29 Importance of Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana

Rani Sadasiva Murty

 ABOUT BHAGAVATA PURANA

This is very popular among all the puranas as the toughest of all Puranas. It has popularity is Bhakti Sastra also. It is now available in 18000 slokas having been divided into 12 skandhas. This very beautifully bridges connecting the three main paths of Moksha : Karma, Bhakti and Jnana and prove the supremacy of Jnana. The 23 popular incarnations of Lord Vishnu are very authentically presented in this great work. Particularly the 10 Skandha of Bhagavata is spared for the very beautiful narration of the story of Sri Krishna.

CONTENTS OF BHAGAVATA PURANA

SKANDHA 1

Confluence of Sages to listen Bhagavata from Suta. The Conversation between Vyasa and NaradaThe story of Parikshit , Krishna protecting Parikshit while he was in the womb of his mother. Parikshit becomes the king of Hastinapura. Once he goes for hunting. He insults a sage in penance. The sage’s son gives a curse to the king to die in seven days.Repentance of Parikshit. Sage Sukadeva arrives to narrate the story of Vishnu Bhagavata.

The first book introduces the Bhagavata, with a dialogue between sages Vyasa and Narada. They discuss the weaknesses in Bhagavad Gita, calling it the philosophical treatise of the Mahabharata, thereafter declare that the monism and oneness taught in Upanishads is too abstract. They assert that there is a need for a practical document that distills the means to a spiritual life. Sage Narada then states, “when he meditated on Self in Self through Self”, he realized that he was doing Bhakti.[104] Inspired by the statements of Narada, claims the text in Book 1 chapter 18, Vyasa wrote Bhagavata Purana. He taught the entire Purana to Shuka, his young son. Shuka leaves to roam the world, and meets King Parikshit, who is dying on the bank of the river Ganges. Several sages gather around him, including teenage Shuka. Parikshit asks Shuka what he should do to prepare for death. Shuka’s reply constitutes the Book 1 and 2 of the Bhāgavata. The Book 1 is notable for the following pivotal statement of Krishna sects’ theology.

SKANDHA 2

The Process of attaining Moksha is explained. Cosmic form of Vishnu, Worship of Vishnu as well as the other gods. Description of the Cosmic and its creation process are explained.

सर्गोस्याथ विसर्गगश्चिृत्तीरक्षान्तरावि च । िंशोिंश्यानुचररतंसस्थाहेतुरपाश्रय:। दशविर्गक्षिैयुगतंपुरािंतविदो विदु:॥

Sarga (Creation), Visarga (Intermediary Creation), Vritti (Means of Livelihood), Raksha (Incarnations of Gods), Antara-s (The Epochs of Manus), Vamsa (The Divine Geneology), Vamsyanucharita (The records of Royal Races), Sanstha (The cycle of the birth and death of all beings), Hetu (The Jiva and Jagat) and Apasraya (Brahman – the Ultimate Cause of the Universe).

In Book 2, Shuka tells Parikshit that when one is in terminal condition and expecting death, one should become free of the fear of death by letting go of all attachments to likes and dislikes, home and family.[106] They should do Yoga, by controlling the breath and mind and concentrating on the sacred Aum. Shuka explains the theory of Yoga, of bhakti, different types of dharana, the nature of Bhagavan, and the liberation for a yogi. Book 2 also presents a theory of cosmology, a theory on human anatomy, how human body has all the Vedic gods in it (Sattvic), ten sensory organs and abilities (Rajasic), five material elements (Tamasic), as well as the universal Purusha.[107] A definition of Dharma and pleasant fruits of a moral-ethical life are listed in Chapter 7 and 8 of Book 2. In response to Parikshit’s questions, Shuka describes creation and the avatars of Vishnu, concluding with a description of the ten characteristics of a Purana.[9] The relationship of Vishnu to the Atman (soul, self) in every living being is summarized as follows,Vishnu is Atman in each being, manifests Himself in action consciousness and will.Brahma is the propelling power in the involution of beings, which gives them their physical body.Vishnu is the propelling force in the evolution of beings through Prana (life), sensation, intellect and lastly the spiritual faculties.

