Stories from Puranas (Set of 14 Books)

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Vishnu Purana- 9788184030723, Siva Purana- 9788184030631, Vamana Purana- 9788184030693 Agni Purana- 9788184030372, Varaha Purana- 9788184030365, Narasimha Purana- 9788184030709, Padma Purana- 8187812583, Skanda Purana -8187812761, Markandeya Purana- 9788184030747, Brahma–Vaivarta Purana- 978818400716, Narada Purana- 8187812753, Matsya Purana- 9788184030273, Kurma Purana- 9788184030266, Garuda Purana- 9788187812883

The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

The Brahma Purana consists of ten thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousand, Sri Visnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Siva Purana of Twenty-four thousand and Srimad-Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand.

The Narada Purana has twenty-five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agni Purana fifteen thousand four hundred, the Bhavisya Purana fourteen thousand five hundred, the Brahma-vaivarta Purana eighteen thousand and the Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twenty-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana eighty-one thousand one hundred, the ‘Vamana Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses in all the Puranas is four hundred thousand. Eighteen thousand of these, once again, belong to the beautiful Bhagavatam.

It is known that of the eighteen major Puranas, six are for those in the mode of goodness, six are for those in the mode of passion, and six are for those in the mode of ignorance. Although there may be different opinions as to which Puranas belong to which group, Srila Prabhupada writes as follows in a purport of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta:

The Rg Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata, Pancaratra and original Ramayana are all considered Vedic literature. The Puranas (such as the Brahma-vaivarta Purana, Naradiya Purana, Visnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana) are especially meant for Vaisnavas and are also Vedic literature.

The Visnu Purana as herein recorded was spoken by Parasara Muni to the sage Maitreya. Parasara Muni is the father of Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas and author of Mahabharata. Parasara is also famous as the person who gave the definition of the word “bhagavan” that Srila Prabhupada referred to countless times.

The person who possesses all wealth, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge and renunciation is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan.

There are two more verses from Visnu Purana that Srila Prabhupada quoted on numerous occasions: Visnu Purana 3.8.9 and Visnu Purana 6.7.61.

The Visnu Purana is divided into six parts, including many of the well known narrations such as: The creation of the universe, the various planetary systems, the various Manus and their functions, the dynasties of kings, the transcendental pastimes of Lord Krsna and a vivid description of Kali-yuga.

The Visnu Purana is one the eighteen major, or maha, Puranas. Of these eighteen Puranas, six are in the mode of goodness, six are in passion and six are in ignorance. Visnu Purana is one of the six sattvika Puranas. This is easily understood because the entire literature is aimed at making one understand the simple truth that Lord Vasnu, being the origin of everything, is one without a second. In other words, there is nothing in existence separate from Lord Visnu.

The Visnu Purana as herein recorded was spoken by Parasara Muni to the sage Maitreya. Parasara Muni is the father of Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas and author of Mahabharata. In Mahabharata, the story of Vyasa’s birth is told. Once, Parasara Muni desired to cross the river and the boatman had engaged his beautiful daughter, Satyavati, to ply the boat that day. Parasara became enamored with Satyavati’s beauty1 and while halfway across the wide river, he expressed his desire for intimate relations with her.

Satyavati objected, saying that there were many sages living on the shore of the river and they would witness her transgression of ordinary morality. Parasara assured Satyavati that no one would come to know of her acceptance of his, and then he created dense fog. Thus Srila Vyasadeva was conceived in secrecy and was born on an island in that river. It is for this reason that he was called Dvaipayana.

Parasara is also famous as the person who gave the definition of the word “bhagavan” that Srila Prabhupada referred to countless times.

From the Jacket

The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

The Brahma Purana consists of ten thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousand, Sri Visnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Siva Purana of Twenty-four thousand and Srimad-Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand.

The Narada Purana has twenty-five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agni Purana fifteen thousand four hundred, the Bhavisya Purana fourteen thousand five hundred, the Brahma-vaivarta Purana eighteen thousand and the Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twenty-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana eighty-one thousand one hundred, the ‘Vamana Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses in all the Puranas is four hundred thousand. Eighteen thousand of these, once again, belong to the beautiful Bhagavatam.

