The Puranas

The Puranas

The Puranas are of the same class as the Itihasas. They have five characteristics (Pancha-Lakshana) viz., history, cosmology (with various symbolical illustrations of philosophical principles), secondary creation, genealogy of kings and of Manvantaras. All the Puranas belong to the class of Suhrit-Samhitas.

Vyasa is the compiler of the Puranas from age to age; and for this age, he is Krishnadvaipayana, the son of Parasara.

The Puranas were written to popularise the religion of the Vedas. They contain the essence of the Vedas. The aim of the Puranas is to impress on the minds of the masses the teachings of the Vedas and to generate in them devotion to God, through concrete examples, myths, stories, legends, lives of saints, kings and great men, allegories and chronicles of great historical events. The sages made use of these things to illustrate the eternal principles of religion. The Puranas were meant, not for the scholars, but for the ordinary people who could not understand high philosophy and who could not study the Vedas.

The Darsanas are very stiff. They are meant only for the learned few. The Puranas are meant for the masses with inferior intellect. Religion is taught in a very easy and interesting way through these Puranas. Even to this day, the Puranas are popular. The Puranas contain the history of remote times. They also give a description of the regions of the universe not visible to the ordinary physical eye. They are very interesting to read and are full of information of all kinds. Children hear the stories from their grandmothers. Pundits and Purohits hold Kathas in temples, on banks of rivers and in other important places. Agriculturists, labourers and bazaar people hear the stories.

THE EIGHTEEN PURANAS

There are eighteen main Puranas and an equal number of subsidiary Puranas or Upa-Puranas. The main Puranas are: Vishnu Purana, Naradiya Purana, Srimad Bhagavata Purana, Garuda (Suparna) Purana, Padma Purana, Varaha Purana, Brahma Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Markandeya Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Vamana Purana, Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Linga Purana, Siva Purana, Skanda Purana and Agni Purana. Of these, six are Sattvic Puranas and glorify Vishnu; six are Rajasic and glorify Brahma; six are Tamasic and they glorify Siva.

Neophytes or beginners in the spiritual Path are puzzled when they go through Siva Purana and Vishnu Purana. In Siva Purana, Lord Siva is highly eulogised and an inferior position is given to Lord Vishnu. Sometimes Vishnu is belittled. In Vishnu Purana, Lord Hari is highly eulogised and an inferior status is given to Lord Siva. Sometimes Lord Siva is belittled. This is only to increase the faith of the devotees in their particular Ishta-Devata. Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu are one.

The best among the Puranas are the Srimad Bhagavata and the Vishnu Purana. The most popular is the Srimad Bhagavata Purana. Next comes Vishnu Purana. A portion of the Markandeya Purana is well known to all Hindus as Chandi, or Devimahatmya. Worship of God as the Divine Mother is its theme. Chandi is read widely by the Hindus on sacred days and Navaratri (Durga Puja) days.

THE SRIMAD BHAGAVATA PURANA AND THE TEN AVATARAS

The Srimad Bhagavata Purana is a chronicle of the various Avataras of Lord Vishnu. There are ten Avataras of Vishnu. The aim of every Avatara is to save the world from some great danger, to destroy the wicked and protect the virtuous. The ten Avataras are: Matsya (The Fish), Kurma (The Tortoise), Varaha (The Boar), Narasimha (The Man-Lion), Vamana (The Dwarf), Parasurama (Rama with the axe, the destroyer of the Kshatriya race), Ramachandra (The hero of Ramayana-the son of Dasaratha), who destroyed Ravana, Sri Krishna, The teacher of the Gita, Buddha (The prince-ascetic, founder of Buddhism) and Kalki (The hero riding on a white horse, who is to come at the end of the Kali-Yuga).

The object of the Matsya Avatara was to save Vaivasvata Manu from destruction by a deluge. The object of Kurma Avatara was to enable the world to recover some precious things which were lost in the deluge. The Kurma gave its back for keeping the churning rod when the Gods and the Asuras churned the ocean of milk. The purpose of Varaha Avatara was to rescue, from the waters, the earth which had been dragged down by a demon named Hiranyaksha. The purpose of Narasimha Avatara, half-lion and half-man, was to free the world from the oppression of Hiranyakasipu, a demon, the father of Bhakta Prahlada. The object of Vamana Avatara was to restore the power of the gods which had been eclipsed by the penance and devotion of King Bali. The object of Parasurama Avatara was to deliver the country from the oppression of the Kshatriya rulers. Parasurama destroyed the Kshatriya race twenty-one times. The object of Rama was to destroy the wicked Ravana. The object of Sri Krishna Avatara was to destroy Kamsa and other demons, to deliver His wonderful message of the Gita in the Mahabharata war, and to become the centre of the Bhakti schools of India. The object of Buddha Avatara was to prohibit animal sacrifices and teach piety. The object of the Kalki Avatara is the destruction of the wicked and the re-establishment of virtue.

