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 266 Varaha Purana 29. Eager to show respect to others,
without a trace of avarice, such a Ksatriya attains me. 30. I shall
now tell you about what the Vaisya devoted to me should do. 31.
Doing the duties ordained to him, without the motive of gain or loss,
doing the duties by his wife at the proper time, free from greed,
calm in mind. 32. Remaining pure, skilful, fasting when worshipping
me. 33. Always honouring his guru, considerate towards other
devotees, such a Vaisya always remains mine and. I always remain
his. 34. I shall now tell you about what the Südra should do in order
that he may be mine. 35. Husband and wife always pious, devoted
to me and ever engaged in doing service to me. 36. Knowing the
appropriate. place and time for their actions, unstained by Rajas and
‘Tamas. 37. Free from ego, pure in mind, humble, hospitable, free
from greed and malice, and full of sincerity. 38. Fond of prostrating
(before me), ever thinking of me, such be the actions of the Südras.
39. Leaving thousands of sages, I always look after Südras. Such are
the duties of devotees in the four castes which you wished to know.
40. So much about the four castes. Now listen to another matter
rclating to voga (of attaining me). 4l. Giving up (thoughts of) gain
and loss, delusion and desire. 42. Without thinking of heat and cold,
what is obtained. and what is not, without preference among what is
hot, bitter, swect, sour and salinc. 43. Giving up attachment towards
wife, children, father and mother and concentrating on service to
me. 44. Steadfast, proficient, serious and determined. 45. Always
earnest, averse to all other actions, doing things appropriate to his
age, eating the minimum, maintaining family prestigc. 46. Full of
compassion, honouring all, highly patient, keeping silence when
necessary, particularly when observing vows.
 115.47—116.1-7 267 47. Performing rites prescribed for
morning, noon and evening, not taking food without giving 1t to
others. 48. Doing all actions with me in the mind, answering calls of
nature and bathing at the right time. 49. Always cager to offer me
sandalpaste, flowers and incense. 50. Eating sometimes’ roots,
sometimes fruits, sometimes milk, sometimes what is got by
begging, and sometimes living simply on air. 51. Sometimes eating
once in four days, at other times once in six days, often once in ten
days or once in a fortnight or once in a month. 52. Those that do all
this in seven lives, become yogins and attain me. CHAPTER ONE
HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN Happiness and unhappiness Varáha said: 1.
O blessed one, now listen to the benefits that accrue to those that
perform actions in the manner stated above. 2. With full
concentration of mind, free from ego, always devoted to me, full of
forbearance, tranquil and with senses controlled. 3. Taking in roots
and fruits and leaves at times on the Dvadasi day, feeding mainly on
milk and abstaining from meat. 4. Observing continence on Sasthi,
Astami, Amavasya and Caturdasi, particularly on dvadaéi. 5. He who
performs rites according to the rules of voga, gets purified, acquires
merit and goes to the world of Visnu. 6. For him there is no fatiguc,
no decay, no stupor, no illness. He gets cighteen hands endowed
with bow, arrow, sword, mace and the like. 7. The benefit that
accrues as a result of actions in this manner and worship of mine, is
the residence in my world for sixty thousand and sixty hundred
years.
 268 Varáha Purana 8. O Earth, I shall now tell you what is
unhappiness. Please listen. 9. Is there anything more unhappy than
a man being unable to attain me because of his ego and delusion
enveloping him ? 10. Is there anything more unhappy than aman
being unable to attain me because of his eating anything and trading
on anything and not prostrating before me? 11. Is there anything
more sorrowful than being the man who at the time of Vaisvadeva
sees a guest coming but, without giving him food, himself eats. 12.
Is there anything more unhappy than the man whose food Devas do
not partake of because of differentiation in preparation ? 13. Is there
anything more despicable than a person who is unhappy in
adversity, establishes illicit contact with another's wife, torments
others and is slow-witted ? 14. Is there anything more pitiable than
a person who spends all his life till death grasps him, in his house
without doing righteous deeds in profusion ? 15. Is there anything
more contemptible than the person who runs after elephants,
horses, chariots and other vehicles ? 16. Is there anything more
sorrowful than this that some eat meat, some eat it with grain and
others eat dry food ? 17. Is there anything more disquieting than the
fact that. some sleep in ornamental beds of costly cloth and others
sleep on the grass in the floor ? 18. Is there anything more
disturbing than the fact that some people are handsome and some
ugly although this may be the result of their own deeds ? 19. Is
there anything more distressing than the fact that some are virtuous
and learned in all sastras while others are scen dumb ? 20. Is there
anything more annoying than the fact that wealthy personal are
niggardly while poor people are generous ? 21. Is there anything
more condemnable than the man who, having married two wives,
favours one and discards the other ? 22. Ifthe three castes,
Brahmana, Ksatriya and Vaisya, are engaged in sinful actions, can
there be anything more detestable ? 23. Having got human birth, if
one does not strive to attain me, can there be anything more
deplorable ?
 116.24-42 269 24. I have thus told you about the actions
leading to unhappiness which vou asked me. 25. Now I shall tell you
about the actions leading to happiness which you asked me. 26.
Letall actions be dedicated tome. Those that are otherwise lead to
unhappiness. 27. Is there anything more happy than cating the food
remaining after offering it to me? 28. Is there anything more happy
than observing rites in the morning, noon and evening, particularly
the last ? 29. Is there anything more happy than offering food to the
gods, guests and men in general and then oneself taking it ? 30. Is
there anything more happy than giving a supplicant something
instead of sending him away disappointed ? 31, Is there anything
more happy than propitiating the manes on Amavasya day every
month ? 32. Is there anything more happy than giving focd of barley
to those that have come secking food, without a trace of
unwillingness on the face ? 33. If a person with two wives looks
upon both alike, is there anything more happy for him ? 34. He, who
with pure mind, always observes non-violence, attains happiness.