It is known that of the eighteen major Puranas, six are for those in the mode of goodness, six are for those in the mode of passion, and six are for those in the mode of ignorance. Although there may be different opinions as to which Puranas belong to which group, Srila Prabhupada writes as follows in a purport of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta:

The Rg Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata, Pancaratra and original Ramayana are all considered Vedic literature. The Puranas (such as the Brahma-vaivarta Purana, Naradiya Purana, Visnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana) are especially meant for Vaisnavas and are also Vedic literature.

Back of the Book

In this book of stories from the Vamana Purana you will find many stories you had not read in other literatures, and you will find many interesting details I stories you had previously read elsewhere. Because this is the Vamana Purana, it naturally relates the history of the incarnation of Lord Vamana. In fact, the story of Lord Vamana is related several times, and each time a different aspect of the pastime is dwelt upon. Also, because the Lord appears again and again in different ages, there are differences in the descriptions of His pastimes that are interesting to note.

The Vamana Purana describes the glories of Kuruksetra at great length, showing us that it was a very prominent place of pilgrimage since time immemorial.

In this Purana the oneness of Lord Visnu and Lord Siva is stressed, and this is also the teaching of our acaryas. It is not that the two are separate personalities, because Lord Siva is an expansion of Lord Krsna. Perhaps in this Puranas this fact is not clearly presented, and therefore it certainly is not on the level of some other Puranas, especially the Bhagavatam.

Introduction

In this book of stories from the Vamana Purana you will find many stories you had not read in other literatures, and you will find many interesting details in stories you had previously read elsewhere. Because this is the Vamana Purana, it naturally relates the history of the incarnation of Lord Vamana. In fact, the story of Lord Vamana is related several times, and each time a different aspect of the pastime is dwelt upon. Also, because the Lord appears again and again in different ages, there are differences in the descriptions of His pastimes that are interesting to note.

In several places in his purports Srila Prabhupada refers to the narrations of stories in the Vamana Purana. Examples of this are:

“In the Vamana Purana the history of Maharaja Vena and his degradation are fully described. When Maharaja Prthu heard about the hellish condition of his father, Vena, who was suffering from leprosy in the family of a mleccha once brought the former king to Kuruksetra for his purification and relieved him of all sufferings.”

The Vamana Purana describes the glories of Kuruksetra at great length, showing us that it was a very prominent place of pilgrimage since time immemorial.

Here is another example of a story from the Vamana Purana referred to by Srila Prabhupada in his purports:

“According to the reading matter, either kah or arkah, there are two references in the Puranas. Kah means Brahma, who once became allured by his daughter and began to follow her, which infuriated Siva, who attached Brahma with his trident. Brahmaji fled in fear of his life. As far as arkah is concerned, there is a reference in the Vamana Purana. There was a demon by the name Vidyunmali who was gifted with a glowing golden airplane which traveled to the back of the sun, and night disappeared because of the glowing effulgence of this plane. Thus the sun-god became angry, and with his virulent rays he melted the plane. This enraged Lord Siva. Lord Siva then attached the sun-god, who fled away and at last fell down at Kasi (Varanasi), and the place became famous as Lolarka.”

Another incident related in the Vamana Purana is referred to by Gopi-paranadhana Prabhu in his commentary on Brhad-bhagavatamrta:

“This incident is recounted in a number of scriptures, including the Vamana Purana. Once Prahalada took a trip to Naimisaranya to see Lord Pitavasa, the beautiful form of the Supreme Lord. While Traveling on the road he met a strange person, who was dressed like an austere renunciant but was carrying a warrior’s bow and arrows. Prahlada assumed from this person’s contradictory attire that he must be some hypocrite abusing the true principles of religion. Therefore Prahlada started a fight with the sannyasi, vowing ‘I swear I shall defeat you!” But even after several days of dueling, Prabhlada could not subdue this adversary.

