Varāha Purāṇa

The Varāha Purāṇa is a sacred and luminous scripture among the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas, exclusively dedicated to the glory of Bhagavān Viṣṇu in his majestic Varāha (Boar) incarnation. It is a profound testament to the Bhagavān’s infinite mercy and His role as the divine restorer of cosmic balance. The Purāṇa’s narrative is set in the dramatic moment when Bhagavān Viṣṇu, having rescued the Earth from the cosmic ocean, holds Bhūdevī (Mother Earth) upon His tusk. This intimate setting allows for a divine dialogue wherein the Bhagavān Himself patiently instructs Mother Earth on the secrets of Dharma, the greatness of Tīrthas (pilgrimage sites), and the means to attain Mokṣa. It serves as an essential guide for the ethical life, detailing sacred vows (Vratas), charitable acts (Dānas), and the spiritual geography of Bhārata Varṣa.

Significance

The significance of this Purāṇa is rooted in the very act of the Varāha Avatāra. The Bhagavān, taking the form of a Boar, dives into the destructive cosmic waters (Pralaya) to lift the Earth, which had been dragged down by the demon Hiraṇyākṣa. This act symbolizes the lifting of the Jīva (individual soul) from the ocean of Saṃsāra (worldly existence).

This Purāṇa is considered a Sāttvika Purāṇa, promoting the pure worship of Viṣṇu and the path of Bhaktiyoga. It is traditionally cited as containing twenty-four thousand verses (ślokas), though currently available versions are more concise.1 It is particularly revered as an authority on Tīrtha Māhātmya, offering detailed descriptions of holy places that lead to purification and merit.2

The Matsya Purāṇa defines its importance:

yatra ca varāharūpeṇa devyā vāmanakalpaṃ mahātmanaḥ।
vārāhaṃ yatra tadbhūtaṃ puṇyamāhustu paṇḍitāḥ॥

That Purāṇa in which the events of the Vāmana Kalpa (an allusion to its time-setting) and the glorious deeds of the Great Soul (Viṣṇu) in the form of a Boar are described, is called the Vārāha by the wise, and is considered holy.

Narrator and Audience

The transmission of this sacred knowledge is unique, involving the Supreme Bhagavān speaking directly to the Earth Goddess:

  • Original Narrator: The Supreme Bhagavān Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa), in the form of Varāha, is the sole, divine speaker.
  • Original Audience: The primary recipient is Bhūdevī (Mother Earth), who is resting safely on the Bhagavān’s tusk. This intimate dialogue forms the body of the Purāṇa.
  • Secondary Transmission: This divine conversation is later recounted by Sūta Romaharṣaṇa to the assembly of Ṛṣis gathered in the Naimiśāraṇya forest, specifically addressing the sages who were eager to hear the pastimes (Līlās) of Bhagavān Viṣṇu.

Structure

The Varāha Purāṇa is structurally divided into two primary parts (Bhāgas):

  1. Pūrva Bhāga (First Part): Contains the primary narrative of creation, the Varāha Avatāra, and the extensive Tīrtha Māhātmya sections.
  2. Uttara Bhāga (Latter Part): This smaller, concluding section contains the famed Rāja Dharma discourse and the detailed rules for observing sacred vows (Vratas).

Contents

The Central Narrative and Creation

The Purāṇa begins with the original creation of the universe (Sarga) by Bhagavān Brahmā. It then immediately shifts to the necessity of the Varāha Avatāra. The Earth sinks into the waters, and Bhagavān Viṣṇu, emerging from the nostrils of Brahmā, transforms into the magnificent Boar. After slaying Hiraṇyākṣa, He lifts the Earth. The entire Purāṇa is framed as Varāha instructing Bhūdevī on the nature of reality and the means to sustain Dharma.

Tīrtha Māhātmya: The Glory of Places

This is the most extensive and revered section. The Bhagavān methodically describes the spiritual significance of numerous pilgrimage sites (Tīrthas) that exist upon Bhūdevī’s surface.

  • Mathurā and Vṛndāvana: A significant portion is devoted to the glory of the Mathurā Maṇḍala (the region around Mathura and Vṛndāvana), the birthplace and playground of Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa. It describes the holy forests (Vanas) and tanks (Kuṇḍas) in great detail, emphasizing the supreme importance of devotion in this land.
  • Śālagrama and Godāna: It glorifies the Śālagrama stone (found in the Gaṇḍakī River) as a physical manifestation of Viṣṇu Himself. It provides elaborate rules and immense spiritual merit for the act of Godāna (donating a cow).

Vratas and Dānas

The Purāṇa serves as a spiritual manual for the householder, emphasizing Vratas (vows) and Dānas (charities) as essential practices for purification and advancement.

  • Ekādaśī Vratas: It meticulously details the observance of various Ekādaśī fasts, particularly the Papāmochanī Ekādaśī (the one that removes sin) and the Putradā Ekādaśī (the one that grants a son).
  • Māhātmya of Dāna: It provides precise instructions on the appropriate time, place, and recipient for various charities, such as donating land, food, or gold, ensuring the maximum spiritual benefit.

Rāja Dharma and Ethical Instruction

The later chapters focus on Rāja Dharma (the duties of a ruler), detailing how a king must govern justly, protect the righteous, and administer his kingdom in accordance with Dharma. It also includes a dialogue between Bhagavān Brahmā and Nārada, where they discuss the nature of the Pitṛs (ancestors) and the proper performance of Śrāddha rites.

Phala Śruti (Fruits of Recitation)

The Phala Śruti section asserts the potent benefits of immersing oneself in the Varāha Purāṇa.

  • Purification: Listening to the tales of the Bhagavān lifting the Earth frees the devotee from the sins of killing a Brāhmaṇa (Brahmahatyā) or drinking liquor.
  • Wealth and Knowledge: The study of the chapters on Dāna and Vrata ensures the attainment of material wealth (Artha), fulfillment of desires (Kāma), and spiritual knowledge (Jñāna).
  • Ultimate Liberation: Since the entire Purāṇa is a direct instruction from the Bhagavān, its devotionally inclined study guarantees the devotee a place in Viṣṇu Loka (Vaikuṇṭha), the supreme destination, from which there is no return to the mortal world.

Comparison with other Puranas

The Varāha Purāṇa is set apart by its thematic concentration and unique theological perspective:

  • Theological Focus: Unlike the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, which spans all ten Avatāras, or the Viṣṇu Purāṇa, which is more general, the Varāha Purāṇa dedicates itself almost entirely to the Varāha form, establishing it as the definitive text for this particular incarnation.
  • The Bhūdevī Dialogue: Its unique narrative frame—Viṣṇu instructing Bhūdevī—differs from the typical Sūta-to-Sage or Viṣṇu-to-Brahmā format, lending the text an intimate and personal devotional quality.
  • Emphasis on Mathurā: While the Skanda and Padma Purāṇas cover many Tīrthas, the Varāha Purāṇa is a crucial early text for establishing the sanctity and spiritual geography of the Mathurā-Vṛndāvana region, making it indispensable for Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism.
  • Vratas and Ritualism: It possesses a high degree of ritual instruction regarding Vratas and Dānas, sharing this didactic quality with the Padma and Garuḍa Purāṇas, thereby serving as a practical guide for daily Dharma.

Read Varāha Purāṇa Online

  • వరాహ మహా పురాణము
    ప్రతి శ్లోకమునకు యథా తథ తాత్పర్యము (శ్లోకములు లేవు)
    Read