35. If, on seeing the beautiful wife of another, the mind does not
flutter, can there be greater happiness ? 36. Can there be greater
happiness for a person if he is able to sce as mere stones gold and
gems like pearl ? 37. Can there be anything more happy than giving
up life in the midst of the battle which delights the horses and
elephants ? 38. He who lives contented condemning wrong actions
for attaining the ends, is prone to be happy. 39. Can there be
greater happiness for a woman who pleases her husband
considering him to be everything for her in life ? 40. Can there be
anything more gratifying if a man, in spite of his being rich, is
learned and has full control of the senses ? 4l. If one is forbearing of
an offence, is not dispirited in adversity, and knows everything well,
can there be a greater cause for pleasure ? 49. He who leaves off his
mortal coil in my temples, be that
 270 Vardha Purana with any desire or without any desire,
can there be anything more happy for him ? 43. Is there anything
more happy than honouring the parents like gods? +4. Can there be
anything morc happy than cohabiting with the wife with full
attention every month after the course ? 45. He who worships me
like this, never ceases to be mine and I never cease to be his. 46.
Thus have I told you the directions for the good for the sake of the
world in reply to your qucstion, CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND
SEVENTEEN The thirtytieo offences Varáha said: 1. O blessed
goddess, now Iisten to the rules of food, about eating food as well
as avoiding it. 2. The food has a bearing on attaining me, because
the man who follows dharma reaches me even if he chances to do
an inauspicious act. 3. Let the prescribed food be taken always. Vrihi
and Sali grains (cereals) are to be used 4. I shall tell vou about the
grains (food) prohibited, because to use them is an offence. 5. The
first offence, which I always dislike is to worship me after taking
another’s food. 6. The second offence, which obstructs dharma, is to
touch me after a sexual contact. 7. The third offence, O carth, is to
attend to me after seeing a woman in her courses. 8. The fourth
offence, one which I never tolerate, is to serve me after touching a
dead body and without undergoing the necessary purification.
 117.9-27 271 9. The fifth offence, which I do not brook, is
to touch me after seeing a dead body and without taking acamana.
10. "The sixth offence, which I do not forgive, is to go for answering
calls of nature in the midst of my worship. 11. The seventh offence,
O Earth, is to serve me wearing blue cloth. 12. The eighth offence, O
Earth, is to talk much while engaged in my service. 13. ‘The ninth
offence, O Earth, is to worship me without purifying onesclf
according to the rules. 14. The tenth offence which displeases me, is
to do me service with an angry mind. 15. The cleventh offence is to
consider in my worship prohibited objects as conducive to merit. 16.
The twelfth offence is to worship me wearing cloth made red with
saffron. 17. The thirteenth offence is to touch me in darkness. 18.
The fourteenth offence is to serve mc wearing black cloth. 19. The
fifteenth offence is to serve me wearing unwashed cloth. 20. The
sixteenth offence is to eat food even unknowingly (while engaged in
my worship). 21. The seventeenth offence is to approach me after
eating fish and meat. 22. The eighteenth offence is to approach me
after cating goose (and other waterbirds). 23. The nineteenth
offence, O Earth, is to come to me after touching my lamp-bcarer.!
24. The twentieth offence, O fair goddess, is to approach me after
going to the cremation ground. 25. 'Phe twentyfirst. offence, O
Earth, is to approach me after eating oil-cake. 26. The twentysecond
offence is to take pork as food conducive to attaining me. 27. The
twentythird offence, O Earth, is to approach me after drinking liquor.
1. ‘The word is dipake, What it means here is not quite clear.
 272 Varaha Purána 28. The twentyfourth offence, O Earth,
is to approach me after eating vegetables with saffron. 29. The
twentyfifth offence, O Earth, is to approach me putting on the
garment of another. 30. The twentysixth offence, O Earth, is to eat
fresh food without offering it first to the gods or manes. 3]. The
twentyseventh offence, is to go to the tank (for bathing) with
footwear on. 32. The twentyeighth offence, O virtuous one, is to
come to me after tormenting the body. 33. The twentyninth offence,
which never takes one to heaven, is to approach me with undigested
food (in the abdomen). 34. The thirtieth offence is to offer me
incense without offering sandalpaste and flowers. 35. The thirtyfirst
offence, O noble one, is to open the door (of my temple) without
sounding the drums. 36. 'The thirtysecond offence should be taken
as the most serious.! 37. I shall now tell you about Drdhavrata
(strong vow) by observing which one attains me. 38. Learning the
Sàstras, always remaining devoted to me and rendering service to
me, following non-violence, being compassionate to all beings,
affable to all, pure, clever. 39. Controlling senses completely, without
committing any offence, being generous, righteous, well attached to
the wife. 40. Observing the rules prescribed for the four castes, (he
who worships me attains me). 41. She who is devoted to the
preceptor, devoted to the husband and looks after the family (also
attains me by worshipping me). 42. The man who is my devotee
reaches me even if he gives up his wife, but awaits here the devoted
wife. 43. Ishall now tell you about the best of all actions. 44. Even
sages who follow the path of devotion are not able to easily realise
me, what then about ordinary men? 45. Those sinful people who are
attached to other gods, are deluded by my magical power and do
not attain me. 1, Itis simply stated as mahaparadha. What it is, is
not given.
 »— 117.46—118.1-11 273 46. © Earth, those who resort to
me desirous of liberation, get purified and get places allotted (in my
world). 47. I told you all this because of the fact that I hold you with
great energy. 43. This should rot be instructed to a slanderer, a fool,
an uninitiated or the cunning. 49. Nor to the vowless, base or the
impious. 50. To none other than the devotees of mine. 5]. I have
thus told you ali this about dharma for the sake of the world. What
else have yo 1 io ask me now ? CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND
EIGHTEEN Rituals in Idol worship Varaha said: 1. O blessed one, I
ton to the expiation that my devotee is to offer. 2. Take the tooth
stick. Do not light the lamp till the ground is touched. 3. Assoonas
the lamp is lighted, wash the hands and then approach the idol. 4.
