Varaha Purana 55.21 — Adhyaya 55, Shloka 21
Observance of the Auspicious Dvādaśī Vow and the Sacred Account of the Kubjākāmra Tīrtha
आसीदादियुगे राजा ब्रह्मवादी दृढव्रतः । स पुत्रकामः पप्रच्छ ब्रह्माणं परमेष्ठिनम् । तस्येदं व्रतमाचख्यौ ब्रह्मा स कृतवांस्तथा ॥ ५५.२१ ॥
āsīd ādiyuge rājā brahmavādī dṛḍhavrataḥ | sa putrakāmaḥ papraccha brahmāṇaṁ parameṣṭhinam | tasyedaṁ vratam ācakhyau brahmā sa kṛtavāṁs tathā || 55.21 ||
ในกาลปฐมยุค มีพระราชาผู้ยึดมั่นในพรหมวาทะและทรงรักษาพรตอย่างมั่นคง พระองค์ปรารถนาพระโอรสจึงทูลถามพระพรหมผู้เป็นผู้จัดสรรสูงสุด; พระพรหมทรงอธิบายพรตนี้ และพระราชาก็ทรงปฏิบัติตามนั้นโดยชอบ
Varāha (default framework; explicit speaker not stated in the verse 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":"varnashrama","instruction_summary":"A king desiring progeny should approach a competent authority (Brahmā/ācārya) and undertake the prescribed vrata with firmness and brahma-oriented conduct.","karmic_consequence":"Properly performed vrata yields desired progeny and dharmic continuity; neglect or inconstancy frustrates the aim and weakens merit."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":true,"vrata_name":"Putra-prāpti-vrata (as taught by Brahmā)","tithi_month":"Not specified in this verse (context implies a complete vrata-cycle ending in a vow-conclusion).","promised_fruit":"Attainment of a worthy son and the fruition of dharmic kingship through lineage."}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false,"symbolic_interpretation":"None","yajna_varaha_imagery":"None","vedantic_connection":"None"}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"dharma-sādhana (means-oriented instruction)","core_concept":"Kāma (desire) becomes dharmic when pursued through śāstra-guided vrata and right counsel.","practical_application":"Seek qualified instruction, adopt a firm observance, and align personal aims (like progeny) with dharma rather than impulse."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Ritual Observance (Vrata)","Kingship and Dharma"]
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: mythic-temporal frame
Related Themes: 55.55.22-25 (vow’s completion, divine manifestation, boon, and result)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A primordial king, austere and composed, approaches Brahmā in a luminous assembly to ask for a son; Brahmā instructs a specific vrata.","item_prompts":["king with folded hands (añjali)","Brahmā seated on lotus/throne","scripture/veda manuscripts","austere symbols: kamaṇḍalu, darbha","courtly yet ascetic atmosphere"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Brahmā radiant on lotus, the king in regal attire with restrained palette; emphasize sacred instruction gesture (upadeśa-mudrā) and calm śānta bhāva.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style: ornate Brahmā with gold-leaf halo and lotus throne; king with jeweled crown yet humble posture; include stylized palm-leaf manuscripts and rich architectural frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style: delicate linework, soft shading; Brahmā’s serene face and the king’s disciplined austerity; warm temple-interior ambience.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari style: intimate court-forest hermitage blend; Brahmā on lotus with pastel sky; king kneeling, minimal props, emphasis on narrative clarity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"didactic and contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium-slow","voice_tone":"steady, instructive, reverent"}
FAQs
It reflects a common Purāṇic narrative pattern: a ruler seeks guidance from a primordial authority (Brahmā) regarding a regulated observance (vrata), illustrating how dharma and ritual practice are framed as consultative and textually authorized.
No geographic location is specified in this verse; the setting is temporal (“ādiyuga,” the primordial age) rather than spatial.
The verse foregrounds disciplined conduct (dṛḍhavrata) and seeking authoritative counsel before undertaking a vow, presenting ethical restraint and informed practice as integral to royal and personal aims.
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