Varaha Purana 13.55: Adhyaya 13, Shloka 55
The Genealogy of the Pitṛs and the Determination of Śrāddha Times
असमर्थोऽन्नदानस्य वन्यशाकं स्वशक्तितः । प्रदास्यति द्विजाग्र्येभ्यः स्वल्पां यो वापि दक्षिणाम् ॥ १३.५५ ॥
asamartho 'nnadānasya vanyaśākaṃ svaśaktitaḥ | pradāsyati dvijāgryebhyaḥ svalpāṃ yo vāpi dakṣiṇām || 13.55 ||
ਜੋ ਅੰਨਦਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਅਸਮਰੱਥ ਹੋਵੇ, ਉਹ ਆਪਣੀ ਸਮਰੱਥਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਸ਼੍ਰੇਸ਼ਠ ਦ੍ਵਿਜਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜੰਗਲੀ ਸਾਗ-ਸਬਜ਼ੀ ਦੇਵੇ; ਜਾਂ ਥੋੜ੍ਹੀ ਵੀ ਦਕਸ਼ਿਣਾ ਅਰਪਿਤ ਕਰੇ।
Varāha (default speaker framework)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"speaker_role":"instructor","bhu_devi_state":"concerned for the poor; seeking inclusivity of dharma","key_question":"What dharmic act remains available when one cannot afford full anna-dāna?"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"dana","instruction_summary":"If unable to give food, one should give wild vegetables according to capacity, or at least a small dakṣiṇā to worthy twice-born persons.","karmic_consequence":"Even minimal giving sustains merit and humility; refusal to give anything when able to offer even a token implies hardening of heart and loss of dharmic credit."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":true,"symbolic_interpretation":"The verse teaches ‘graduated sacrifice’: the substance may be humble (forest greens), but the yajña-principle is preserved—offering what is truly available.","yajna_varaha_imagery":"Vaṇya-śāka = simple havis from nature; dakṣiṇā = sacrificial fee completing the rite; capacity (śakti) = measure of adhikāra.","vedantic_connection":"Inner disposition outweighs material magnitude; the Lord accepts the bhāva (intent) expressed through whatever is attainable."}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"ethics of intention and proportionality","core_concept":"Dharma is not blocked by poverty; one offers what one can—substance is secondary to sincerity.","practical_application":"When resources are tight, give modest staples, produce, or a token donation; maintain the habit of generosity without financial strain."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Dana (charity)","Social duty"]
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: karuṇā
Type: rural subsistence setting
Related Themes: 13.13.54 (anna-dāna ideal); 13.13.56-57 (sesame and water as further minimum)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A poor but devout person offers a small bundle of wild greens or a few coins as dakṣiṇā to an honored brāhmaṇa, with bowed head.","item_prompts":["bundle of leafy greens","small coin pouch (dakṣiṇā)","brāhmaṇa receiving with blessing","humble attire of donor","gesture of pranāma"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Earthy greens prominent; stylized foliage; devotional posture emphasized; serene faces.","tanjore_prompt":"Gold highlights on dakṣiṇā pouch and ornaments; rich framing despite humble gift to show spiritual value.","mysore_prompt":"Naturalistic greens; delicate hands; quiet reverence; refined expressions.","pahari_prompt":"Forest edge backdrop; bright greens; narrative tenderness; minimal props."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"reassuring, compassionate","suggested_raga":"Madhyamāvati","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"warm, consoling, instructive"}
FAQs
It reflects a common Purāṇic and Dharmaśāstric ethic: charity is graded by capacity, allowing participation in giving even when resources are limited.
No specific geographic location is named in this verse; it addresses a general ethical practice rather than sacred geography.
Give according to one’s means: if full food-giving is not possible, offer simpler provisions (like wild greens) or a modest dakṣiṇā to learned recipients.
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