Varaha Purana 61.6 — Adhyaya 61, Shloka 6
The Observance for the Fulfilment of Desires: Worship of Keśava in the Form of Guha
Kumāra
षड्वक्त्र कार्त्तिक गुह सेनानी कृत्तिकासुत । कुमार स्कन्द इत्येवं पूज्यो विष्णुः स्वनामभिः ॥ ६१.६ ॥
ṣaḍvaktra kārttika guha senānī kṛttikāsuta | kumāra skanda ityevaṁ pūjyo viṣṇuḥ svanāmabhiḥ || 61.6 ||
‘షడ్వక్త్ర, కార్త్తిక, గుహ, సేనానీ, కృత్తికాసుత, కుమార, స్కంద’—ఇలా తన నామాలతో విష్ణువును పూజించాలి।
Varāha
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":true,"aspect_highlighted":"None","boar_form_detail":"None","earth_interaction":"Doctrinal instruction: Varāha teaches name-recitation as worship; no Earth interaction."}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"speaker_role":"instructor","bhu_devi_state":"None","key_question":"None"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false,"specific_site":"None","parikrama_context":"None","krishna_connection":"Indirect: Vaiṣṇava framework; however the epithets listed are Skanda/Guha-related names applied here to Viṣṇu in a syncretic/identificatory mode."}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"None","instruction_summary":"Honor Viṣṇu by reciting and worshipping through these recognized epithets: Ṣaḍvaktra, Kārttika, Guha, Senānī, Kṛttikāsuta, Kumāra, Skanda.","karmic_consequence":"Correct nāma-pūjā is implied to secure the vrata’s fruit; careless or incorrect invocation weakens the intended devotional/ritual effect."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":true,"vrata_name":"Guharūpa/Skanda-nāma Viṣṇu-pūjā within the annual vrata","tithi_month":"Within the one-year observance (specific tithi not stated)","promised_fruit":"Implied protection, victory, and fulfillment associated with Senānī/Skanda epithets, integrated into Vaiṣṇava merit."}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":true,"symbolic_interpretation":"The verse models Purāṇic theism where divine functions/names are harmonized: Viṣṇu as the underlying deity receiving multiple functional epithets—suggesting one Brahman appearing as many devatā-roles.","yajna_varaha_imagery":"Nāma as mantra-body: the ‘many names’ function like multiple oblations offered into one fire—unity of recipient despite plurality of offerings.","vedantic_connection":"Supports ekatva (oneness) behind nāma-rūpa plurality: saguna worship through diverse epithets points to a single supreme reality."}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"theology of names (nāma-tattva)","core_concept":"Recitation of authoritative divine epithets is itself a complete mode of worship; many names can converge on one deity.","practical_application":"In vrata practice, include structured nāma-japa/archana using the specified epithets with attention and correct pronunciation."}
Subject Matter: ["Ritual Practice","Theology","Philology"]
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: None
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 61.61.5 (Guharūpa Keśava worship); Varāha Purāṇa 61.61.7 (vrata conclusion rites)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A ritual scene where a worshipper recites a litany of epithets; behind, a composite iconography subtly blends Viṣṇu with six-faced symbolism (ṣaḍvaktra) to show the intended identificatory worship.","item_prompts":["priest/devotee with rosary or palm-leaf text","inscribed epithets as a halo-band","Viṣṇu icon with subtle six-faced motif or six-rayed aureole","offerings: flowers, incense","mantra scrolls"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized archana with epithets painted as decorative script around the deity; calm, symmetrical composition; subtle ṣaḍvaktra aura without overt sectarian clash.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: gold-leaf halo with six radiating segments; Viṣṇu central; epithets embossed around; rich ornamentation and archana tray in foreground.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: fine calligraphic band of names; elegant devotee posture; soft lighting; restrained sixfold aureole.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: lyrical scene with a reciter holding a manuscript; deity in a small shrine; names floating like clouds; delicate palette."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"mantric and enumerative","suggested_raga":"Shree","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"precise, rhythmic, slightly emphatic on each epithet"}
FAQs
It illustrates a Purāṇic devotional technique—honoring a deity through established epithets—reflecting how Sanskrit texts preserve and systematize divine name-lists (nāma-paryāyas) for liturgical and mnemonic use.
No specific geographic site is named in this verse; it focuses on epithets and ritual honoring through name-recitation.
The verse emphasizes disciplined remembrance and respectful speech as a form of practice: honoring through accurate naming (a linguistic-ritual discipline rather than a coercive command).
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