Varaha Purana 155.73 — Adhyaya 155, Shloka 73
The Efficacy and Sacred Merit of Akrūra Tīrtha
एकनृत्यस्य मे पुण्यं दद त्वं वणिगुत्तम ॥ सुधन उवाच ॥ नाहं दास्यामि ते पुण्यं यथोक्तं च समाचर
eka-nṛtyasya me puṇyaṃ dada tvaṃ vaṇiguttama || sudhana uvāca || nāhaṃ dāsyāmi te puṇyaṃ yathoktaṃ ca samācara
“एकस्य नृत्यस्य मे पुण्यं देहि, वणिगुत्तम।” इति। सुधन उवाच—“अहं ते पुण्यं न दास्यामि; यथोक्तं विधिवत् समाचर।”
Sudhana (explicit: 'sudhana uvāca')
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false,"aspect_highlighted":"None","boar_form_detail":"None","earth_interaction":"None"}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"speaker_role":"instructor","bhu_devi_state":"None","key_question":"Whether puṇya (merit) can be transferred or gifted from one person to another, versus being earned by one’s own prescribed conduct."}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false,"specific_site":"None","parikrama_context":"None","krishna_connection":"None"}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"None","instruction_summary":"Puṇya is not to be bartered or demanded; one should follow the enjoined practice (yathokta-ācāra) to obtain merit oneself.","karmic_consequence":"Following prescribed conduct yields one’s own merit; attempting to obtain merit through improper exchange is fruitless and ethically blameworthy."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false,"vrata_name":"None","tithi_month":"None","promised_fruit":"None"}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false,"symbolic_interpretation":"None","yajna_varaha_imagery":"None","vedantic_connection":"None"}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"karma-ethics (adhikāra and self-earned merit)","core_concept":"Merit adheres to the agent’s own action and discipline; it is not a commodity transferable on demand.","practical_application":"Do the prescribed sādhana/vrata/dharma yourself rather than seeking shortcuts through others’ spiritual capital."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Merit (Puṇya)","Dialogue"]
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: vīra
Type: None
Related Themes: 155.155.7 (result of Sudhana’s right conduct)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A moral dialogue: a petitioner asks a wealthy, devout merchant (Sudhana) to hand over the merit of a single dance; Sudhana refuses and points to prescribed practice.","item_prompts":["two figures in conversation","merchant/householder attire","gesture of refusal (raised palm)","gesture of instruction (pointing to scripture/ritual)","scroll or palm-leaf manuscript"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, warm earthy palette; Sudhana as dignified gṛhastha instructing a supplicant; clear hand-mudrās of refusal and teaching; minimal background.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style with gold accents; central seated Sudhana with ornate halo-like arch; supplicant standing; include a small manuscript and ritual items; rich textiles.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, delicate linework; intimate indoor setting; Sudhana calm-faced, didactic gesture; subdued ornamentation.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style; courtyard scene; expressive faces; Sudhana composed, the other figure imploring; fine architectural details."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"didactic and restrained","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"firm, clear enunciation with a teaching cadence"}
FAQs
It documents a debate-like moment on the nature of merit (puṇya) and proper practice, reflecting ethical reasoning within Purāṇic narrative frames.
No geographic location is referenced.
Merit is not treated as a casually transferable commodity; the verse emphasizes following prescribed conduct (yathokta samācara) rather than seeking shortcuts.
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