SKANDHA 3

Meeting of Vidura and Uddhava, Interesting details of the 10 creation,Ten fold Creation… 6 Prakrita Class of Creations and 4 Vaikrita Creations, Mahat, Aham, Bhutas, Indriya, Vaikarikas and Tamas– Prakriti Sargas Rajasa Sarga, Mukhya Sarga of Trees and plants, Of Animals, Human beings and the Creation of sages and others are presented in this.

Vidura’s pilgrimage to various holy places provides the backdrop for the stories and spiritual teachings in Book 3. Near the Yamuna River Vidura meets Uddhava, who gives him the news of the Kurukshetra War and about Krishna’s death in chapter 1 of Book 3 (this is described in greater detail in chapters 30 and 31 of Book 11 as well). Vidura then meets the sage Maitreya, and learns how the world came into being, the divisions of time, and other subjects of cosmology. The story of the birth of Hiranyakasipu andHiranyaksa is told, including the latter’s death at the hands of Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu. An important story is the tale of Devahuti and her son Kapila, thus folding in one version of the teachings of the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy. Kapila’s Samkhya teachings help lead her to final liberation.[9]

The third book also includes Maitreya’s theory on the qualities of Supreme Truth and of the individual self (atman, soul).

SKANDHA 4

Episode of Daksha Yajna, Dhrvopakhyana, The story of King Vena and his Son Pruthu Stories of Sana Cahtushtaya and Pracetas are the main contents.

The story of Daksha and his sacrifice is told, in which he mocks Shiva in front of Dakshayani—his own daughter and Shiva’s consort—resulting in Dakshayani’s self-immolation, which later came to be known by one of her names, Sati. The legend ofDhruva’s penance and devotion to Vishnu is also recounted, along with the related story of king Prithu. The book ends with the recounting of the renunciation and liberation of the Pracetas brothers.

SKANDHA 5

Stories of Priyavrata, Rishabha Deva, Jadabharata, Brahmanda Svarupa with its seven Dvipas, about Lokaaloka Mountain and the account of Astronomical details are found. Here is the story of Manu’s sons and their children leads eventually to Bharat and a description of the world, the sun and its course, the moon and the planets, the regions below the earth, and the twenty-eight hells (naraka).

SKANDHA 6

Stories  of  Ajamila,    Slain  of  Vrtra  by  Indra,  Birth  of  Seven  Maruts,  The  greatness  of Bhagavata Dharma are well depicted. The details are as follows:

Book 6 includes the story of Ajāmila, who reached the supreme abode Vaikuntha as a reward for uttering the syllables “Na-ra-ya-na” on his deathbed, even though he was only intending to call his son. The story of the son of the Praceta brothers is also recounted, along with the victory of Indra over Viśvarūpa. Book 6 ends with the birth of theMaruts.[9] Like all books, the chapters of Book 6 are suffused with mythology, cosmology and philosophical themes, such as the nature of existence before the origin of universe, In the beginning, I alone existed. There was nothing else as internal or external. I was pure consciousness and unmanifested. There was deep sleep everywhere.

SKANDHA 7

The Story of Narasimha Avatara ,The Ideal duties of various castes and the duties in the four stages of life are well described.

The main portion of the seventh book is dedicated to the well known story of Hiranyakaśipu, his son Prahlada, and the death of Hiranyakaśipu at the hands of Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu. This version expands on the story of Prahlada as told in the Vishnu Purana, and is the form that is most commonly told in Hinduism. Prahlada is considered a great devotee of Vishnu, and describes the process of bhakti toward Bhagavan.

In Book 7, the text states that, “Bhagavan is one without a second”.This view resonates the nondualism in other Books of the text, such as the Book 3 which declares Brahma to be “immutable Self” in all beings, all prevading and synonymous with the Supreme Deity (Vishnu). This same reverence for the non-dual perspective is restated in Chapter 15 of Book 7 as,The sage shaking off the three dream states (waking, dreaming, dreamless sleeping) through understanding himself meditates on the non-duality of thought (bhavadvaitam), the non-duality of action (kriyadvaitam), and the non-duality of substance (dravyadvaitam).

SKANDHA 8

The most popular story of Gajendra Moksha, Churning of Milky Ocean, The incarnations of Vishnu : Kurma, Dhanvantari, Mohini,Vamana and Matsya are narrated.

