Varuthini and Pravara (वरूथिनी प्रवरश्च)

The legend of Varuthini and Pravara, mentioned in Markandeya Purana, while describing the origin of the Svarochisha Manvantara. The second Manvantara, after Svayambhuva Manvantara, Svarochi was the mulapurusha for this Manvantara whose son was Svarochisa Manu. Varuthini was the daughter of Menaka, the celestial apsara, and Pravara was a pious Brahmana who lived in Arunaspada, a janapada on the banks of Varuna. This story is alluded here to depict the impressionable nature of a young woman's mind and the role it has in shaping the personality of her child.

Disposition of Pravara

Pravara, was learned Brahmana who surpassed the Asvini devatas in beauty of form. He was gentle in disposition, upright in conduct, he had studied all the Vedas and Vedangas; always gracious to guests, he was the refuge to all those who arrived at night to his residence.

कश्चिद् द्विजातिप्रवरः पुरेऽभूदरुणास्पदे । वरुणायास्तटे विप्रो रूपेणात्यश्विनावपि॥६१.५॥

मृदुस्वभावः सद्वृत्तो वेदवेदाङ्गपारगः । सदातिथिप्रियो रात्रावागतानां समाश्रयः॥६१.६॥

तस्य बुद्धिरियं त्वासीदहं पश्ये वसुन्धराम् । अतिरम्यवनोद्यानां नानानगरशोभिताम्॥६१.७॥ (Mark. Pura. 61.5-7)

Now he had this intention, to see the world which has most charming forests and gardens, and is embellished with many a towns and cities.

He was always busy in activities of a grhastha - with service to parents, atithis, bhutas, teaching students and maintaining agni. Very devoted to his family he was immersed in his activities for the welfare of his parents, wife, children and students. Yet he nursed the prospect of travelling and seeing the forest filled lands and beautiful cities.

Visit to the Himavat Parvata

Varuthini was a Gandharva lady who was instantaneously attracted to Pravara when he was visiting the Himalayan forests.