Varaha Purana 110.11: Adhyaya 110, Shloka 11
The Glory and Procedure of the Grain-Cow (Dhānyadhenu) Donation
त्रिः प्रदक्षिणमावृत्य दण्डवत्प्रणमेच्च ताम् । त्वं हि विप्र महाभाग वेदवेदाङ्गपारग ॥
triḥ pradakṣiṇam āvṛtya daṇḍavat praṇamec ca tām | tvaṃ hi vipra mahābhāga veda-vedāṅga-pāraga ||
เมื่อเวียนประทักษิณสามรอบแล้ว พึงกราบลงแบบทัณฑวัต (หมอบราบทั้งกาย) ต่อมันด้วย. ‘เพราะท่าน โอ้พราหมณ์ผู้มีมหาภาค เป็นผู้เชี่ยวชาญพระเวทและเวทางคะทั้งหลาย’
Varāha (default dialogue framework)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"speaker_role":"instructor"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false,"parikrama_context":"Pradakṣiṇā is prescribed (three circumambulations), but not tied here to Mathurā-maṇḍala sites."}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"dana","instruction_summary":"Perform three pradakṣiṇās and full prostration, then address the learned brāhmaṇa respectfully as part of dāna etiquette.","karmic_consequence":"Reverent gestures and honoring Vedic learning increase the merit of the gift; disrespect to a worthy recipient reduces puṇya and invites demerit."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":true,"symbolic_interpretation":"Pradakṣiṇā and daṇḍavat embody surrender of ego and re-centering life around dharma; honoring Veda-vidyā affirms cosmic order (ṛta) as the axis of giving.","yajna_varaha_imagery":"Three pradakṣiṇās = triad sanctification (karma-vāk-manas or three fires); daṇḍavat = total offering of the body; brāhmaṇa as ‘veda-vāhana’ receiving the rite’s potency.","vedantic_connection":"Bhakti expressed through humility (namra-bhāva) purifies the doer; knowledge (veda-vedāṅga) is revered as a manifestation of Nārāyaṇa’s order, making dāna a sādhana."}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"devotional-ethics","core_concept":"True giving requires humility and honoring the bearers of sacred knowledge.","practical_application":"Before donating, perform a brief pradakṣiṇā/praṇāma (as appropriate) and speak respectfully, acknowledging the recipient’s role and learning."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Ritual Studies","Education History"]
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Type: sacred domestic/temple threshold
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 110.11 (preparatory worship); Varāha Purāṇa 110.13 (acceptance formula invoking Madhusūdana)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The donor circles the offering three times, then lies fully prostrate; a dignified brāhmaṇa scholar stands nearby, holding a palm-leaf or staff, being addressed with honor.","item_prompts":["threefold circumambulation path","full-body prostration posture","brāhmaṇa with yajñopavīta","palm-leaf manuscript/veda bundle","altar with lamp and flowers"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Rhythmic depiction of circular movement; stylized prostration; brāhmaṇa rendered with calm authority; strong outlines and flat colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Gold accents on altar and manuscript; donor’s white garments; brāhmaṇa with ornate border; emphasis on sacred dignity.","mysore_prompt":"Elegant anatomy in prostration; subtle expressions; manuscript details; warm interior palette.","pahari_prompt":"Narrative sequence feel—suggesting motion around the altar; delicate lines; serene scholar figure; minimalistic sacred setting."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"reverent and formal","suggested_raga":"Kalyāṇi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"respectful, slightly elevated"}
FAQs
It preserves formalized donor-recipient etiquette—circumambulation, prostration, and honorific address—illustrating how learning and social authority were recognized in ritual exchange.
No geographic location is identified.
The verse instructs respectful conduct toward the recipient and the rite, highlighting humility and acknowledgment of learning.
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