Varāha Mahā Purana
19 - The Greatness of Fire
Mahatapas said:
1. I have told you incidentally the greatness of Vishnu’s manifestations. Now I shall tell you about the importance of tithis (dates). Listen to me.
2. The great fire born from Brahma’s anger asked Brahma: “O lord, please give me a day in which I shall get the praise of the whole world”.
Brahmä said:
3. O fire, the foremost among the gods, Yakshas and Gandharvas, you were born on Pratipad, the first day (in the fortnight).
4. On account of this that day will be honoured by all gods. Thus the day Pratiþad is yours.
5. On that day the gods and manes will be gratified by the offerings given in Präjäpatya form.
6. Four kinds of beings, men, beasts, demons and gods, together with Gandharvas, will be pleased if you are gratified.
7. Your devotee who on the Pratipad day, fully fasts or takes milk alone, gets the great result of being worshipped in heaven for twenty-six aeons.
8. And he will be the powerful, beautiful and wealthy in this life and after his death he will be respected in heaven as a king.
9. The fire went to the hermitage given by Brahma and kept quiet.
10. The man who hears this story of the birth of fire getting up early morning, no doubt, will be free from all sins.
Summary of chapter 19 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:
The narrative continues to glorify the supreme majesty and cosmic potency of the Divine Mother, who rides forth on her fierce lion mount, filling the universe with her roaring divine splendor. The chapter details the awe-inspiring preparations as the Goddess manifests multiple arms holding celestial weapons, terrifying the demonic hosts while filling the devas with boundless hope and devotion. The text extols Her as the ultimate source of creation, sustenance, and dissolution, whose mere glance destroys all darkness and protects those who take refuge in Her lotus feet.