The description of the six past Manvantaras (ages or time periods of Manu) and the seven future ages of Manu includes several stories, many involving the avatars of Vishnu. Nine chapters are dedicated to the oft told story of Vishnu’s Vamana (dwarf) avatar and his defeat of Bali. The story of the churning of the ocean of milk is also recounted, which is done with the help of the Kurma avatar of Vishnu.

SKANDHA 9

Stories of Vaivasvata Manu, Chayvana, Ambarisha, Harischandra, Sagara, Bhagiratha, Sri Rama, Parasurama, Yayati, Dushyanta and Bharata, Anu, Druhyu, Turvasu and Yadu are narrated.

The current age of Manu is described at length, including the traditional history of the Solar Dynasty founded by Ikshvaku and the Lunar Dynasty of Pururavas. A long history of dynasties is described—Panchala, Magadha, Kuru, Anu, Druhyus, Turvasu, and others— leading up to the Yadu dynasty and the birth of Krishna to his parentsVasudeva and Devaki.

SKANDHA10

The most Beautiful and Glorius Story of Sri Krishna is depicted from birth to the slain of Kamsa, The construction of Dwaraka City, Balarama’s marriage, Marriage of Krishna and Rukmini, Slain of Jarasandha and Sisupala, Meet of Srikrishna and Sudama, Rasalila and its Philosophic interpretation etc are narrated in this.

The tenth book, dedicated to Krishna, is responsible for the widespread popularity of the Bhagavata Purana. Book Ten includes the most enduring images and stories of Krishna: the mischievous child who steals butter; the God as a child who holds the entire universe within himself; the boy who can slay demons and move an entire mountain with one finger; the cowherd who is the love of all the gopis, making them leave all their duties to follow him.

The tenth book is by far the lengthiest, taking up almost one quarter of the entire Bhagavata. While the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita show Krishna in various roles as teacher and diplomat, book 10 shows Krishna simply engaging in lila, or divine and intimate play with his devotees. It presents this intimate relationship with God as the highest goal of human existence.

SKANDHA 11

Various aspects of Bhakti and Jnana like : Satsanga, Siddhis, Sankhya Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Yoga of Formal worship and other such matters are explained

The Book describes how after a long period of peace and prosperity, carelessness and excesses within the society make people forget self responsibility, and the need to follow or protect dharma.[9] Infighting between good people begins, ultimately leading to the destruction of the Yadava dynasty. The end comes through a senseless but brutal internecine war, described as a drunken fight, which kills all the Yadavas along with Krishna’s human form. The last chapter describes Krishna’s ascent to Vaikuntha. Book eleven also includes the so-called Uddhava Gita, the last discourse of Krishna which he addresses to Uddhava. Book 11 section 7-9 discusses the pastimes and realizations of an Avadhuta.

SKANDHA 12

Line of Kings in Kali Age, Four fold Pralaya, Vedas and Veda Sakhas and Parikshit’s Attaining Moksha are the main contents.

The last book of the text includes various prophesies, such as the future rulers of Magadha, along with the evils of Kali Yuga and how Kali Yuga cycle will end with the destruction of the world (pralaya) to give birth to new Yuga cycle. The main story ends with the death of King Parikshit. The book includes a summary of the entire Bhagvata, a standard description of the ten characteristics of a Purana that is found in every Puranic text, three chapters about the life ofMarkandeya, and the assurance that it is the greatest among puranas.

From the beginning to the end, with its [Bhagavata] stories of detachment, it delights the saintly and the virtuous with the nectar of its many Lila of Hari.

The essence of all the Upanishads this is, the sign that the Brahman [God] is one’s Atman [Soul within], it illuminates the One Reality without a second, it is the means of attaining Kaivalya [liberation].

ABOUT VISHNU PURANA

This is one of the most authentic one among the 18 Puranas. This has 23000 slokas distributed to six Amshas and 126 Adhyayas. The first Amsha is about the Creation of the Universe. The second Amsha gives a detailed Geographical Picture of the Globe. The Third Amsha is meant for the elaboration of Varna Dharmas and Ashrama Dharmas. The fourth Amsha exclusively explains the stories of the Kings of Chandra Vamsha (The Lunar Dynasty). In the fifth Amsha the story of Sri Kirshna is narrated which matches at length with the Dasama Skandha of Srimadbhagavata. The sixth Amsha is about the very systematic process of Dissolution of the Universe.