“Early one morning before resuming the battle, Prahlada worshiped his personal Deity. He then saw his opponent standing nearby, wearing the same garland he had just offered the Deity. Prahlada suddenly recognized that the strange was Lord Pitavasa, Narayana Himself. Thereupon, offering prayers to that opponent with all the competence at his command, Prahlada tried to satisfy Him. In response, the Lord touched him with His lotus hand, which relieved Prahlada from the fatigue of fighting and from all anxiety. Prahlada asked Lord Pitavasa what to do about having transgressed the duty of a ksatriya by having made a promise-namely to defeat his opponent-and not having fulfilled it. The Lord. Fully satisfied by the sport of fighting with Prahlada, told him, ‘But I am always defeated by you!”

The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

The Brahma Purana consists of ten thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousand, Sri Visnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Siva Purana of twenty-four thousand and Srimad-Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand. The Narada Purana has twenty-five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agni Purana fifteen thousand four hundred, the Bhavisya Purana fourteen thousand five hundred, the Brahma-vaivarta Purana eighteen thousand and the Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twenty-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana eighty-one thousand one hundred, the Vamana Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses in all the Puranas is four hundred thousand.

As always, I have tried to take out from the Vamana Purana whatever would be of interest to the followers of Srila Prabhupada, and leave aside the rest. There is not a great deal of wisdom in this book, but there is some and I have tried to include that as well. I hope that you will find the reading of this book to be at least a somewhat worthwhile experience.

The Agni Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas and is one of the Puranas meant for those in the mode of goodness. This is clear from the fact that on practically every page the fact that Lord Visnu is devadeva, or the Lord of all other lords. He is the supreme objective of all spiritual practices and devotion unto Him is the practice the qualifies one for libration from material existence. This is especially evidenced by how Agni Purana especially talks about the pastimes of Lord Ramacandra and Lord Krsna. And at the end there is a nice summary of the Bhagavad-gita spoken by Lord Krsna.

In this Purana there are very few stories, unlike the other Purana which are full of stories. Because of this, you will find few stories in this telling of the highlights from the Agni Purana. Instead of innumerable histories, in this Purana there are vast description of countless holy places of pilgrimage and the practices to be engaged in while visiting them. And there are very extensive treatises on astrology, dreams, Sanskrit grammar and pronunciation, the military science, and medicine. Considering this, those who might be interested in astrology or Ayur-veda could consult the original texts if they can also find someone to accurately translate them.

The Agni Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas and is one of the Puranas meant for those in the goodness. This is clear from the fact that on practically every page the fact that Lord Visnu is devadeva, or the Lord of all other lords. He is the supreme objective of all spiritual practices and devotion unto Him is the practice that qualifies one for liberation from material existence. This is especially evidenced by how Agni Purana especially talks about the pastimes of Lord Ramacandra and Lor Krsna. And at the there is a nice summary of the Bhagavad-gita spoken by Lord Krsna.

In this Purana there are very few stories, unlike the other Purana which are full of stories. Because of this, you will find few stories in this telling of the highlights from the Agni Purana. Instead of innumerable histories, in this Purana there are vast description of countless hold place of pilgrimage and the practices to be engaged in while visiting them. And there are very extensive treatises on astrology, dreams, Sanskrit grammar and pronunciation, the military science, and medicine. Considering this, those who might be interested in astrology or Ayur-veda could consult the original texts if they can also find someone to accurately translate them.

There is an elaborate story about the origin of the celebrated hold place, Gaya, which is situated in the present Indian state of Bihar-a story which I have not encountered in any other Purana. There is also a very technical description of the astanga-yoga system and the cakras within the subtle body. The original text could also be consulted by those who are interested in such things.

For those who are interested in the interpretation of dreams, there is a long section from which I have taken just a few interesting examples. There is a description of how bows and arrows should be made, and I did not include that in this text.

Although there are not many histories related here, there are ample words of wisdom on a great variety of moral will certainly find this book of interest.

My dear readers, this book was taken from a translation which did not appear in any bona fide disciplic succession and so it is certainly far from perfect. Still, I have presented everything in such a way that is never clashes with the teaching of the authorized acaryas.

Varaha Purana was originally spoken by Lord Varaha to Bhumi and later repeated by Suta Gosvami to the sager at Naimisaranya. Lord Varaha spoke this Purana to Bhumi after He had lifted her up from the nether regions. This Purana consists of questions by Bhumi, the goddess of the earth, posed to Lord Varaha, the Boar Incarnation of Lord Visnu. For the edition I have selected interesting stories which are told to illustrate the efficacy of various holy places of pilgrimage.

