Articles related to "Purana"
The Puranas
The main scriptures in Hinduism are the Vedas and Puranas. The Vedas contain the phlosophy, whereas the Puranas contain the mythology. In paricular the Puranas have a wealth of information on creation, cosmology, time cycles, incarnations of Gods and the genealogy of legendary kings. The Puranas complement the Vedas by describing the concepts in a simple manner with the help of tales and parables. The two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are also popular sources of mythological information.
• bhagavad gita • mahabharata • vedas • upanishads • vid
The main scriptures in Hinduism are the Vedas and Puranas. The Vedas contain the phlosophy, whereas the Puranas contain the mythology. In paricular the Puranas have a wealth of information on creation, cosmology, time cycles, incarnations of Gods and the genealogy of legendary kings. The Puranas complement the Vedas by describing the concepts in a simple manner with the help of tales and parables. The two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are also popular sources of mythological information.
• bhagavad gita • mahabharata • vedas • upanishads • vid
The Puranas and the Trinity
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva have differing relative importance in different Puranas, although they are always manifestations of the Supreme god.
• puranas • mahapuranas • trinity • brahma • vishnu
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva have differing relative importance in different Puranas, although they are always manifestations of the Supreme god.
• puranas • mahapuranas • trinity • brahma • vishnu
Creation
The creation of the universe is an essential and interesting part of every mythology. This article describes how Brahma, the supreme god of creation, forms the universe and the first man, Manu.
• creation • universe • brahma • vishnu • matsya purana
The creation of the universe is an essential and interesting part of every mythology. This article describes how Brahma, the supreme god of creation, forms the universe and the first man, Manu.
• creation • universe • brahma • vishnu • matsya purana
Creation in Brahmavaivarta Purana
The Brahmavaivarta Purana takes a view on creation that is slightly different from that of the other Puranas, but this view is crucial to our understanding of perhaps the
• vaikunthaloka • shivaloka • brahmaloka • trinity • vishnu
The Brahmavaivarta Purana takes a view on creation that is slightly different from that of the other Puranas, but this view is crucial to our understanding of perhaps the
• vaikunthaloka • shivaloka • brahmaloka • trinity • vishnu
Creation in the Bhagavata Purana
Having created the universe Brahma populates it with living beings that include plants, animals, humans and the immortals.
• puranas • creation • brahmavaivarta • brahma • creation myths
Having created the universe Brahma populates it with living beings that include plants, animals, humans and the immortals.
• puranas • creation • brahmavaivarta • brahma • creation myths
Introduction to Bhagavata Purana
The Bhagavata Purana as we have received it is narrated neither by Vyasa nor by Sukhdev, but by Suta Goswami.
• naimisharanya • shaunaka • bhagavata purana • suta goswami • lomaharshana
The Bhagavata Purana as we have received it is narrated neither by Vyasa nor by Sukhdev, but by Suta Goswami.
• naimisharanya • shaunaka • bhagavata purana • suta goswami • lomaharshana
Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are several interesting legends that describe the origin of this festival. The most interesting is a fight between Vishnu and Brahma.
• mahashivratri • shiva • shivratri • phalgun • parvati
Mahashivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are several interesting legends that describe the origin of this festival. The most interesting is a fight between Vishnu and Brahma.
• mahashivratri • shiva • shivratri • phalgun • parvati
Matsya Avatar - The Fish Incarnation
The Fish Incarnation is the first incarnation of Vishnu in which he retrieves the Vedas from the demon Hayagriva and also saves the pious king Satyavrata from the deluge so that life and religion can be preserved for the next cycle.
• matsya avatar • fish incarnation • vishnu • manu • satyavrata
The Fish Incarnation is the first incarnation of Vishnu in which he retrieves the Vedas from the demon Hayagriva and also saves the pious king Satyavrata from the deluge so that life and religion can be preserved for the next cycle.
• matsya avatar • fish incarnation • vishnu • manu • satyavrata
Mritsanjivni - I
In order to help the demons, Shukracharya undertakes a penance and acquires the power to bring the dead back to life.
