All posts in this series
- Caste by Birth
- Origin of Varna System
- Diversity in Creation
- Can Varna be Determined by Karma?
- Inherent Qualities and Exceptions
- Adhikara and Karma
- Varna in Horoscope
- Roles of Different Varnas
- Rights of Different Varnas
- Harms of The Reservation System
- Arya Samaj & Buddhist View
- Does Bhagavan Have a Varna?
We have often seen people take examples of Bhagavan Sri Rama, Sri Krishna and Parashuramaji,etc, to give explanations on the varna system.
However, Jagadguru Puri Shankaracharyaji explains that as per the principles of sanatana dharma the varna system is not applicable to Bhagavan. How can it be applied to Bhagavan Vishnu who manifests Himself as His Supreme-most or Virat form? It is not applicable to Brahmaji either.
However, if it were to be in some sense, then Brahmaji would be brahmin. Vishnuji is considered kshatriya as He does the job of protection. Although, His grandson, Bhrugu, was a brahmin. A kshatriya grandfather and a brahmin grandson – what kind of varna system is this?
In Devaloka, jati/varna is decided by karma. This system does not apply to us. As avatara, Bhagavan only imposes Himself as brahmin and kshatriya but the varna system cannot be used for Him.
Some get happy to get their desired points (to give their own thought out explanations on varna system, not aligned with shastras). The response to them is that the varna system in this world is inferior and the varna system of the Devatas, is applicable only to Devaloka.
Learning the above makes it clear that we cannot justify our explanations on varna system with examples of devi-devatas or avataras of Bhagavan.