In the course of these narrations there are innumerable instruction dealing with religious principles and codes of conduct. At the end there is an extensive description of the abode of Yamarja givan by Naciketa, a person who appears in some of the Upanisads. As this is one of the sattvika Puranas, it clearly establishes that Lord Visnu is the Supreme Lord, above Lord Brahma and Lord Siva. Interestingly, it is stated that when one faithfully worships Lord Siva throughout thousands of births, he becomes eligible to become a devotee of Lord Visnu.

This Purana is different from many of the others in that we don’t see all of the familiar stories that are told again and again. All of the incidents related here involve persons who we were previously unfamiliar with. There is also a story of Lord Krsna cursing Samba, which certainly cannot be found elsewhere.

It is known that of the eighteen major Puranas, six are for those in the mode of goodness, six are for those in the mode of passion, and six are for those in the mode of ignorance. Although there may be different opinions as to which Puranas belong to which group, Srila Prabhupada writes as follows in a purport of Sri Caitanya-caritmrta:

The Rg Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata, Pancaratra and original Ramayana are all considered Vedic literature. The Puranas (such as the Brahma-vaivarta Purana Naradiya Purana, Visnu Prana and Bhagavata Purana) are especially meant for Vaisnavas and are also Vedic literature.

Varaha Purana was originally spoken by Lord Varaha to Bhumi and later repeated bt Suta Gosvami to the sages at Naimisaranya. Lord Varaha spoke this Purana to Bhumi after He had lifted her up from the nether regions. This Purana consists of questions by Bhumi, the goddess of the earth, posed to Lord Varaha, the Boar Incarnation of Lord Visnu. For this edition I have selected interesting stories which are told to illustrate the efficacy of various holy places of pilgrimage.

In the course of the narration there are innumerable instructions dealing which religious principles and codes of conduct. At the end there is an extensive description of the abode of Yamarja givenby Naciketa, a person who appears in some of the Upanisads. As this is one the sattvika Puranas, it clearly establishes that Lord Visnu is the Supreme Lord, above Lord Brama and Lord Siva. Interestingly, it is stated that when one faithfully worsphips Lord Siva throughout thousands of births, he becomes eligible to become a devotee Lord Visnu.

This Purana is different from many of the others in that we don’t see all of the familiar that are told again. All of the incidents related here involve persons who we were previously unfamiliar with. There is also a story of Lord Krsna cursing Samba, which certainly cannot be found elsewhere.

It must be emphasized that this Purana was taken from translations by those who are not realized souls in disciplic succession and thus this rendering should not be considered as authorized. It is simply a study that gives a general idea of what the Varaha Purana is about. A common theme running throughout all the accounts given here is how the law of karma sends us from one body to another. It is clearly the aim of the Purana to guide the reader to the understanding that all actions preformed in this life from the background for one’s next birth.

The reader of this book will be made to understanding that all actions should be performed with a view of one’s future welfare, and the welfare others. This must be done under the direction of higher authority, or sastra. This Purana, as all other Purana, leads us from a life of selfishness to a life of selfishness to a life of magnanimity giving careful attention to the necessity for respecting the Lord, His devotees, the brahmanas, hold places, His temples and gardens, and people in general.

The aim of one’s present life should be to elevate himself to a higher position after death, which at best means to achieve liberation from the vicious cycle of repeated birth and death by attaining the supreme abode of the Lord in the spiritual sky.

From the Jacket

The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

The Brahma Purana consists of ten thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousand, Sri Visnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Siva Purana of Twenty-four thousand and Srimad-Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand.

The Narada Purana has twenty-five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agni Purana fifteen thousand four hundred, the Bhavisya Purana fourteen thousand five hundred, the Brahma-vaivarta Purana eighteen thousand and the Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twenty-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana eighty-one thousand one hundred, the ‘Vamana Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses in all the Puranas is four hundred thousand. Eighteen thousand of these, once again, belong to the beautiful Bhagavatam.