• shukracharya • shiva • bhrigu • usha • indra
In order to help the demons, Shukracharya undertakes a penance and acquires the power to bring the dead back to life.
• shukracharya • shiva • bhrigu • usha • indra
The Bhavishya Purana
The Bhavishya Purana presents a picture of the future of "Bharat Varsha". It also deals with Sun worship, temple structure, marriages and other issues.
• shatanika • veda vyasa • sumantu • bhavishya purana • hindu
The Bhavishya Purana presents a picture of the future of "Bharat Varsha". It also deals with Sun worship, temple structure, marriages and other issues.
• shatanika • veda vyasa • sumantu • bhavishya purana • hindu
The Brahmananda Purana
The Brahmananda Purana was originally narrated by Vayu Deva at the end of the yagna in which King Pururava was killed. It provides a graphic description of ancient India.
• brahmananda purana • scripture • hinduism • kurukshetra • lomaharshana
The Brahmananda Purana was originally narrated by Vayu Deva at the end of the yagna in which King Pururava was killed. It provides a graphic description of ancient India.
• brahmananda purana • scripture • hinduism • kurukshetra • lomaharshana
The Brahmavaivarta Purana
The Purana is recited by Souti to the sages at Naimisharanya.
• brahmavaivarta • purana • mahapuranas • brahma • rajasika
The Purana is recited by Souti to the sages at Naimisharanya.
• brahmavaivarta • purana • mahapuranas • brahma • rajasika
The Kurma Purana
The highlight of the Kurma Purana is the Ishvar Gita, which describes the essentials of Yoga. A lesser-known romance of the Apsara Urvashi is also described.
• kurma purana • brahmi samhita • bhagavati samhita • souri samhita • vaishnavi samhita
The highlight of the Kurma Purana is the Ishvar Gita, which describes the essentials of Yoga. A lesser-known romance of the Apsara Urvashi is also described.
• kurma purana • brahmi samhita • bhagavati samhita • souri samhita • vaishnavi samhita
The Markandeya Purana
This shortest of the Puranas is a question answer session in which four learned birds resolve the doubts arising in sage Jaimini's mind.
• markandeya • purana • jaimini • manvantaras • mahayuga
This shortest of the Puranas is a question answer session in which four learned birds resolve the doubts arising in sage Jaimini's mind.
• markandeya • purana • jaimini • manvantaras • mahayuga
The Matsya Purana
Vishnu as the (Matsya Avatar) Fish Incarnation saves Vaivasvata from the deluge and prepares him for his role as Manu.
• matsya purana • vaivasvata manu • vishnu • matsya avatar • puranas
Vishnu as the (Matsya Avatar) Fish Incarnation saves Vaivasvata from the deluge and prepares him for his role as Manu.
• matsya purana • vaivasvata manu • vishnu • matsya avatar • puranas
The Narada Purana
Narada advises Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatkumar and Sanatana on how to pray to Vishnu and achieve salvation.
• narada purana • nara • narayan • saraswati • jaya
Narada advises Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatkumar and Sanatana on how to pray to Vishnu and achieve salvation.
• narada purana • nara • narayan • saraswati • jaya
The Vamana Purana
Vishnu narrates the Vamana Purana to Bali after vanquishing him. He tells the story of Bali's ancestor Andhak, who was consumed by power but later repented.
• vamana • purana • incarnation • vishnu • bali
Vishnu narrates the Vamana Purana to Bali after vanquishing him. He tells the story of Bali's ancestor Andhak, who was consumed by power but later repented.
• vamana • purana • incarnation • vishnu • bali
Veda Vyasa and Bhagavata Purana
Krishna Dwaipayana, popularly Veda Vyasa, was not satisfied after writing the Mahabharata. Narada inspired him to write the Srimad Bhagavata Purana.
• krishna dwaipayana • parashara • satyavati • kaliyuga • vedas
Krishna Dwaipayana, popularly Veda Vyasa, was not satisfied after writing the Mahabharata. Narada inspired him to write the Srimad Bhagavata Purana.