Aṃśa I: The Process of Creation

The Dialogue between the Sage Maitryeya and Parasara, Life Span of Brahma, Kalpanta Srishti, Aspects of Creation , Gods, Sages etc,Creation of Human beings, Stories of Bhrugu, Dhruva, Prthu, Prahlada, Slain of Hiranya Kasipu, Various Vibhutis of Vishnu are described.

The first Amsha (part) of Vishnu Purana presents cosmology, dealing with the creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe.[36] The mythology, states Rocher, is woven with the evolutionary theories of Samkhyaschool of Hindu philosophy.

The Hindu god Vishnu is presented as the central element of this text’s cosmology, unlike some other Puranas where Shiva or Brahma or goddess Shakti are. The reverence and the worship of Vishnu is described in 22 chapters of the first part as the means for liberation, along with the profuse use of the synonymous names of Vishnu such as Hari, Janardana, Madhava, Achyuta, Hrishikesha and others. The chapters 1.16 through 1.20 of the Vishnu Purana presents the legend of compassionate and Vishnu devotee Prahlada and his persecution by his demon king father Hiranyakasipu, wherein Prahlada is ultimately saved by Vishnu.[38][39] This story is also found in other Puranas.

Vishnu is described in the first book of Vishnu Purana as, translates Wilson, all elements, all matter in the world, the entire universe, all living beings, as well as Atman(soul) within every living being, nature, intellect, ego, mind, senses, ignorance, wisdom, the four Vedas, all that is and all that is not

Aṃśa 2: Prithvi – The Earth

The second part of the text describes its theory of earth, the seven continents and seven oceans. It describes mount Meru, mount Mandara and other major mountains, as well as Bharata-varsha (literally, the country of Bharata) along with its numerous rivers and diverse people. The seven continents are named Jambu, Plaksha, Salmala, Kusha, Krauncha, Saka and Pushkara, each surrounded by different types of liquids (salt water, fresh water, wine, sugarcane juice, clarified butter, liquid yoghurt, and milk).

This part of the Vishnu Purana describes spheres above the earth, planets, the sun and the moon. Four chapters (2.13 to 2.16) of the second book of the text present the legends of King Bharata, who abdicates his throne to lead the life of a sannyasi, which is similar to the legends found in section 5.7 to 5.14 of the Bhagavata Purana.[33]The geography of Mount Mandara as east of Mount Meru, presented in this book and other Puranas, states Stella Kramrisch, may be related to the word Mandir (Hindu temple) and the reason of its design, “image, aim and destination”.[45]

Aṃśa 3: Kala – The Time

The Calculation of Manvantaras , 28 Veda Vyasas, Kalpa Parimana, The incarnation of Buddha for the destruction of Tripuras are described here.

The initial chapters of the third book of the Vishnu Purana presents its theory of manvantaras, or Manus-ages (each equals about 4.3 million years). This is premised upon the Hindu belief that everything is cyclic, and even Yuga (era, ages) start, mature and then dissolve. Six manvantaras, states the text, have already passed, and the current age belong to the seventh.[46] In each age, asserts the text, the Vedas are arranged into four, it is challenged, and this has happened twenty eight times already.[47]Each time, a Veda-Vyasa appears and he diligently organizes the eternal knowledge, with the aid of his students.

After presenting the emergence of Vedic schools, the text presents the ethical duties of the four varnas in chapter 2.8, the fourAshrama (stages) of the life of each human being in chapter 2.9, the rites of passage including wedding rituals in chapters 2.10 through 2.12, and Shraddha (rites in honor of ancestors, faith) in chapters 2.13 through 2.16.

The Vishnu Purana asserts that the Brahmin should study shastras, worship gods and perform libations on behalf of others, the Kshatriya should maintain arms and protect the earth, the Vaishya should engage in commerce and farming, while the Shudra should subsist by profits of trade, service other varnas and through mechanical labor. The text asserts the ethical duties of all varnas is to do good to others, never abuse anyone, never engage in calumny or untruth, never covet another person’s wife, never steal another’s property, never bear ill-will towards anyone, never beat or slay any human being or living being. Be diligent in the service of the gods, sages and guru, asserts the Purana, seek the welfare of all creatures, one’s own children and of one’s own soul. Anyone, regardless of their varna or stage of life, who lives a life according to the above duties is the best worshipper of Vishnu, claims the Vishnu Purana. Similar statements on ethical duties of man are found in other parts of Vishnu Purana.