It is known that of the eighteen major Puranas, six are for those in the mode of goodness, six are for those in the mode of passion, and six are for those in the mode of ignorance. Although there may be different opinions as to which Puranas belong to which group, Srila Prabhupada writes as follows in a purport of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta:

The Rg Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata, Pancaratra and original Ramayana are all considered Vedic literature. The Puranas (such as the Brahma-vaivarta Purana, Naradiya Purana, Visnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana) are especially meant for Vaisnavas and are also Vedic literature.

Back of the Book

Nrsimha Purana is not one of the eighteen Puranas, but is one of the upa-puranas, or auxiliary Puranas. It is quite definitely a Purana in the mode of goodness, or a Vaisnava Purana, because from beginning to end it is nothing but glorification of Lord Visnu and His innumerable forms, one of which is Lord Nrsimha, as well as glorification of the Lord’s devotees, as well as His devotional service.

We find in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, sixteenth chapter of the Antya-lila, this verse describing Lord Caitanya’s going to the temple of Lord Jagannatha: “Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His left side toward the Deity, offered obeisances to Lord Nrsimha as He proceeded toward the temple. He recited the following verse again and again while offering obeisances:

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto You, Lord Nrsimhadeva. You are the giver of pleasure to Maharaja Prahlada, and Your nails cut the chest of Hiranyakasipu like a chisel cutting stone.

Introduction

Nrsimha Purana is not one of the eighteen Puranas, but is one of the upa-puranas, or auxiliary Puranas. It is quite definitely a Purana in the mode of goodness, or a Vaisanva Purana, because from beginning to end it is nothing but glorification of Lord Vasnu and His innumerable forms, one of which is Lord Nrsimha, as well as glorification of the Lord’s devotees, as well as His devotional service.

A nice example of this is found in a purport of the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, written by the humble disciples of Srila Prabhupada who completed his monumental project: “As stated in the Nrsimha Purana, patresu puspesu phalesu toyesv akrita-labhyesu vadaiva satsul bhaktya su-labhye puruse purane muktyai kim artham kriyate prayatnah: ‘Since the primeval Personality of Godhead is easily attained by offering Him such things as leaves, flowers, fruits and water, which are all found without difficulty, why does one need to endeavor for liberation separately?”

We also find in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, sixteenth chapter of the antya-lila, this verse describing Lord Caitanya’s going to the temple of Lord Jagannatha: “Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, His left side toward the Deity, offered obeisances to Lord Nrsimha as He proceeded toward the temple. He recited the following verses again and again while offering obeisances:

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto You, Lord Nrsimhadeva. You are the giver of pleasure to Maharaja Prahlada, and Your nails cut the chest of Hiranyakasipu like a chisel cutting stone.”

PURPORT: This and the following verse are quoted from the Nrsimha Purana.

“Lord Nrsimhadeva is here, and He is also there on the opposite side. Wherever I go, there I see Lord Nrsimhadeva. He is outside and within my heart. Therefore I take shelter of Lord Nrsimhadeva, the original Supreme Personality of Codhead.”

So, every day the devotees are singing two verses of the Nrsimha Purana. As in the eighteen major Puranas, there are many interesting and unusual stories that are not found in Srimad-Bhagavatam. And, when there are stories that are also found in Srimad-Bhagavatam, we discover nuances that enhance the understanding the Lord’s pastimes.

A major portion of the Nrsimha Purana is taken up by summary descriptions of the dasa-avatara, or ten major pastimes incarnations of the Lord. Here the pastimes of Lord Ramacandra are described in greater detail than those of the other incarnations, so that is a kind of mini-Ramayana.

The pastimes of Lord Nrsimhadeva are not told very elaborately, but there are many additional details found in this rendition. Nrsimha Purana is a very short work compared to other Puranas but the advantage there is that the stories are told in a concise manner and do not ramble on and on. I have tried to give a simple and clear rendition of the Nrsimha Purana that will not bore you. I hope that you find it a pleasant read.

Padma Purana is one of the eighteen principle Puranas, as explained in Shrimad-Bhagavatam (12.7.25):

"The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Vishnu, Shiva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavishya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markendeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas."