Bow to the fect and offer the toothstick with the mantra. 5. “O the
abode of the worlds, excelling the sun in lustre, endless, middle,
receive this universal toothstick’’. 6. Inaccordance with the rules
explained to you, O Earth, the teeth should be cleaned. 7. The
flower placed on the head of the idol the previous day should be
taken and placed on one's own. 8. 'The hand should then be washed
with water and the face of the idol should be sprinkled with a little
water. 9. The mantra for it is this and by reciting it one gets release
from the world: 10. “O lord, receive these waters by their quality and
soul.” The faces of all deities should be washed in this way. By the
same mantra should be offered sandal paste, incense, lamp and
food. 11. Then handfuls of flowers should be offered saying “O
 274 Varaha Purana lord Narayana, who look after the
devotees, I bow to vou," and then utter the mantra. 12. “I bow to
the sacrificer of those who know the mantras, and the creator of all
beings". Further flowers should be offered. 13. "The devotec, with
due knowledge and purity of mind, should worship the lord in this
manner and then throw himself down with all his actions. 14. Making
the body fall in this way, he should seck the grace of the lord and
with hands folded over the head, utter this mantra: 15. “Getting
clear consciousness by the mantras I pray © lord, when you are
pleased and by vour wish only even the yogins attain liberation. 16.
Since I am your servant as you have stated, be pleased with me".
17. After doing all this seriously he should quickly go behind. 18. The
idol should then be bathed in oil first and then in ghee. 19. Then
with full concentration of mind, the devotee should offer oil with the
mantra: 20. “O lord of the worlds, I am offering this oil with affection
and with my hand to you who pervade the whole world. 1 have said
‘Pardon me.’ I bow to you again and again." 21. With this mantra it
should be first applied to the head. 22. Then the right hand, then
the left and afterwards the back and then the waist. 23. "Then
cowdung should be smeared on the floor. 24. I shall tell you what
benefits accrue by this anointing. 25. The man who bathes the idol
in ghee or oil remains in heaven for as many thousands of years as
there are drops in them. 26. He who does this is honoured in my
world. 27. Now I shall tell you about the application of unguents by
which the body is purified and I am pleased. 28. The unguent should
be made of lodhra, the juice of fig and the leaves at Madhüka,
A$vaparna, Rohina and Karkata. 29-30. The ingredients may be
either crushed by the hand or otherwise made into powder and then
applied. It makes my body pleasant.
 —-— 118.31-48 275 31. For complete fulfilment, after the
application of the unguent, the bathing (proper) should be done. 32.
Then the whole body of the idol should he rubbed with (the fruits
of} Amalaka and Vasugandha. 33. Taking then the pot of water this
mantra should be uttered: 34. ‘© sinless lord, you are the god of
gods, you have no beginning, you are supreme, be pleased to accept
this bath for your visible form". Thus should the bath be conducted
bv those who follow my path. 35. The water for bath may be taken
in golden or silver pot, and if they are not available, in copper pot.
36. After this ritual of bath, sandalpaste should be applied with the
mantra. 37-38. “O Madhava, all scents from flowers and all colours
are liked by you. These which arise in different worlds are combined
by you in Satyaloka. I am now applying the same on your body in
pure form. Being pieased by my devotion, do me the favour of
accepting it". 39. After applying sandal (with the perfumes) perform
other edifying actions. 40. Adorn me with garlands of the prescribed
kind and continue the ritual. 4l. Then offer handfuls of flowers and
utter the mantra: 42. “O Acyuta, accept these clean flowers,
waterborn as well asland-born in thisseason, for my release from this
worldly existence”. 43. After this may be offered incense from fragr:
nt substances with the mantra. 44-46. ‘Be pleased to receive this
incense the essence of the great trees mixed with many ingredients,
for the sake of deliverance from worldly existence. This for peace for
all Devas, peace for me and peace for all devotees. I bow to you. O
lord of the worlds, there is no saviour for me other than you". 47.
After this, adorn theidol with sandalpaste, unguents and garlands.
Then decorate with white and yellow silk garments, 48. Then with
hands folded over the head and remaining in meditation, he should
utter.
 276 Vardha Puràán: 49. “May this please lord Purusottama,
of the nature . bliss, the abode of Laksmi, the creator, protector,
overlord, lord of all beings, the primordial being. I dress you in
beautiful yellow silk". 50. After this, I should be provided seat in a
pedestal of flowers. 51. Then naivedya should be offered uttering
‘Om’. 52. “O lord, receive this (naivedya) which isthe giver of life and
mutually pleasing." 53. After this he should quickly give water for
washing thc mouth. 54. The naivedya given should be pure and the
water for washing is essential for making it acceptable. 55. After
thus offering food and water, betel leaf and arccanut should be given
with the mantra. 56. “O lord of the worlds, receiving this tàmbüla
which is an ornament to all gods and which is mixed with all fragrant
substances, be pleased to remain in this idol of yours in this house.
57. Please receive this fine decoration for your mouth reverentially
given by me". 58. The devotee who worships me in this way gets
liberated and remains in my great world for ever. CHAPTER ONE
HUNDRED AND NINETEEN Food forbidden in worship 1. Hearing the
rules of rituals in worship which lead to liberation, Earth asked again
the pleasant lord. Earth said: 2. “I have heard from you now about
the efficacious actions that lead to attaining you. Be pleased to tell
me what are the materials to be used for it". 3. Hearing the words of
Earth, Varaha was much pleased and spoke these words of virtue.
 119.4-20 277 Varüha said: 4. The mantras to be utilised
(have been said. Now I shall tell you about the materials). 5. The
seven kinds of grain together with milk and vegetables and the
(fruits of) Madhüka and Udumbara (are commendable). 6. There are
others in hundreds and thousands which I may tell you. 7. Ishall say
about the grains that can be used. Listen to me with attention. 8-9.
