Purana in praise of Vishnu
V. N. GOPALA DESIKACHARIAR
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The book abounds in interesting stories, parables and anecdotes throughout, in support of the principles taught
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VARAHA PURANAM — Part I: P.C. Raghava Simhachariar; Vishnu Chitta Sri Trust, 18, Venkatesa Agraharam, Mylapore, Chennai-600004. Rs. 210.
The Vedas are recognised as the fundamental authority (pramana) of Hinduism. The Puranas, 18 in number — of which Varaha Purana is a prominent one — were written by various sages in elucidation of the concepts and principles enunciated in the Vedas and were then synthesised and edited by Vyasa.
As is well known, Varaha is one of the 10 avataras (incarnations) of Vishnu, where he took the form of a boar to rescue ‘mother earth’ (Bhoomi Devi) from the demon, Hiranyaksha. Named after that incarnation, the Varaha Purana was originally stated to have contained 24,000 verses, but in the form now available it has only about 10,000 verses.
Process of creation
The Purana begins with the process of creation of the universe and proceeds with the description of the manes (pitrs) and their abode in the cosmic universe, man’s ritualistic duties towards his ancestors to ensure the welfare of himself and his progeny, and the evolution of devas like sun-god, fire-god, yama, and kubera.
The purana then postulates the various holy rituals and fasts (vratas) to be observed on several holy days through the year, for materialisation of specific benefits like wealth, virtuous spouse, and progeny.
After elaborating on the worship of Vishnu in temples and homes, the sacred text takes us on a visit to holy places. The book abounds in interesting stories, parables and anecdotes throughout, in support of the principles taught.
Crest-jewel
The crest-jewel of the Purana is the famous ‘charama sloka,’ expounded by the Lord, preaching ‘Prapatti’ (self-surrender) as the sure means for salvation — this is the first of three such verses, the other two being in the Ramavatara and the Krishnavatara (appearing in the Bhagavad Gita).
The author divides the work into 15 chapters, of which nine are covered in this book. He gives the gist of the voluminous text in simple elegant Tamil (albeit interspersed with Sanskritised words) that makes enjoyable reading. His scientific explanation of the creation of the universe is interesting.
The book contains several stutis (devotional verses) in praise of Vishnu, sung by Bhoomi Devi, various celestials and sages.
The text of these hymns is given only in Sanskrit, without Tamil transliteration and meaning, rendering it difficult for non-Sanskrit-knowing readers to appreciate the import and significance.
The Varaha Purana is not so widely known and the author has to be complimented for bringing out a popular edition.
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