In a conversation with his disciples, Shrila Prabhuapada tells about the importance of the Padma Purana:

Srila Prabhupada: "So, there are different kinds of Puranas, eighteen Puranas ?but, t he sattvika,-puranas (those in goodness)-they are meant for immediately worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead??So Padma Purana is one of the Puranas in the mode of goodness, passion, and ignorance, and to reclaim all these conditioned souls, there are eighteen Puranas. Six Puranas are meant for those in the mode of goodness, six for those in the mode of passion, and six for those in the mode of ignorance. The Padma Purana is written for those in the mode of goodness."

About the Author:

Purnaprajana das joined ISKCON in September of 1970, in Boston. In April of 1972 he came to India and served as head pujari in the Calcutta temple until 1979. He has been an avid student of Shrila Prabhupada's books and has published his summary studies of Shrimad-Bhagavatam and Shri Chaitanya-charitamrita. Besides these, he has written published summaries of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Shri Chaitanya-bhagavata. Now residing in Vrindavana, he will continue his series of summaries of Puranas. Next will be the Narada Purana.

For a long time, I was thinking that a book containing stories form the Puranas would be very interesting. I had already written summaries of the Ramayana and Mahabharata- as well as summaries of Shrimad-Bhagavatam, Shri Chaitanya-charitamrita, and Shri Chaitanya-bhagavata- told in story form. It is a fact, that devotees are always interested in hearing a good story- especially if they are children. So, with this in mind, I decided to write a book of stories and teachings from the Padma Purana.

From the Bhaktivedanta Vedabase, I found by searching that Shrila Prabhupada had quoted from Padma Purana wore than four hundred times in his writings and lectures. This made me think that it would be very nice to include some of these references in the stories of the Padma Purana that I was compiling.

It is a fact that there are many verses in the Padma Purana that are so important that the Vaishnava acharyas refer to them, again and again. For example, I had always heard the following verse, but never knew where it was to be found. Then, I saw that Shrila Prabhupada referred to it, as follows:

naham tisthami vaikunthe yoginam hrdayesu va
yatra gayanti mad-bhaktah tatra tisthami narada

"My dear Narada, I do not dwell in Vaikuntha or in the hearts of the yogi, but wherever My devotees sing My glories" (Padma Purana).

Another time, in a lecture, Shrila Prabhupada refereed to Padma Purana's description of how the should evolves by transmigrating from one body to another, and not as the scientists imagine:

"We are transmigrating from different bodies. Jalaja nava-laksani sthavara laksa vimsati, krmayo rudra-sankhyakah. In Padma Purana, the gradual process of evolution is there. This evolution theory put forward by Darwin, that is nonsense. Because the Darwin's theory is evolution of this body."

Padma Purana is one of the eighteen principal Puranas, as explained in the Shirmad-Bhagavatam (12.7.25):

"The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Vishnu, Shiva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavishya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas."

It is further explained that six of these Puranas are considered to be for those in the mode goodness, six are for those in passion, and six are for those in ignorance. The Padma Purana is one of the six for those in goodness. Shrila Prabhupada sometimes discussed this. Here is an example, found in conversation with his disciples:

Prabhupada: "So, there are different kinds of Puranas, eighteen Puranas, because the whole Vedic literature means to claim all kinds of men. Not that those who are meat-eaters or drunkards- they are rejected. No. Everyone is accepted. It is just like you go to a doctor. He'll prescribe you different medicines, according to the disease. Not that there is only one disease, and so one medicine. Whoever comes, the doctor offers that medicine. No."

"The real treatment is gradually, gradually. But the sattvika-puranas (Those in goodness)- they are meant for immediately worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead. There is no gradual process. But gradually, one who comes to this stage, he's advised by the other Puranas. So Padma Purana is one of the Puranas in the mode of goodness. Continue reading."

Devotee: "It says in the Padma Purana, 'No one can understand the transcendental nature of the name, from, qualities and pastimes of Sri Krishna through his materially contaminatd senses. Only when one becomes spiritually saturated by transcendental service to the Lord, are the transcendental name, form, quality and pastimes of the Lord revealed to him.' "

Prabhupada: "Yes, this verse is very important."