The vegetable Gillika, the fragrant raktasali, the long sali, the big
sali, good saffron, fine honey, the sweet-smelling givasundari, sirika
and kulasalika and different kinds of cooked barley are commended
in worship. 10-11. Green gram, black gram, horse gram,
sesamum,panicseed, gavedhu, makusta, vahija, and Syamaka are all
permitted. 12. All this I accept if devoutly offered; also the flesh of
deer, goat and hare. 13. All these are dear to me in the worship
meant to attain me. 14. When the goat is offered in sacrifice by the
Vaidic Brahmin, a part of it comes to me as my vhare. 15. The milk,
curd and ghee of the buffalo should be avoided. The devotee of
Visnu should avoid its meat, even the food cooked in its milk. 16.
‘The birds that are to be used also in my worship, I shall tell you
now. 17-18. The flesh of the birds lavaka, vartika and kapifijala are
used in my temples. 19. He who does the worship following these
instructions (and restrictions) docs not commit any fault and good
befalls him. f 20. Those who worship me in this manner with all the
rituals attain their goal.
 278 Varaha Purána CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY
The worship of Sandhya Varáha said: 1. O Earth, I shall tell you the
great secret of crossing the worldly existence which you asked me
about. 2. My devotees, duly taking bath, approach me with full
control of mind and eating but a trifle of food. 3. O blessed one, my
form is eternal. I am the one that permeates all beings. 4. It is I that
is above, below and the sides, as also at the quarters and
subquarters. 5. Obeisance should, therefore, be made to all these by
the devotees desirous of salvation. 6. Ishallalso tell you this secret
that by worshipping these my followers acquire great fame. 7. With
concentration of mind, the devotee should turn to east and take
water in both hands held together. 8. He should then say Om namo
nàrayanàya (Bow to Nàràyana) and then utter: 9. “I bow to that
great and merciful primordial man, the most important in all the
worlds, Narayana the origin cf dharma. I offer sacrifice to him". 10.
Then turning to west and similarly holding water he should utter
Dvadasaksara (Om namo bhagavate vasudevdya) and then the
mantra: 11. “I extol that eternal being, the most ancient, whose
desire is never in vain, the first creator who manifests himself in all
objects”. 12. Then holding water in the same manner he should turn
to the north and uttering Om namo narayandya recite the mantra:
13. “I offer sacrifice to that most divine being, the most ancient
without beginning or end, of eternal form, the originator of life and
the world,the most tranquil, unique, the liberator from the woes of
worldly life". 14. Then inmediately turning to the south (similarly
holding water in the hands) he should utter Om namah
purusotiamaye and recite the mantra: 15. “I offer sacrifice to the
great being of endless forms, the
 120.16 —121.1-5 279 first, the truth, the righteous, of the
form of time, for liberation from worldly life”. 16. Then remaining
steady like wood and fully controlling the senses and concentrating
the mind on Visnu, he should utter the mantra. 17. “I offer sacrifice
to the lord of the worlds, with the sun and moon as his eyes, the
foremost of all in the worlds, the drinker of soma juice, the liberator
from death and worldly existence”. 18. The devotee of mine who
desires beatitude may do this wisely and sincerely during morning,
moon and evening. 19. This is the secret of all secrets, the highest
of yoga and the best of Sankhya. 20. This should not be inparted to
the dunce, the cheat or the crooked; it can be imparted only to the
good, initiated disciple. 21. These secret instructions given by Visnu
should be well borne in mind and never be forgotten even at the
time of death. 22. He who learns this well and follows the
instructions, always finds a place in my mind. 23. He who worships
the sandhya in this manner, whatever be his form here, reaches my
abode. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTYONE The absence of
birth Varüha said: 1. O Earth, listen to me. I shall tell you the
essence of all dharma by which one can remain without entering
into birth. 2. One is not able to realise the self even after performing
the prescribed rites with purity of mind. 3. But he who performs the
duties by me, becomes blessed and able to distinguish between right
and wrong. 4. He who bears heat and cold alike, overcomes thirst
and hunger, speaks the truth, is not jealous, persevering even if
poor. 5. Is devoted to his own wife and discards the women of
Others, is honest and dedicated to the Lord.
 280 Varüha Purana 6. Sets on the good from the bad, is
well disposed towards Brahmins, speaks endcaringly to them, and is
attached to my service. 7. Such a person never goes to a cursed
womb, but reaches my abode. 8. O Earth, I shall tell you another
thing regarding my devotee’s never going to a bad womb. 9. He who
refrains from all sorts of injury, is kindly disposed towards all beings,
is pure-hearted, considers alike a stone and gold. 10. Never keeps in
mind any insult received, is always aware of his duties and speaks
only the truth. ll. Turns away from all falschood, is firm in truth,
never speaks ill of any one even privatcly, 12. Cohabits with his wife
for the sake of progeny soon after her pcriod, and is steadfast in my
devotion. 13. Never goes to a bad womb, but reaches me. O Earth, I
shall tel] you another thing. Please listen. 14. The eternal dharma of
man is scen in one way by Manu, in another way by Angirasa. 15. In
yet another way by Sukra and still another way by Gautama, in a
different way by Soma, still differently by Rudra. 16. Yet differently
by Sankha and more differently by Likhita, similarly by Kasyapa and
so too by Dharma. 17. Agni and Vayu found dharma differently; so
also Yama, Indra and Varuna. 18. Kubera found it in one way and
Sandilya in another: Pulastya and Aditya still differently. 19. Pitrs
found it yet differently and Svayambhü too. Each propounder found
it according to himself. 20. Each man should follow dharma
according to his faith and should not dispute about it with others.