• krishna dwaipayana • parashara • satyavati • kaliyuga • vedas
Shri Krishna Janma Khanda
Shri Krishna Janma Khanda describes the Lila of Krishna, especially the events associated with his eternal consort Radha. This is the only Purana, perhaps the only text.
• lila • krishna • radha • shri krishna janma khanda • brahmavaivarta purana
Shri Krishna Janma Khanda describes the Lila of Krishna, especially the events associated with his eternal consort Radha. This is the only Purana, perhaps the only text.
• lila • krishna • radha • shri krishna janma khanda • brahmavaivarta purana
The Humbling of Indra
Indra in his arrogance wants to build the greatest city ever. He is humbled when he learns that he is just one in a long line of Indras.
• indra • vritta • viswakarma • brahma • vishnu
Indra in his arrogance wants to build the greatest city ever. He is humbled when he learns that he is just one in a long line of Indras.
• indra • vritta • viswakarma • brahma • vishnu
The Incarnations of Vishnu
There are ten commonly known avatars of Vishnu. The Bhagavata Purana lists twenty-two and states that there are many more.
• hinduism • vishnu • avatars • incarnations • bhagavata purana
There are ten commonly known avatars of Vishnu. The Bhagavata Purana lists twenty-two and states that there are many more.
• hinduism • vishnu • avatars • incarnations • bhagavata purana
Somnath Jyotirlinga
Soma appeases Shiva in order to have a curse put on him removed and then builds a temple to his benefactor in gratitude.
• somnath • dwadasa jyotirlingas • india • antarctica • sanskrit
Soma appeases Shiva in order to have a curse put on him removed and then builds a temple to his benefactor in gratitude.
• somnath • dwadasa jyotirlingas • india • antarctica • sanskrit
Apsaras - II
Ghritachi was responsible for the birth of several personalities, many of them in unusual ways. She along with other apsaras entertained special guests on spesial occasions. Tilottama was created as the most beautiful female in order to bring about the end of the Demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda, who were endowed with a peculiar boon.
• ghritachi • drona • pandava • kaurava • mahabharata
Ghritachi was responsible for the birth of several personalities, many of them in unusual ways. She along with other apsaras entertained special guests on spesial occasions. Tilottama was created as the most beautiful female in order to bring about the end of the Demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda, who were endowed with a peculiar boon.
• ghritachi • drona • pandava • kaurava • mahabharata
Dhruv
Dhruv was a descendent of Manu, who was hurt by the words of his step-mother. As a result he undertook a severe penance and experienced the Almighty at the tender age of five. After his death he was given the exalted position of the pole star.
• vishnu purana • uttanapada • manu • suniti • suruchi
Dhruv was a descendent of Manu, who was hurt by the words of his step-mother. As a result he undertook a severe penance and experienced the Almighty at the tender age of five. After his death he was given the exalted position of the pole star.
• vishnu purana • uttanapada • manu • suniti • suruchi
Jaimini and the Birds
Jaimini is advised to consult four birds who are well versed in the scriptures. The article traces how these birds acquired this learning. The wisdom imparted by these birds has been passed down to us in the Markandeya Purana.
• markandeya purana • jaimini • vyasa • mahabharata • markandeya
Jaimini is advised to consult four birds who are well versed in the scriptures. The article traces how these birds acquired this learning. The wisdom imparted by these birds has been passed down to us in the Markandeya Purana.
• markandeya purana • jaimini • vyasa • mahabharata • markandeya
The Descent of Ganga - I
The tale of how the River Ganga came to earth is a famous one and is available in many scriptures, though in slightly different versions. Sage Vishwamitra recounted this tale to Rama and Laxman as they made their way to Mithila for Sita’s swayamvar. The tale begins with King Vrika of the Solar Dynasty.
• ganga • vishwamitra • rama • laxman • mithila
The tale of how the River Ganga came to earth is a famous one and is available in many scriptures, though in slightly different versions. Sage Vishwamitra recounted this tale to Rama and Laxman as they made their way to Mithila for Sita’s swayamvar. The tale begins with King Vrika of the Solar Dynasty.