Shirla Prabhupada gave this example of how the Puranas will give different prescriptions, for different kinds of people:

"There are men in the modes of goodness, passion, and ignorance, and to reclaim all these conditioned should, there are eighteen Puranas. Six Puranas are meant for those in the mode of goodness, six for those in the mode of passion, and six for those in the mode of ignorance. The Padma Purana is written for those in the mode of goodness."

"In the Markandeya Purana there are description of ritual and ceremonies in which a goat may be sacrificed in the presence of the goddess Kali. This Purana is meant for the instruction of those in the mode of ignorance."

In the Shrimad-Bhagavatam, there is mention that Padma Purana consists of 55,000 verses:

"The Brahma Purana consists of tem thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousand, Shri Vishnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Shiva Purana of twenty-four thousand and Shrimad-Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand . The Narada Purana has twenty five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agni Purana Fifteen thousand four hundred, the Brahma-vaivarta Purana eighteen thousand and the Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twenty-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana eighty-one thousand one hundred, the Vamana Purana ten thousand the Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses in all the Puranas if four hundred thousand. Eighteen thousand of these, once again, belong to the beautiful Bhagavatam." (SB 12.13.4-9)

When Lord Chaitanya traveled to East Bengal, Tapan Mishra had come to surrender at His lotus feet. Tapan Mishra had said, "My Lord, I do not know what is the goal of life, and the means to attain it."

At that time, Lord Chaitanya had explained that one who reads too many books would surely become confused. In this regard, Shrila Prabhupada often asked his disciples to be satisfied by reading his books. He knew that, by reading other books, his disciples might become doubtful, in some way or other. And, as mentioned in Padma Purana, only the mantra (of instruction) that is received in the genuine disciplic succession is capable of delivering the desired results.

Therefore, I request the readers of this book to use this experience as a means of enhancing their Krishna consciousness. Do not take seriously any apparent contradictions with Shrila Prabhupada's teaching that are found in this Book. This book was written from an English edition of the complete Padma Purana. However, the translators were not devotees of the Lord in disciplic succession. They were academic scholars. For this reason, this book cannot be accepted as authoritative the way that Shrila prabhupada's books are. Still, as much as possible, I have tired to phrase everything in way that is congenial to pure Krishna consciousness. We hanker after newer and newer literatures, and so if that propensity is used to read books such as this, we will always remain within the sphere of Krishna consciousness.

Also, I must say that the Padma Purana contains very harsh descriptions of women, and their association. Personally, I am a great admirer of women in Vedic culture, and it must be remembered that this book also suitably glorifies such chaste and devoted women.

I sincerely hope that the reading of this book gives you some further appreciation of Krishna consciousness, as well as of the great value of establishing a society on the basis of religious principles.

Purnaprajna dasa

Siva cast his spiritual energies into a fire. But Agni, the fire god, could not bear its radiance for long. He cast it into river Ganga, causing its cool waters to boil. The terrible heat thus generated, set fire to the reeds on the river banks. In great blaze, Siva's energy transformed into a child, a buy with six beads and twelve arms.

When the fire died out, six wondering nymphs called the Kritikkas, found the baby. They nursed him and took him to Siva. The sight of this extraordinary child filled the god with awe. He was given many names: Skanda, the energetic emission; Gangeya, the son of Ganga: and Kartik, the son of the Krittika maidens. Siva gave him a powerful lance, vel, as a weapon: a rooster for his insignia: and a peacock for his vehicle, his vahana.

Siva and Parvati had isolated themselves in their cave, away from all interruptions. Entry was forbidden even to the gods. So the devas stood outside and, in a very loud voice, began discussing the chaos caused by the demons, especially Taraka. The began to howl and cry, lamenting their inability to deal with the terrible situation. Disturbed by the din and feeling sorry for the gods, the cosmic couple stepped out of their cave. “How can I help you?” Siva asked.

“Give us a child capable of fighting demons on the seventh day of his life,” the gods begged. Siva agreed. “Take the essence of my austerities. From it will rise my son, in the cosmos.

The Skanda Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas, as stated in the Shirmad-Bhagavatam (12.7.23-24): "The eighteen major Punaras are the Brahama, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas." Of all the Puranas, the Skanda Purana is by far the largest, as explained in the Shrimad-Bhagavatam (12.13.4-9), containing eighty-one thousand one hundred verses.