21. He should stand in the path of righteousness and should not
despise virtuous deeds. 22. Such a person never falls into a heinous
womb, but reaches my world. Listen, O Earth, I shall now tell you
about another thing. 23. By which people are able to cross this
ocean of births. 24. He who has control of his senses, has overcome
anger and is free from desire and delusion, helps himself by always
 p 121.25—122.i-7 28) worshipping god, guests and
preceptors, abstains from injury and does not partake of meat or
liquor. 25, Who never even thinks of cohabiting with a Brahmin
woman, makes gift of Kapila cow to the Brahmin and attends on old
men. 96. Docs not discriminate among his own sons, consoles a
Brahmin when he is angry. 27. Who touches the Kapilà cow in
devotion, never outrages the modesty of a virgin, docs not cross firc,
and does not dispute with the son. 28. Docs not pass urine in water,
is respectful towards the teacher, is not talkative. 29. And endowed
with such qualities (like these) resorts to me; he never goes to a
womb, but reaches my world. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND
TWENTYTWO The greatness of Kokamukha—the story of the fish
and cricket Varadha said: 1. “QO Earth, listen to the secret of secrets
bv which even those that have become animals are cleared of all
their sins. 2. He who maintains continence on the eighth and
fourteenth days of each lunar fortnight, he who, having taken the
food offered by another, does not speak ill of it. 3. Who even from
childhood is devoted to me, who is happv with whatever he gets,
who honours his parents. 4. He who does not live in strain, who is
virtuous and discreet, liberal in gifts, enjoys life, restrained but
independent in all actions. 5. Who, even in his youth, does not do
anything prohibited, who is kind towards all beings, and is full of
energy. 6. Who is of desireless mind and never covets another's
wealth, such a person reaches my world. 7. O lovely damsel, this is a
secret which is not easily comprehended even by gods. Listen to
what I sav further.
 282 Varàha Purana 8. He who is sympathetic and does not
harm any being and he who gives up life at Kokamukha, becomes
dear to me and he does not swerve even in mind”. 9. Hearing these
words of Visnu, the saintly Earth asked the Lord who was in the
form of a boar. Earth said: 10. “O Madhava, I am your disciple,
servant and devotee. I deserve to be told the great secret. 11-12.
Leaving out Cakra, Varanasi, Attahása, Naimisa and Bhadrakarna,
why do you praise Koka. 13. Again, leaving out Dviranda,
MandaleSvara and Kedara, why do you praise Koka ? 14. So too
while there are Devadaruvana, Jalesvara and Durga, why do you
praise Koka ? 15. Similarly, when there are Gokarna, Jalmegvara and
Ekalinga, why do you praise Koka ?” 16. Thus asked in great
reverence, the Lord in the form of the boar replied: Varaha said: 17.
What you say is true. I shall, therefore, tell you about the special
nature of Kokamukha. 18. All the places mentioned by you pertain to
Rudra and they are resorted to by the Pasgupatas. But Koka pertains
to the Bhagavatas. 19. I shall tell you what happened in this
Kokamukha of mine. 20. Ahungry hunter was once wandering about
in this Koka country. 21. Hesaw ina shallow pond a fish and caught it
in his net. But the mighty fish escaped from his hand. 22.
Immediately a vulture saw it. It swooped down, caught it and swiftly
flew away. 23. But the vulture was unable to carry it far, and the fish
fell down at Kokàmukha. By the special power of that place, it
became a handsome prince (in Saka kingdom). 24. After a long time,
the wife of this hunter happened to pass by there with meat in her
hand.
 wa 122.25-45 283 95. A female cricket, desirous of the
meat, hopped on it again and again and annoyed her. 96. She struck
it with an arrow and hurled it down on the ground. 97. The cricket
fell before me in Koka, and she was born as a beautiful princess in
Candrapura. 28. She duly grew up and mastered all the sixtyfour
arts, but developed an aversion for men. 29-30. She disliked even a
man who was highly virtuous, quite handsome and brave in war. 31.
After a long time, however, she married a young Saka. 32. Having
thus got each other in wedlock, they lived a happy and virtuous life.
33. He never parted company with her and she never parted
company with him. They never wasted even a minute. 34. A long
time they spent in mutual love. She served him with humility and
regard. 35. He too (enjoyed himself) in the same way. 36. Once, in
the afternoon, the Saka prince became afflicted by severe headache.
37. All the expert physicians tried their best with all their recipes, but
the headache did not subside. 38. For a long time he was unable to
know himself being deluded by the maya of Visnu. 39. The period
(of their transformation into human form) was drawing to a close.
40. Still they were strongly attached to each other, and neither left
the other even for a moment. 4]. Then the beautiful princess asked
her husband: “Are you doing well? How is it that you are having this
headache ? 42. Please tell me the truth, if you have any
consideration for me. 43. Numerous expert physicians are treating
you, but the headache st*ll remains”. Thus asked by his wife, he
said: 44. “Have you forgotten that the human life we are having now
is a mixture of pleasure and pain. 45. You should not ask this
question now that we are in the ocean of samsára". So was that
young lady spoken to by her husband.
 284 Vardha Purana 46. After a long time, when both were
slecping, she again asked him: 47. “O my lord, please give me an
answer to what I asked you long ago. 48. Is there anything to be
hidden (from me) ? Otherwise why do you hide facts. You should
certainly tell me if I am your beloved". 49. Pressed thus, the Saka
prince told her out of love and regard: 50. “Give up this human form
and remember what you were formerly. If you are interested in
knowing about your previous life. 51. Please go to my parents and
propitiate them. They are honourable and my mother kept me in her
womb. 52. After honouring them and getting their consent, we will
go to Kokamukha and there I shall tell you the whole thing. 53.
Although it is difficult even for gods to know about the previous life,
I shall tell you about it there”. 54. "Then that beautiful damsel went
to her parents-in-law and prostrated at their feet. She-then told
them: 55. “Please listen, I have a submission to make before you.
With your permission, both of us wish to go to the holy Kokamukha.
56. Since the purpose is serious, you should not object to this. 57.
So far we have not asked of you anything. Therefore, it behoves you
to grant the present request. 58. Your son is suffering from an
incurable headache and at noon he becomes practically lifeless. 39.
Because of this he has to forego all pleasures. There is no remedy
for this other than going to Kokamukha. 60. This secret has never
been told to you. I wish to go quickly to that supreme abode of
Visnu. Contemplation by the husband and wife is always efficacious”.