THE TAMIL PURANAS

Lord Siva incarnated himself in the form of Dakshinamurti to impart knowledge to the four Kumaras. He took human form to initiate Sambandhar, Manikkavasagar, Pattinathar. He appeared in flesh and blood to help his devotees and relieve their sufferings. The divine Lilas of Lord Siva are recorded in the Tamil Puranas like Siva Purana, Periya Purana, Siva Parakramam and Tiruvilayadal Purana.

THE UPA-PURANAS

The eighteen Upa-Puranas are: Sanatkumara, Narasimha, Brihannaradiya, Sivarahasya, Durvasa, Kapila, Vamana, Bhargava, Varuna, Kalika, Samba, Nandi, Surya, Parasara, Vasishtha, Devi-Bhagavata, Ganesa and Hamsa.

UTILITY OF THE PURANAS

Study of the Puranas, listening to sacred recitals of scriptures, describing and expounding of the transcendent Lilas of the Blessed Lord-these form an important part of Sadhana of the Lord’s devotees. It is most pleasing to the Lord. Sravana is a part of Navavidha-Bhakti. Kathas and Upanyasas open the springs of devotion in the hearts of hearers and develop Prema-Bhakti which confers immortality on the Jiva.

The language of the Vedas is archaic, and the subtle philosophy of Vedanta and the Upanishads is extremely difficult to grasp and assimilate. Hence, the Puranas are of special value as they present philosophical truths and precious teachings in an easier manner. They give ready access to the mysteries of life and the key to bliss. Imbibe their teachings. Start a new life of Dharma-Nishtha and Adhyatmic Sadhana from this very day.

The Puranas: Preserving the Timeless Wisdom of Hindu Tradition

The Puranas are among the most treasured sacred texts in Hinduism, preserving ancient wisdom through inspiring stories, spiritual teachings, and moral lessons. Composed over many centuries, these scriptures explain profound philosophical truths in a simple and engaging manner, making them accessible to people of all ages. They describe the creation of the universe, the lives of great sages, the incarnations of the Divine, and the importance of righteous living. Devotional India encourages readers to explore these timeless scriptures to understand the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India.

Understanding The Puranas begins with recognizing their unique role in Hindu literature. Unlike philosophical texts that focus primarily on abstract concepts, the Puranas present spiritual wisdom through stories that inspire devotion and ethical living. Traditionally, there are eighteen major Puranas, each dedicated to different aspects of divine knowledge while emphasizing truth, compassion, devotion, and self-discipline. These sacred texts continue to guide millions of devotees by explaining complex spiritual ideas through meaningful narratives and practical examples.

One of the greatest strengths of The Puranas is their ability to connect spiritual teachings with everyday life. Their stories illustrate the importance of honesty, humility, courage, faith, and selfless service through the lives of kings, sages, saints, and divine incarnations. Readers not only gain knowledge but also learn how noble values can be applied in daily situations. Devotional India highlights these inspiring narratives as valuable guides for building strong character and leading a purposeful life.

The teachings found in The Puranas also preserve important knowledge about festivals, pilgrimages, sacred places, and traditional forms of worship. They explain the significance of devotional practices, rituals, and the celebration of various holy occasions that continue to unite communities across generations. These scriptures remind devotees that spiritual growth is achieved through sincere faith, righteous actions, and unwavering devotion to the Divine. Their timeless guidance continues to inspire both personal and collective spiritual life.

Studying The Puranas helps individuals develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between human beings and the Divine. Through symbolic stories and meaningful conversations, these scriptures explain the law of karma, the importance of dharma, and the ultimate goal of self-realization. They encourage readers to overcome negative qualities such as pride, greed, and anger while cultivating compassion, patience, and forgiveness. Devotional India reminds readers that these teachings remain as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

Developing an appreciation for The Puranas requires regular reading, thoughtful reflection, and sincere devotion. Many stories contain deeper spiritual meanings that become clearer through meditation and guidance from knowledgeable teachers. As individuals study these scriptures with an open heart, they gradually discover practical wisdom that can transform their thoughts, actions, and relationships. Every lesson inspires greater faith and encourages continuous personal and spiritual growth.

Spiritual traditions regard The Puranas as living treasures because they preserve eternal truths in a form that is easy to understand and remember. Their inspiring narratives have shaped Indian culture, art, music, dance, and religious practices for centuries. By sharing stories of divine grace, heroic virtue, and unwavering devotion, these sacred texts continue to guide seekers toward inner peace and spiritual fulfillment. Devotional India remains dedicated to sharing this priceless heritage so readers can benefit from its timeless wisdom.

In conclusion, The Puranas are invaluable scriptures that combine history, philosophy, devotion, and moral teachings into a rich spiritual tradition. Their stories continue to inspire millions by encouraging righteous living, unwavering faith, and compassionate service. By studying these sacred texts with sincerity, individuals gain wisdom that enriches both worldly life and spiritual understanding. Devotional India invites every seeker to explore The Puranas and discover the eternal values that lead to peace, purpose, and self-realization.