Varāha Mahā Purana
29 - Origin of Diks
Mahatapas said:
1. “O king Prajapala, listen intently to the story of the origin of diks (quarters) from the ears (of Brahma).
2. When the first creation was in progress, Brahma became anxious as to who would hold all that he created.
3. As he was thinking thus, there arose from his ears ten radiant girls.
4. Among them six were more important, namely Purva (East), Dakshina (South), Pratici (West), Uttara (North), Urdhva (the upward direction) and Adhara (the downward direction).
5. Then amidst them arose four, particularly attractive, auspicious and endowed with great dignity.
6-7. They asked the sinless Brahma earnestly to give them their quarters as well as husbands to live with there.
Brahma said:
8. “O lovely girls, this universe is ten crores broad and in this vast expanse you can choose to your liking and tell me soon.
9. I shall also create sinless and beautiful husbands for you. Go you each to the place you like.
10. Thus told, they went to the regions they liked. And Brahma soon created the powerful guardian deities of the quarters.
11. Then Brahma arranged their marriage.
12-13. One he gave to Indra, another to Agni, the third to Yama, the fourth to Nirruti, the fifth to Varuna, and one each to Vayu, Kubera and lshana. Urdhva he himself took and gave Adhara to Shesha.
14. Then Brahma allotted the tithi Dashami to them. Dashami became their favourite.
15. He who observes vow on that day taking in only curd, becomes cleansed of his sins by their favour.
16. He who listens to the account of the origin of Diks, undoubtedly gets a secure place in the world of Brahma.
Summary of chapter 29 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:
The narrative depicts the subtle turn of cosmic events as King Bali's pride increases with his endless victories, leading to slight oversights during his grand sacrificial assemblies. Sage Śukrāchārya perceives ominous signs foretelling the arrival of Bhagavān Vishṇu in disguise and warns King Bali to refrain from promising gifts to the dwarf brāhmaṇa who approaches his arena. When King Bali insists on maintaining his vow of charity regardless of the consequences, Śukrāchārya, angered by his disciple's disregard for his guru's warning, pronounces a curse that Bali's royal prosperity and kingdom shall soon be stripped away.