61. Then the great king of the Sakas, held his daughterin-law by the
hand and told his son: 62. “Why do you think of going to
Kokamukha ? 63. You have got here elephants, horses, chariots and
other
 122.64-79 285 vehicles and women beautiful like
Apsarases. This country with all its seven constituents like treasury
and fort is all for you. 64. So too our friends and this throne. O son,
take all this. My life rests in you, so too progeny”. 65. Hearing these
words of the father, the prince held his feet and spoke in humility.
66. “Enough of the kingdom, treasury, vehicles and army. I wish to
go to Kokamukha quickly. 67. Only if I survive after this terrible
headache that has caught hold of me, can this kingdom, army and
treasury be of any avail to me. 68. By going there my headache will
surely disappear". 69. At these words of the son, theking of Sakas
gave permission for him to go to Kokàmukha and blessed him. 70.
The citizens, traders, beautiful ladies and courtesans followed him to
Kokamukha. 71. When they reached Kokamukha, the princess asked
her husband: 72. “Be pleased to tell me now what you promised to
tll me at Kokamukha, now that we have reached that place”. 73. O
Earth, when asked thus by the beloved, the prince laughed and
embracing her said: 74. “Now night has fallen and let us sleep well. I
shall tell you tomorrow all that is in my mind". 75. At daybreak both
of them had their bath. They put on silk garments and bowed to
Lord Visnu. He then held her by the hand. 76. And pointed out at
the north-east part the remains of some bones and said: 77. ‘These
are the bones of my former body. I was then a fish moving about in
the pond in this Koka country. 78. I was caught in a net by a hunter,
but I slipped out of his hand and fell down on the ground. 79. I was
then caught by a vulture and torn by its nails. But when I was being
carried away by it, I slipped again and fell down here. 1, The seven
constituents (sapiánga) are the king, minister, kingdom, forts,
treasury, army and friends.
 286 Vardha Purana 80. My head hit the ground and thus
developed this headache of mine. I alone know this and none else.
81. Ihave now told you what you asked. You may now go wherever
you please". 82. Then that lady of faultless limbs and of a hue like
the red lotus spoke to the husband again in a piteous tone: 83. “In
order to know this. I did not disclose what I was in my former birth.
Now I shall tell you that, please listen. 84. I was a cricket flying in
the sky. Once overcome with hunger and thirst I was sitting on the
branch ofa tree thinking of my food. 85. Just then there came a
hunter with a big mass of flesh of the many animals he had killed
that day. 86. Placing the mass of flesh near his wife, he went to
fetch firewood for cooking the flesh, as he was hungry. 87. When he
kindled fire (and began cooking a part of the flesh), I swiftly flew
there and began to cut the flesh (left with his wife). 88. But it was
too heavy for me to carry away and so I remained there itself. 89.
After eating the (cooked) flesh, the hunter was much pleased, but,
not seeing the mass of flesh, looked for it everywhere. 90. Then he
saw me eating the mass of flesh. At once he took his bow and
discharged an arrow towards me. 91. The arrow hit me and hurled
me down from the mass of flesh I was eating. 92. Then I moved
about here and there practically dead. 93. But by the power of this
holy place, I was born a princess and became your beloved with the
memory of my former life. 94, See here the remains of the bones of
my former body". She told her husband again: 95. “O blessed soul,
you have been brought to this Kokāmukha. 96. By the power of this
place even animals get birth as human beings and in high families.
97. O famous prince, whatever dharma is there spoken by Visnu, I
follow, because that gives us supreme joy in the world of Visnu’’.
 122.98-116 287 98. At this narration, the prince was
wonderstruck remembering the previous birth. 99. The princess,
fully knowing what was to be done in that place, herself did certain
rites fully devoted to her husband. 100. Hearing this, others also
performed whatever prescribed rite that was to their liking. 101.
Then the co :1ple gave gifts of food and gems in great delight to
deserving Brahmins. 102. Others who were given presents, also
gave them to Brahmins because of their devotion to Visnu. 103.
Remaining there steadfast in devotion they went to Svetadvipa (the
white island). 104. The prince also, following the tenets of my
worship, cast off his human form and reached Svetadvipa. All the
people there realise their own selves. 105. They are all clad in white,
adorned with divine jewels, effulgent, tall and fine-looking. 106. The
women also have divine jewels, are resplendent and pure, and
absorbed in contemplating on me. 107. Thus have I told you about
the matchless Kokamukha where the fish and the cricket attained
each other. 108. Some may perform the Càndràyana ceremony,
some may live on water alone. But every Brahmin shall follow the
dharma laid down by Visnu. 109. Even those couples who have a lot
of grain and gems, perform the rites laid down by me for my
devotees. 110-111. All those who move about serving me, go to the
Svetadvipa after death by the power of the place, the power of their
deeds and my own power. 112. So it was that the prince also went
there after giving up his human form. 113. Even his servants who
were devoted to me cast off their mortal frame and reached my
world. 114. There all are resplendent and every one realises the self.
115. Allthe women there have the smell of the lotus, are free from
máyà and in the company of their beloved persons. They reach.
Svetadvipa due to my blessing. 116. "This is virtue, this is fame, this
is power, this is renown,
 288 Varadha Purdna 117. This is the greatest of actions, the
highest of penances, the best of narratives and the worthiest of
deeds. 118. I have now told vou about the highest cf dharmas. This
should not be told to a choleric, a fool or a jealous person. 119. Nor
should it be told to a non-devotee, the uilistening or the arrogant. It
should be imparted only to the calm aud the initiated. 120. Itshould
not be imparted to the disputing man even if he is learned. 12]. He
who remembers this at the time of death, gets removed of all sins
and never takes birth again. 122. 1 have thus told you, O Earth, this
great and inv gorating story. Those who go to Kokàmukha attain
supreme bliss as did the fish and the cricket. CHAPTER ONE
HUNDRED AND TWENTYTHREE The greatness of flowers,
sandalpaste eic. Sita said: 1. On hearing about the greatness of
Koka with its emphasis on dharma, the Earth became wonderstruck.
