Varaha Purana 171.31 — Adhyaya 171, Shloka 31
Śuka’s Ocean Voyage: Adverse Winds, Arrival at a Viṣṇu Shrine, and Aid from the Jaṭāyu Birds
ममैव पादविन्यासे क्रमयिष्ये यथा जलम् ॥ तेन ते पृष्ठतो मह्यं स पिता सन्तरिष्यति
mamaiva pādavinyāse kramayiṣye yathā jalam || tena te pṛṣṭhato mahyaṃ sa pitā santariṣyati
‘میں اپنے ہی قدم رکھ کر پانی پر آگے بڑھوں گا؛ اور اسی کے پیچھے پیچھے، میرے پیچھے چل کر تیرا باپ پار اتر جائے گا۔’
Pakṣiṇaḥ (a leading bird speaking on behalf of the group)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false,"aspect_highlighted":"None","boar_form_detail":"None","earth_interaction":"None"}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"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":"None","instruction_summary":"A protector should take the first risk and create a safe path so that the dependent may cross behind (lead-by-example protection).","karmic_consequence":"Self-offering leadership enables deliverance; failure to lead leaves dependents stranded (implicit)."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false,"vrata_name":"None","tithi_month":"None","promised_fruit":"None"}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":true,"symbolic_interpretation":"The ‘stepping across water’ motif mirrors the avatāra principle: the divine/leader establishes a firm support (adhiṣṭhāna) over the unstable (jala/saṃsāra) so others may pass.","yajna_varaha_imagery":"Not explicit; implicit ‘path-making’ over waters recalls Varāha’s earth-supporting function (dhāraṇa) rather than detailed yajña-limb mapping.","vedantic_connection":"Water as saṃsāra; the guide’s ‘footing’ as upāya (means) and śaraṇa (support) enabling pāra-gamana (crossing to the further shore)."}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"ethical-allegorical","core_concept":"The one with capacity should become the ‘bridge’ for others; protection is enacted through concrete, embodied action.","practical_application":"In emergencies, establish a safe sequence (first mover creates stability), then bring dependents through stepwise."}
Subject Matter: ["Rescue Technique","Water-Crossing Motif","Cooperation"]
Primary Rasa: vīra
Secondary Rasa: śānta
Type: ford/crossing
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 171.35 (non-harm while rescuing); Varāha Purāṇa 171.36 (deliverance and onward journey)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A leading bird steps onto the water’s surface, creating a line of safe footholds; Śuka’s father follows closely behind, trusting the guide.","item_prompts":["bird placing steps on water","ripples forming a path","father figure following behind","sense of coordinated rescue"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: rhythmic wave patterns; bird’s feet touching water with stylized ripples; figures aligned in procession.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style: dramatic central bird with ornate detailing; water rendered as patterned blue field; gold highlights on the ‘path’ effect.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style: elegant movement, subtle ripples; emphasis on calm confidence and protective posture.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari style: playful yet clear depiction of stepping-stones on water; bright river scene with narrative sequencing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"resolute, protective","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"firm, confident, guiding"}
FAQs
It reflects imaginative problem-solving in Purāṇic storytelling, using embodied movement (foot-placement) as a means of rescue across water.
No specific water body is named in the fragment.
Leadership through action—creating a safe path so others may follow—is presented as an ethical model of assistance.
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