• ganga • vishwamitra • rama • laxman • mithila
The Descent of Ganga - II
Sagara’s sons turned out to be a wicked lot. Drinking, looting and raping were second nature to them. However once they took on a powerful sage and met a fiery end. Sagara was then forced to put the responsibility of salvaging their souls on his grandson.
• sagara • keshini • vidarbh • sumati • ourva
Sagara’s sons turned out to be a wicked lot. Drinking, looting and raping were second nature to them. However once they took on a powerful sage and met a fiery end. Sagara was then forced to put the responsibility of salvaging their souls on his grandson.
• sagara • keshini • vidarbh • sumati • ourva
The Elephant and the Crocodile
According to the Bhagavata Purana Sonepur was the scene of the legendary fight between the Gaj or the elephant and the Grah or the crocodile. The seesaw battle continued for a thousand years. Both the Gaj and the Grah had been humans in their previous lives.
• bhagavata purana • sonepur • gaj • grah • trikut
According to the Bhagavata Purana Sonepur was the scene of the legendary fight between the Gaj or the elephant and the Grah or the crocodile. The seesaw battle continued for a thousand years. Both the Gaj and the Grah had been humans in their previous lives.
• bhagavata purana • sonepur • gaj • grah • trikut
Brahma creates the non-human races
Brahma creates the Devas, Asuras, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Yakshas and others from his body. He creates a particular race from his body and then casts off that body.
• hindu • mythology • devas • asuras • apsaras
Brahma creates the Devas, Asuras, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Yakshas and others from his body. He creates a particular race from his body and then casts off that body.
• hindu • mythology • devas • asuras • apsaras
Hinduism and the Environment
The pagan element in Hinduism advocated Sustainable Development by deification of nature as seen in the hymns of the Riga Veda dedicated to Surya, Indra, Agni and others.
• sustainable development • hinduism • conservation • natural resources • environment degradation
The pagan element in Hinduism advocated Sustainable Development by deification of nature as seen in the hymns of the Riga Veda dedicated to Surya, Indra, Agni and others.
• sustainable development • hinduism • conservation • natural resources • environment degradation
More on the Manvantaras
The amazing stories of the births of Raivata, the fifth Manu, Chakshusha, the sixth Manu, and Bhoutya, the fourteenth Manu.
• manus • markandeya purana • manu • manvantara • raivata
The amazing stories of the births of Raivata, the fifth Manu, Chakshusha, the sixth Manu, and Bhoutya, the fourteenth Manu.
• manus • markandeya purana • manu • manvantara • raivata
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
A devotee of Shiva named Supriya was tormented by an asura Daruka. When the demon was about to kill Supriya, Shiva emerged from the Jyotirlinga and killed Daruka.
• nageshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • dwarka • gujarat • krishna
A devotee of Shiva named Supriya was tormented by an asura Daruka. When the demon was about to kill Supriya, Shiva emerged from the Jyotirlinga and killed Daruka.
• nageshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • dwarka • gujarat • krishna
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The Vindhya Mountains sought a boon from Shiva so that it might challenge Mount Meru. Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar to bless Vindhya.
• omkareshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • narmada • vindhya • satpura
The Vindhya Mountains sought a boon from Shiva so that it might challenge Mount Meru. Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar to bless Vindhya.
• omkareshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • narmada • vindhya • satpura
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
Rameshwaram is the southern most Jyotirlinga established from where Rama's bridge to Lanka commences. It has two lingams.
• rameshwaram • dwadasa jyotirlingas • tamil nadu • rama’s bridge • lanka
Rameshwaram is the southern most Jyotirlinga established from where Rama's bridge to Lanka commences. It has two lingams.
• rameshwaram • dwadasa jyotirlingas • tamil nadu • rama’s bridge • lanka
Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa
Brahma created Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa as the first man and woman. One of their daughters, Devahuti, was married to sage Kardam as ordained by Vishnu.
• brahma • swayambhav manu • shatrupa • akuti • devahuti
Brahma created Swayambhav Manu and Shatrupa as the first man and woman. One of their daughters, Devahuti, was married to sage Kardam as ordained by Vishnu.
