Varaha Purana 70.22 — Adhyaya 70, Shloka 22
Nārāyaṇa as the Sacrificial Principle, Analysis of the Three Guṇas, and the Account of Delusion-Doctrines
यद्वेदबाह्यं कर्म स्याच्छास्त्रमुद्दिश्य सेव्यते । तद्रौद्रमिति विख्यातं कनिष्ठं गदितं नृणाम् ॥ ७०.२२ ॥
yad vedabāhyaṃ karma syāc chāstram uddiśya sevyate | tad raudram iti vikhyātaṃ kaniṣṭhaṃ gaditaṃ nṛṇām || 70.22 ||
వేదబాహ్యమైన కర్మను ‘శాస్త్రం’ అని చూపిస్తూ ఆచరిస్తే, అది ‘రౌద్రం’ అని ప్రసిద్ధి; మనుష్యులలో అది అత్యంత కనిష్ఠమని చెప్పబడింది.
Varāha (default speaker per dialogue framework; not explicit in the fragment)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false,"aspect_highlighted":"None","boar_form_detail":"None","earth_interaction":"None"}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":false,"speaker_role":"instructor","bhu_devi_state":"None","key_question":"None"}
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":"Veda-bāhya karma, even when justified by citing “śāstra,” is condemned as raudra and the lowest conduct.","karmic_consequence":"Such mis-scripturalized practice degrades one’s dharma-status and leads toward spiritual downfall and social/religious censure."}
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":"epistemic-ethics (pramāṇa and dharma)","core_concept":"Appeal to ‘scripture’ is invalid if the act contradicts Vedic dharma; true authority is alignment with Veda and right intent.","practical_application":"Test rituals/observances for Veda-consistency and sāttvika intent; avoid sectarian or self-serving ‘śāstra’-quoting to license adharma."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Dharmaśāstra","Scriptural authority","Ritual classification"]
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: bībhatsa
Type: None
Related Themes: 70.70.23-26 (guṇa-based grading of karma; yuga-wise worship)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Varāha as a solemn teacher delivering a sharp warning against pseudo-scriptural, Veda-external rites.","item_prompts":["Varāha in calm teaching posture","palm-leaf manuscripts labeled ‘Veda’ and ‘śāstra’","a rejected dark ritual paraphernalia set aside","listeners in attentive assembly"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Varāha-mukha guru seated, bold outlines, flat warm palette; manuscripts and ritual items as symbolic props; didactic court-like setting.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central Varāha-teacher with halo and gold-leaf arch; manuscripts and a subdued ‘raudra’ ritual tray in corner; rich reds/greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: refined linework, soft shading; Varāha instructing with mudrā; manuscripts prominent; restrained palette conveying ethical gravity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: intimate satsang scene in a pavilion; Varāha as divine instructor; minimal props—Veda manuscript and discarded dark implements; cool hills in background."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"admonitory, discerning","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium-slow","voice_tone":"firm, judicial, clear diction"}
FAQs
It reflects a Purāṇic concern with evaluating practices by their relationship to Vedic authority, and it documents an internal taxonomy of conduct (karma) used in Sanskrit normative discourse.
No geographic location is referenced in this verse; the focus is on categorizing actions and their claimed scriptural basis.
The verse discourages practices considered ‘outside the Veda’ even when justified through appeals to ‘scripture,’ presenting such conduct as the lowest category for humans.
Ask anything about this verse
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