Varaha Purana 8.17 — Adhyaya 8, Shloka 17
Dialogue on the Ethical Limits of Subsistence and the Five Great Sacrifices
Dharmavyādha, Mātaṅga, and Prasanna
एतच्छ्रुत्वा स धर्मात्मा धर्मव्याधो रुषान्वितः । मतङ्गस्य गृहं सोऽथ गत्वा जनपदैर्वृतम् ॥ ८.१७ ॥
etac chrutvā sa dharmātmā dharmavyādho ruṣānvitaḥ | mataṅgasya gṛhaṃ so ’tha gatvā janapadair vṛtam || 8.17 ||
एतच्छ्रुत्वा स धर्मात्मा धर्मव्याधो रुषान्वितः । ततः मतङ्गस्य गृहं जनपदैर्वृतं गत्वा ॥
Varāha (default narrative framework; speaker not explicit in fragment)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":false}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"instruction_summary":"Even the dharmic person may feel anger at injustice, but must channel it into righteous inquiry and disciplined action rather than violence.","karmic_consequence":"Anger indulged becomes adharma and binds; anger governed becomes a spur to dharma-vicāra and correction without sin."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"dharma under provocation","core_concept":"Dharma is tested in krodha; the righteous must act with discernment even when emotionally stirred.","practical_application":"When wronged, seek dialogue with the relevant party, verify facts, and respond proportionately—avoid impulsive retaliation."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Narrative Literature","Social Geography"]
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: village/household amid janapada
Related Themes: Varaha Purana 8.8 (continuation: reception and dialogue at Mataṅga’s house)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Dharmavyādha strides toward Mataṅga’s home, anger visible yet controlled; villagers gather around, watching the approach.","item_prompts":["hunter with bow/gear but composed demeanor","path leading to a house","crowd of janapada people","dusty village street","Mataṅga’s dwelling as focal point"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, dynamic walking posture, clustered villagers, strong reds/browns, emphasis on controlled fury in the eyes.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, central advancing figure with gold accents, stylized crowd framing the scene, architectural doorway gleaming.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, elegant movement, detailed costumes, soft shading, crowd rendered with restraint.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature, diagonal composition of approach, small attentive crowd, crisp outlines, narrative economy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"driving and investigative","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium-fast","voice_tone":"steady, energized, with contained intensity"}
FAQs
It illustrates a Purāṇic narrative technique where ethical characterization (dharmātmā) is juxtaposed with human emotion (anger), reflecting the didactic storytelling style typical of Purāṇic literature.
No specific toponym is given; the term janapada indicates a populated region or territorial community rather than a uniquely identifiable modern location.
The verse foregrounds moral tension: even a figure described as dharmātmā can be ruṣānvita (angered), preparing the narrative for reflection on restraint, conduct, and the consequences of emotion within ethical life.
Ask anything about this verse
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