On Some Tīrthas in the Vāmana‑purāṇa
By Satyavrat Verma
Summary
Focusing on the Vāmana‑purāṇa, a Purāṇic text devoted to the dwarf incarnation of Viṣṇu, this article examines its descriptions of sacred pilgrimage sites. The author selects several tīrthas and compares the Purāṇa’s mythological accounts with historical geography. Sites along the Narmadā and Gaṅgā rivers, as well as those in the Himalayan foothills, are analysed for their ritual significance and associated legends. The paper notes that while some locations can be identified with existing temples or natural landmarks, others may represent idealised sacred spaces meant to encourage devotional travel. Through cross‑references with epigraphic records and travelogues, the author discusses how the Purāṇic descriptions influenced medieval and modern pilgrimage circuits. Attention is also paid to the syncretic nature of some tīrthas, where local cults merged with Vaishnava devotion. The article concludes that the Vāmana‑purāṇa not only preserves mythic geography but also shaped the socio‑economic landscape by promoting pilgrimage and trade.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that Purāṇic literature is an invaluable guide to India’s sacred geography. By analysing the Vāmana‑purāṇa’s tīrthas alongside historical evidence, the author shows how myth and geography intersect to shape devotional practice and regional identity.