Varaha Purana 208.44: Adhyaya 208, Shloka 44
Narration of the Exemplum of the Pativratā
Devoted Wife
ननु पश्याम्यहं देवि किञ्चिद्धैमं न चायसम् ॥ येन कुर्यामहं देवि कुद्दालं सुसमाहितः ॥
nanu paśyāmyahaṃ devi kiñciddhaimaṃ na cāyasam || yena kuryāmahaṃ devi kuddālaṃ susamāhitaḥ ||
แต่กระนั้น โอ้เทวี ข้าพเจ้าเห็นสิ่งหนึ่งที่ทำด้วยทองคำ แต่ไม่เห็นที่ทำด้วยเหล็ก; ด้วยสิ่งนั้น โอ้เทวี ข้าพเจ้าจักทำกุททาละ (จอบ/เสียม) ด้วยความพร้อมและความระมัดระวังได้
Rājā (inferred continuation)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"speaker_role":"instructor","key_question":"How can a proper spade (kuddāla) be made when what is seen/available appears to be gold rather than iron?"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"rajaniti","instruction_summary":"Essential agrarian tools should be made from fit materials (iron for a spade), not from unsuitable luxury metals, to uphold practical welfare.","karmic_consequence":"Choosing appropriateness over ostentation supports cultivation and public good; misallocation of wealth into impractical forms leads to failed works and social loss."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"viveka (discernment) in dharma","core_concept":"Right action depends on right means; value (gold) is not identical with fitness-for-purpose (iron).","practical_application":"Prioritize functional necessities (implements for cultivation) over display; align resources with real needs of land and people."}
Subject Matter: ["Ecology","Material Culture","Ethics"]
Primary Rasa: विचार
Secondary Rasa: शान्त
Type: court-to-field interface
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 208 (tool/metal discussion continuing into the journey episode)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The king, concerned, points to a gleaming golden object/metal and laments the absence of iron needed to fashion a sturdy spade for digging.","item_prompts":["king with thoughtful expression","golden metal piece shining","absence/empty tray labeled iron","spade outline or unfinished kuddāla","smith or workshop hinted in background"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: dramatic contrast of bright gold against earthy tones, king in contemplative pose, symbolic spade silhouette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: intense gold-leaf for the ‘haima’ object, ornate court, the spade motif embossed, devotional seriousness.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: nuanced facial expression of inquiry, realistic tool sketch, subdued metallic highlights.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: narrative simplicity—king holding a small gold piece, artisan nearby, fields in distance, gentle colors."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"inquiring, reflective","suggested_raga":"Pūrvī (questioning gravity)","pace":"slow-medium","voice_tone":"thoughtful, slightly concerned"}
FAQs
The contrast between gold and iron highlights practical tool-making concerns and the literary awareness that precious metals are not necessarily functional for agrarian implements.
None is specified in this verse.
It suggests a principle of appropriateness: materials should be chosen for suitability to the task rather than prestige.
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