The  textdescribes in  chapter 2.9, the four stages of life as brahmacharya (student), grihastha (householder), vanaprastha(retirement) and sannyasa (renunciation, mendicant). The text repeats the ethical duties in this chapter, translates Wilson. The chapters on Shraddha (rites for ancestors) describe the rites associated with a death in family, the preparation of the dead body, its cremation and the rituals after the cremation.

The third book closes with the legend of Vishnu, through Mayamoha, helping the Devas win over Asuras, by teaching the Asuras heretical doctrines that deny the Vedas, who declare their contempt for the Vedas, which makes them easy to identify and thereby defeat.

Aṃśa 4: Vamsa : Dynasties

Vamasa aspect of Puanas, The birth of Surya Vamsa and Chandra Vamasa, Stories of Daksha, Pururavas, Ikshvaku, Kakutstha, Sagara, Visvamitra, Kushadhvaja Vamasa, Dhanvantari, Nahusha, Yayati, Yaduvamsa, Kroshtru Vamasa etc

The fourth book of the text, in 24 long chapters, presents mythical royal dynasties, starting with Brahma, followed by solar and lunar dynasties, then those on earth over the Yugas (eras), with Pariksit asserted as the “current king”.[33][59][60] The text includes the legends of numerous mythical characters such as Shaubhri, Mandhatri, Narmada, sage Kapila, Rama, Nimi, Janaka, Buddha, Satyavati, Puru, Yadu, Krishna, Devaka, Pandu, Kuru, Bharata, Bhisma and others.

Aṃśa 5: Krishna

AMSA  V

The Story of Sri Krishna from Birth to Niryana is in detail narrated in this Amsa so impressively some times even excelling the accounts found in the Bhagavata Purana The fifth book of the Vishnu Purana is the longest, with 38 chapters. It is dedicated to the legend of Krishna, as an avatar of Vishnu. The book begins with the story of Krishna’s birth, his childhood pranks and plays, his exploits, his purpose of ending the tyranny of demon-tyrant king of Mathura, named Kamsa.

The Krishna story in the Vishnu Purana is similar to his legend in the Bhagavata Purana, in several other Puranas and the Harivamsa of the Mahabharata.[62] Scholars have long debated whether the Bhagavata Purana expanded the Krishna legend in theVishnu Purana, or whether the latter abridged the version in former, or both depended on the Harivamsa estimated to have been composed sometime in the 1st millennium of the common era.

Aṃśa 6: Moksha – Salvation

Description of Kali Age, Four types of Pralayas and other details are given.The last chapters, from 6.6 to 6.7 of the text discusses Yoga and meditation, as a means to Vishnu devotion. Contemplative devotion, asserts the text, is the union with the Brahman (supreme soul, ultimate reality), which is only achievable with virtues such as compassion, truth, honesty, disinterestedness, self-restraint and holy studies. The text mentions five Yamas, five Niyamas, Pranayama and Pratyahara. The pure and perfect soul is called Vishnu, states the text, and absorption in Vishnu is liberation.

The final chapter 6.8 of the text asserts itself to be an “imperishable Vaishnava Purana”.

Summary

Thus Both the Maha Puranas – Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu purana are Sattivka Puranas by nature. Both deal with various Glorious deeds and aspects of Vishnu.Both of them have a balanced blend of all the required qualities of a Mahapurana and Both have given interesting accounts of various Sastra Aspects.

Bibliography

• Bhagavata Maha Puranam Part I and II , Gita Press, Gorakhpur
• Vishnu Maha Puranam, Gita Press, Gorakhpur
• Ashtadasa Purana Darpan, Nag Publishers, New Delhi
• A Survey of Sanskrit Literature, C. Kunhan Raja, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai
• Sanskritasahityetihasa, Acarya Ramachandra Misra, Chowkhamba, Varanasi, 2003.