Vishnu Purana

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Bagamati cremation

3 Hindu deity Krishna on ceramic tile at Munnar Kerala India 2014

Vishnu Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas, a genre of ancient Indian texts revered in Hinduism. It is centered around the Hindu god Vishnu and his avatars, particularly Krishna. The text is also notable for its detailed cosmology, genealogies of gods, sages, and kings, as well as legends of the universe's creation, destruction, and preservation.

Composition and Structure

The Vishnu Purana is believed to have been composed between the 1st millennium BCE and the 1st millennium CE, with scholars offering various dates within this range. It is written in Sanskrit and attributed to sage Veda Vyasa, a legendary figure who is said to have composed the Vedas and the Mahabharata. The text is organized into six aṃśas (books or parts), containing a total of 126 chapters.

Books and Themes

1. The first book deals with the creation of the universe, the earth, and stories of the first man, Manu, and the great flood.
2. The second book describes the earth's geography, including descriptions of various continents and regions.
3. The third book focuses on cosmology, including the structure of the universe and details of time cycles (Yugas).
4. The fourth book contains genealogies of gods, sages, and kings, as well as the story of the Sun Dynasty and the Moon Dynasty.
5. The fifth book is dedicated to the life and teachings of Krishna, mirroring some of the stories found in the Bhagavata Purana.
6. The sixth and final book discusses the end of the world, the concept of Moksha (liberation), and provides a summary of the Vedanta philosophy.

Key Themes and Teachings

The Vishnu Purana emphasizes Bhakti (devotion) towards Vishnu and his avatars, particularly Krishna. It advocates for righteousness and moral living as the path to achieve Dharma, Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and ultimately, Moksha. The text also discusses the importance of time, karma, and the cyclical nature of the universe.

Influence and Legacy

The Vishnu Purana has had a significant impact on Hindu culture and religion. Its narratives have been influential in shaping the worship practices, rituals, and festivals dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna. The text's teachings on dharma and morality have also been integral to the ethical and philosophical discussions within Hinduism.

Manuscripts and Translations

Several manuscripts of the Vishnu Purana exist, with variations and discrepancies between them. This is a common characteristic of ancient Indian texts, which were orally transmitted for centuries before being written down. The first English translation was made in the 19th century by H.H. Wilson, which opened up its study to a wider audience.

See Also

• Bhagavata Purana
• Mahabharata
• Vedas
• Hindu Cosmology