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Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Wisdom Library: Skanda-purana

Virahakātara (विरहकातर) refers to the “distressed due to the separation (from one’s husband)”, according to the Skandapurāṇa 5.1.53b (“Piśācamocana Tīrtha”).—Accordingly, as Sanatkumāra narrated to Vyāsa: “[...] There was a great Brāhmaṇa who had mastered the Vedas and Vedāṅgas. He was self-controlled and he regularly performed sacrifices with the holy fire. [...] His wife was very beautiful with excellent features. She was chaste and of noble qualities. She used to smile pleasantly. She was of firm mental resolve. When her husband was killed, she became miserable. She was badly distressed due to the separation from her husband [i.e., virahakātara—pativirahakātarā]. She was left in the lurch in the terrible forest. The beautiful woman gathered fuel and twigs together and kindled the funeral pyre which she ascended along with her husband. She was mentally pleased in doing so. [...]”.

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Virahakātara (विरहकातर) refers to the “excitement caused by the separation (from one’s beloved)”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.10.—Accordingly, as Brahmā narrated to Nārada:—“O celestial sage, most excellent among the devotees of Śiva, listen to His glory that sanctifies, renders everything auspicious and increases devotion. Returning to His mountain, Śiva in his excitement caused by his separation from his beloved [i.e., priyā-virahakātara], remembered Satī, who was dearer to Him than his very life. Addressing His Gaṇas, He bewailed her and narrated her good qualities heightening love. In this way He showed the way of the world to the people. [...]”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Viraha, Katara.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Virahakatara, Virahakātara, Viraha-katara, Viraha-kātara; (plurals include: Virahakataras, Virahakātaras, kataras, kātaras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study) (by Debabrata Barai)

Part 7.14 - Poetic conventions regarding to the God Kāmadeva < [Chapter 5 - Analyasis and Interpretations of the Kāvyamīmāṃsā]

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