• brahma • swayambhav manu • shatrupa • akuti • devahuti
The Dwadasa Jyotirlingas
Twelve temples dedicated to Shiva, the Jyotirlingas, are specially revered because it is believed that the spiritually enlightened can see the lingas as columns of fire.
• dwadasa • jyotirlingas • shiva • shiva purana • shatarudra samhita
Twelve temples dedicated to Shiva, the Jyotirlingas, are specially revered because it is believed that the spiritually enlightened can see the lingas as columns of fire.
• dwadasa • jyotirlingas • shiva • shiva purana • shatarudra samhita
The Prachetas
Seeking spiritual guidance at every step, the Prachetas marry Marisha, sire Daksha and finally attain salvation.
• prithu • prachetas • shiva • vishnu • garuda
Seeking spiritual guidance at every step, the Prachetas marry Marisha, sire Daksha and finally attain salvation.
• prithu • prachetas • shiva • vishnu • garuda
Apsaras I
Apsaras have been variously described as fairies, angels, nymphs and sirens. Actually they are celestial maidens of exquisite beauty and alluring charm, and have the power and will to use both.
• apsaras • indra • gandharvas • kashyap • aditi
Apsaras have been variously described as fairies, angels, nymphs and sirens. Actually they are celestial maidens of exquisite beauty and alluring charm, and have the power and will to use both.
• apsaras • indra • gandharvas • kashyap • aditi
FAQs: scriptures, women and caste
Hinduism has a wide range of scriptures - philosophical, prescriptive and mythological. The role of women and the Caste System are some of the contentious issues.
• hindu • scriptures • shruti • smriti • hinduism
Hinduism has a wide range of scriptures - philosophical, prescriptive and mythological. The role of women and the Caste System are some of the contentious issues.
• hindu • scriptures • shruti • smriti • hinduism
Glossary A to B
Writing on Hinduism necessitates the use of non-English words that often need to be explained. This glossary explains words beginning with A to B.
• adhisima krishnaagni • aranyakas • angiras • arjun • aryans
Writing on Hinduism necessitates the use of non-English words that often need to be explained. This glossary explains words beginning with A to B.
• adhisima krishnaagni • aranyakas • angiras • arjun • aryans
Glossary Q to S
Writing on Hinduism necessitates the use of non-English words that occur often need to be explained. This glossary explains words beginning with Q to S.
• radha • riga veda • vedas • sama veda • samhitas
Writing on Hinduism necessitates the use of non-English words that occur often need to be explained. This glossary explains words beginning with Q to S.
• radha • riga veda • vedas • sama veda • samhitas
Glossary T to Z
Writing on Hinduism necessitates the use of non-English words that occur often need to be explained. This glossary explains words beginning with T to Z.
• upanishads • vedas • vedanta • usha • urvashi
Writing on Hinduism necessitates the use of non-English words that occur often need to be explained. This glossary explains words beginning with T to Z.
• upanishads • vedas • vedanta • usha • urvashi
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Parvati was preparing sindur to ornament her hair. From the vermilion paste emerged a Jyotirlinga.
• grishneshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • verul • daulatabad • aurangabad
Parvati was preparing sindur to ornament her hair. From the vermilion paste emerged a Jyotirlinga.
• grishneshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • verul • daulatabad • aurangabad
Shri Sailam Jyotirlinga
Chandravati discovers a Jyotirlinga at Shri Sailam and erects a temple to Shiva. Over the centuries rulers expand the temple town to make it a living monument.
• shri sailam • dwadasa jyotirlingas • india • mallikarjuna • mallika
Chandravati discovers a Jyotirlinga at Shri Sailam and erects a temple to Shiva. Over the centuries rulers expand the temple town to make it a living monument.
• shri sailam • dwadasa jyotirlingas • india • mallikarjuna • mallika
The Itihasas and the Puranas
The Itihasas and the Puranas are full of stirring mythological narratives of avatars of the Supreme Being.
• scriptures • epic period • itihasas • puranas • vedas
The Itihasas and the Puranas are full of stirring mythological narratives of avatars of the Supreme Being.
• scriptures • epic period • itihasas • puranas • vedas