Earth said: 2. “How wonderful the greatness of Koka narrated by
lord Varaha, that even animals attain supreme bliss. 3-4. Now, O
lord, by your grace I wish to know what I have already asked you,
namely, by what dharma, penance or action can people see your
benign face ?” 5. Requested thus by the goddess Earth, the lord
laughed and began to tell her: Vardha said: 6. "What you ask is
quite proper. I shall tell you that secret which leads to release from
sarmsára. 7. When the rainy season is over and the autumn sets in
with the sky clear and the moon fully bright.
 123.8-23 229 8. With the weather neither hot nor cold,
when the swans sing in delight and the smell of the lotus, lily and
kalhara spreads. 9. There on the Dvadasi day in the month of
Kumuda, (Karttika) if one worships me, what merit he attains I shall
tell you. 10. O Earth, such a person becomes my devotee and not of
any other so long as these worlds last. 11. Performing actions
relating to me on Dvàdaái day he shall utter the following mantra for
my worship: 12. "You are praised by Brahma and Rudra. You are
adorable and adored by the sages. Dvadasi has come. Awake, arise.
The clouds are gone. The moon is full. O lord of the worlds, I offer
you the flowers of autumn for the sake of dharma. For worshipping
you who have arisen, sacrifices are performed,the Vedas are recited
by the awakencd, O lord of the worlds". 13. Doing in this way on
Dvadasi day, my devotees attain supreme bliss. 14. Thus have I told
you about the autumnal action aimed at getting release from
samsára for my devotees. Thus is the action of awakening. 15. I
shall now tell you about the actions to be performed in winter by
doing which the devotees attain supreme bliss. 16. Although
tormented by cold winds, remaining firm in devotion and with
unchanging mind. 17-18. Worshipping me with the flowers available
in winter, kneeling down on the floor and with folded hands, the
following mantra is to be uttered: 19. *'O lord of the worlds, you are
winter, the snow is impenetrable and uncrossable. Lead me out of
this samsára, O lord of the three worlds". 20. He who performs
worship with this mantra in full devotion, attains supreme bliss. 2]. O
Earth, I shall tell you another thing, please listen. 22. The month
Margasiras is very dear to me; so too the month Vaisakha. I shall tell
you the result of offering flowers to me then. 23. He who makes
offerings to me then with a steady mind, goes to Visnuloka and
remains there for nine thousand nine hundred years.
 290 Varáha Purana 24. The offering of even a single
turmeric produces great effect. So one should wisely offer turmeric
and flowers. I shall tell you more about the efficacy of turmeric. 25-
26. During the three months Kaumuda, Margasirsa and Vaiéakha, he
who offers me with constant mind the vanamala of beautiful flowers
and sweet sandal on the Dvadasi days. 27. Attains the merit of
worshipping me for twelve years. 28. In Kaumuda the flower of Sala
with sandal, in MargaSiras the flower of lotus with sandal (are
important in my worship). Thus have I told you about the result of
worship with turmeric”. 29. After hearing all this, Earth laughed and
then spoke to him in all humility. 30. “O lord, there are twelve
months (consisting of) three hundred and sixty days. Of these why
two (months) alone are particularly praised by you, and even there
why Dvadasi alone?” 31. Asked thus by the Earth, he laughed and
told her words of dharma. 32. “O goddess, I shall tell you why these
two are particularly dear to me. 33. (Worship of Dvadasi day) is
more important than all sacrifices. By this one attains the same
result as by giving gifts of land to a thousand Brahmins. 34. I wake
up in the month of Kaumuda and remain alert in Vaisakha. 35. O
Earth, these remove all ailments and, therefore, with steady mind in
Kaumuda and Vaiéakha, one should take turmeric in the hand and
utter the mantra: 36-37. “O lord, command me. Vaisakha and
Karttika are eternally great. Accept this turmeric and increase all
dharma. Bow to Narayana’, and then make the offering. 38. I shall
now tell you about the qualities and results of offering flowers. After
turmeric, one should take flowers in the hand and say ‘Om, bow to
Vasudeva’ and then utter the following mantra: 39. “O lord,
command me. Make my mind favourable to worship you with these
flowers. Accept them with sandalpaste. I bow to you”. 40. He who
worships me offering me these, never again takes birth, is never
fatigued and never feels hungry.
 123.41—124,1-11 291 4l. He remains in my world for a
thousand divine years. 42. Such is the effect of each flower offered.
Such is the greatness that arises from flowers and sandal about
which you asked. CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTYFOUR
Worship in the Seasons Varaha said: I. On the Dvadasi day in the
bright half of the month of Phalguna, the devotee should collect the
fragrant flowers blooming in spring. 2. Flowers that are white or pale
vellow and auspicious and offer them in the prescribed manner with
a pleasant mind. 3. "This ritual relating to the great God is to be
done by one who knows the rules and rituals and is ciean. 4. This is
to be done according to rules and uttering the prescribed mantra
and with pure mind. 5. First should be uttered ‘Om, I bow to
Narayana’ and then the mantra: ‘‘I bow to you, the lord of Devas,
holding the conch, disc and mace; I bow to you, the lord of the
worlds; I bow to you, the great hero. 6. Splendid is the spring
season with the trees full of fragrant and honeyed flowers". 7. He,
who worships in this manner in the month of Phalguna, goes to my
world and is never born again. 8. I shall now tell you the result of
worship on the Dvadasi day of the bright half of the month of
Vaisakha which you asked about. 9. When the Salas and other trees
are in full bloom, the devotee should collect the flowers of the Sala
for my worship. 10. Performing the rituals and honouring other
devotees, he should lay them before me. ll. O Earth, the sages
praise with Vedic mantras. Gandharvas and Apsarases sing and play
instruments and dance.
