Varaha Purana 16.13: Adhyaya 16, Shloka 13
The Account of Saramā: Indra’s Restoration after Loss of Sovereignty
ताश्च गावो देवशून्या रक्ष्यमाणा धराधरे । तत्र जग्मुस्तदा गावश्चरन्त्यो यत्र तेऽसुराः ॥ १६.१३ ॥
tāś ca gāvo devaśūnyā rakṣyamāṇā dharādhare | tatra jagmus tadā gāvaś carantyo yatra te 'surāḥ || 16.13 ||
โคเหล่านั้น—ปราศจากการคุ้มครองจากเทพ—ถูกเฝ้ารักษาอยู่บนภูเขาผู้ค้ำจุนแผ่นดิน แล้วเมื่อเดินเล็มหญ้าไปมา ก็ไปถึงที่ซึ่งเหล่าอสูรอยู่
Varāha
FAQs
It preserves a common Purāṇic narrative pattern in which pastoral communities (symbolized by cows) and their protection are used to discuss social order and stewardship, reflecting cultural values encoded in early medieval Sanskrit literature.
The verse uses the descriptive term dharādhara (“earth-supporting mountain”) rather than a uniquely named site; it indicates a mythic or generalized mountainous setting rather than a securely identifiable modern location.
A philosophical instruction implicit in the imagery is the duty of protection (rakṣā) for vulnerable dependents (here, cows), aligning with broader Purāṇic discussions of guardianship and responsible care within the natural and social environment.
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