Varaha Purana 174.18: Adhyaya 174, Shloka 18
The Sanctifying Power of River Confluences: Release from the Preta-State and the Rite of Śravaṇa Dvādaśī with Vāmana Worship
एतत्कारणमुद्दिश्य नाम पर्युषितं द्विज ॥ सूचिता बहवोऽनेन विप्राश्चान्नादिकाङ्क्षिणः
etatkāraṇam uddiśya nāma paryuṣitaṃ dvija || sūcitā bahavo'nena viprāś cānnādikāṅkṣiṇaḥ
“ด้วยเหตุนี้เอง โอ้พราหมณ์ ข้าพเจ้าจึงได้ชื่อว่า ‘ปริยุษิตะ’ และด้วยเหตุนี้ พราหมณ์จำนวนมาก—ผู้ปรารถนาอาหารและสิ่งอื่น—ถูกลวง/ถูกชี้ให้รับของด้อย”
Preta
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"speaker_role":"observer","key_question":"How does a specific unethical habit crystallize into a named karmic identity (e.g., ‘Paryuṣita’)?"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"dana","instruction_summary":"Do not mislead needy Brāhmaṇas/guests by signaling generosity while actually giving inferior provisions; deception in dāna is adharma.","karmic_consequence":"Deceitful hospitality yields reputational and post-mortem degradation—one becomes ‘named’ by the very fraud committed."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"moral psychology","core_concept":"Actions generate ‘saṃskāra’ that hardens into identity; repeated deceit becomes one’s very name and destiny.","practical_application":"Practice transparent giving; if unable to give well, speak truthfully rather than perform false charity."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Karma theory","Social conduct"]
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: domestic/social space
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 174.18–23 (catalog of preta-nāmas and causes)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The preta explains his name ‘Paryuṣita’ and how many Brāhmaṇas seeking food were misled into receiving stale fare.","item_prompts":["preta pointing to himself/name","line of Brāhmaṇas with bowls","stale food bundle/covered pot","gesture of being misled (turned away/handed inferior food)"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural narrative with multiple Brāhmaṇas in procession; the preta’s confession scene; muted tones emphasizing moral decay.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore composition with gold-highlighted vessels; stylized Brāhmaṇas; the ‘inferior offering’ visually contrasted with ornate abundance kept back.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, refined interior; emphasis on the act of handing over a covered, stale portion; expressive eyes conveying deceit.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature with rhythmic line of recipients; clear storytelling—fresh food kept inside, stale given outside; caption-like clarity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"didactic, cautionary","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"firm, explanatory"}
FAQs
It illustrates how Purāṇic texts encode social ethics through name-etymology narratives, reinforcing expectations about fair giving and treatment of guests/recipients.
No location is identified; the verse concerns interpersonal conduct.
Misleading recipients—especially those dependent on alms—by offering inferior provisions is framed as a morally consequential act.
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