 292 Varüha Puräna 12. The entire celestial world praises
this most ancient ana best Man. The Siddhas, Vidyadharas, Yaksas,
Pisacas, Uragas (snakes) and Raksasas praise the god of all beings
and the lord of all worlds. 13. The Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Agvins
and Maruts praisthe god of gods who alone remains when
everything else di~appears. I4. Then Vayu, Visvedevas and Asvins
praise lord Kesava who remains frorn the most early times. 15. Then
Brahma, Soma, Indra and Agni come together and praise the lord of
all worlds. 16-17. Narada, Parvata, Asita, Devala, Pulastya, Pulaha,
Bhrgu, Angiras and many other sages like Mitravasu and Paràvasu,
praise the lord of all beings and the greatest of yogins. 18. Hearing
the reverberating sound of the praise by Devas, lord Narayana told
Earth: 19. “Do you hear this sound mixed with the recitation of the
Vedas ? Do you hear the sound of Devas ?” 20. The lotus-eyed Earth
endowed with all forms and qualities replied to the lord in the form
of the boar: 21. “O lord, Devas desire that this boar form of yours be
there for ever and they are all engaged towards that end". 22. Then
lord Narayana told Earth: “I know that they have come here seeking
this. 23. I have held you, with ease at the. tip of one of mv tusks, O
Earth, for a thousand divine years. 24. And you are quite safe. To
see this have come here the celestials, Adityas, Vasus, Rudras,
Skanda, Indra and Brahmà". 25. Hearing these words of Visnu, Earth
fell down at his feet with hands folded over the head. 26. She then
requested the great lord in the form of the boar: *I who sank deep
in the netherworld was raised by you. 27. I seek refuge in you as
your devotee. You are my lord and saviour. What is Karma? By what
karma can life's aim bc achieved ? ? 28. How can you be propitiated
? By what action can you be worshipped ? I wish to do that which
will be conducive to my happiness.
 bo E 29, Being engaged in your service, Í never feei fatigue
or strain, nor do cld age and birth and death affect me. 30. Where
do the gods, demons and peopie, as also Rudra, Indra and Brahma
remain in pleasure ? 31. What actions do those perform that realise
you, O what practices do they Madhava ? What food de they take
follow ? 32. Whlatshould be the actions of the Brahmins, what sh be
the actious of the Ksatrivas? What actions should the Vaisyas do and
what the Südras ? 33. By whomis yoga attained, by whom penance ?
What result does he attain who is devoted to you ? 34. What should
be the nature of living of tees ? What food shall they take and what
drink ? What is the nature of their actions ? 35. Which directions do
they take? How can they attain cessation from birth, particularly in a
despicable family ° 36. Dy what action can they avoid being born as
animals ? Tell me all this by which they attain happiness ? 37. By
what action can they avoid old age aud rebirth, O Acyuta ? By the
power of which action can they get relief from Samsara >?” 38.
Thus requested by Earth, the lord replied, 39. “Know how my
devotees are led to the path of liberation and what mantras please
me. your devo40. ‘The mantra: ^O Madhava, you are indeed the
month Madhava which is the chief of all months. May you be seen in
the spring season when approached with sandal-paste. Lord
Narayana who is the greatest heroin all the seven worlds and ever
present in sacrifices is invoked”. 41. In summer also worship should
be done as I have directed, and the following mantra, which is for
the good of all devotees, should be uttered: 42. “In summer occurs
the most important of months. May you be seen, O lord, in summer
so that all my sufferings may cease’? 43. © lovely damsel, my
worship is to be performed in this way in summer so that there may
not be any more births or deaths (for the devotce).
 294 Varáha Purane 44. As long as there are flowering trees
and sweet smelir : objects like sandal, so long 1 may be worshippec
ir this manne: 45. In the rainy season also my worship may be
performe: ’ By this the intellect becomes pure and the sou: never
vecom:. subject to samsára. 46. Ishall tel! vou another thing
conducive to release fro Samsara, 47. After consecrating me, I
should be ritualistically wow shipped using the buds of Kadamba tree
and the flowers «: Sarala and Arjuna. The mantra Namo
Ndardyandya (Bow Narayana) should be uttered and then: 48. “The
blessed people who contemplate on you and worship you find you of
the hue of the cloud. May you enter into sleep, O lord of the worlds,
during this rainy season seeing the colour of the cloud". 49. He who
performed my worship on Dvàda$ day in the month of Asadha,
never falls into samsára at any time. 50. I have thus told you about
the worship in the different seasons, by which the devotees cross
samsdra. 51. This secret is not known even to the gods, other than
lord Narayana in this form of the boar. 52. This should not be
communicated to the uninitiated, the uneducated or the envious, nor
to an undeserving discipie or one who finds fault with scripture. 53.
"This should not be read to those who slaughter cows or those who
are wicked, as it will result in rapid loss of wealth anc virtue. 54. It
should be read only to devotees and those who are wedded to
dharma. 55. J have thus told you what you desued to know in fuil.
what else do you ask me?
 125.1-15 295 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTYFIVE
Mayacakra Sata said: ]. After listening to the actions to be performed
in the six seasons, Earth again asked Lord Narayana. 2. “You have
explained the auspicious and sacred actions to be performed, that
indecd gladden your mind. 3. Knowing these from you, O Madhava, I
have become free from staia like the moon in autumn. 4. Iam now
eager to know another secret which you may be pleased to
enlighten me about, namely. 5. What is it that you speak of as my
mdy@ (illusory power) ; what is its nature, O Visnu. 6. I wish to
know this great secret, namely the meaning of Maya.” 7. Visnu, who
is the very repository of máyà, laughed a little at this, and then told
Earth: 8. “You ask this quite earnestly, but why do you ask this since
you see it yourself ? 9. But know this that even Rudra, Indra and
Brahma have not known me fully even now; then how can you, O
Earth, know my Maya ? 10. Where the clouds shower rain, there
water accumulates, but there are also places without any water. This
is due to my maya. li. The moon wanes in one fortnight and waxes
in the next, and does not appear at all on new moon day. This is
really due to my máyà. 12. In winter, the water in the well is warm,
but in summer it is cool. This really is due to my màyà. 13. The sun
sets in the west and rises in the east the next morning. This is due
to my mapa. 14. The generative fluid is in the female and the semen
is in the male, In the womb they combine to form a being. This is
due to my mayd. 15. The soul entering the embryo knows pleasure
and pain, but when once born, it forgets the whole thing. This is due
to my maya.