, gold for grace.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: nuanced facial expression change; refined tusk detail; subtle background gradient from stormy to serene.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: lyrical transformation scene; expressive eyes; gentle landscape hints; observers in small scale emphasizing divine magnitude."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"awe moving into calm","suggested_raga":"Bhairav (opening gravity) resolving toward Śrī","pace":"slow with a slight lift at ‘saumyataraṃ babhau’","voice_tone":"grave, then softened and reassuring"}
FAQs
It shows a narrative technique where a cosmic authority’s demeanor shifts according to relational context, reflecting layered characterization in Purāṇic storytelling.
No; the verse is set in the assembly (sabhā) without naming a terrestrial site.
The verse suggests that respectful encounter and recognized status can transform fear into composure, emphasizing relational ethics and decorum.
Ask anything about this verse
A free Google sign-in 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 audio, word-by-word meanings, and more.