The great acharyas, frequently quoted important verses from the Skand Purana. In a prabhupada to Shrimad-Bhagavatam (2.9.36), Srila Prabhupada wrote: "Srila Jiva Gosvami also quotes another common passage, which is found in three Puranas, namely the Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Skanda Purana and Linga Purana. It runs as follows:"

alodya sarva-sastrani
Vicarya ca punah punah
idam ekam sunispannam
dhyeyo narayanah sada

"By scrutinizingly reviewing all the revealed scriptures and judging them again and again, it is now concluded that Lord Narayana is the Supreme Absolute Truth, and thus He alone should be worshiped."

The Skanda Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas, as stated in the Shrimad-Bhagavatam (12.7.23.-24): "The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahama, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agani, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahama-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahamanda Puranas."

Of all the Puranas, the Skanda Purana is by far the largest, as explained in the Shrimad-Bhagavatam (12.13.4-9): "The Brahama Purana consists of ten thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousand, Sri Visnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Siva Purana of twenty-four thousand and Srimad-Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand. The Narada Purana has twenty-five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agani Purana fifteen thousand four hundred, the Bhavisya Purana fourteen thousand five hundred, the Brahma-vaivarta Purana eighteen thousand the Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twenty-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana Eighty-one thousand one hundred, the Vamana Purana ten thousand, he Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses in all the Puranas is four hundred thousand. Eighteen thousand of these, once again, belong to the beautiful Bhagavatam."

Shrila Prabhupada frequently explained that, of the eighteen Puranas, six are meant for those in the mode of ignorance, six are meant for those in the mode of ignorance.

In a Bhagavad-gita lecture, Shrila Prabhupada once said, "There are eighteen Puranas. Man are conducted by there qualities: the modes of goodness, modes of passion and modes of ignorance. To reclaim all these conditioned soul in different varieties of life, there are presentation of the Puranas. Six Puranas are meant for those who are in the modes goodness. And six Puranas are meant for the persons who are in the modes passion. And six Puranas are for those who are in the modes ignorance. This Padma Purana is meant for the persons who are in the modes of goodness. In Vedic rituals, you find so many difference of ritualistic performances. It is due to different kinds of men. Just like you have heard the in the Vedic literature there is a ritualistic ceremony of offering goat sacrifice in the presence of goddess Kali. But this Purana, the Markandeya Purana, is meant of persons in the modes of ignorance."

As far as I know, Shrila Prabhupada never mentioned for which people the Skanda Purana was written. In the Garuda Purana, which is meant for those in the mode of goodness, it is said that those Puranas compiled for persons in passion and ignorance contain some sections beneficial for those in the mode of goodness. These sections can be enjoyed by persons cultivating the mode of goodness, while leaving aside the rest.

The Skanda Purana prinicipally deals with glorification of Lord Shiva and holy places of Pilgrimage associated with him. For this reason, I tend to think that this Purana is principally meant for those in the mode of ignorance.

In the Krishna Book, in the chapter entitled, The Deliverance of Lord Shiva, Shrila Prabhupada wrote: Vrkasura was searching after a benediction and trying to decide which of the three presiding deities to worship in order to get it. In the meantime he happened to meet the great sage Narada and consulted with him as to whom he should approach to achieve quick results form his austerity.

He inquired, " Of the three deities, namely Lord Brahma, Lord Visnu and Lord Siva, who is most quickly satisfied?"

Narada could understand the plan of the demon, and he advised him, " You had better worship Lord Siva; then you will quickly get the desired result. Lord Siva is very quickly satisfied and very quickly dissatisfied also. So you try to satisfy Lord Siva."

Narada also cited instances wherein demons like Ravana and Banasura were enriched with great opulence simply by satisfying Lord Siva with prayers. Because the great sage Narada was aware of the nature of the demon Vrkasura, he did not advise him to approach Visnu or Lord Brahma. Persons such as Vrkasura, who are situated in the material mode of ignorance, cannot stick to the worship of Visnu.

Still, there are very interesting sections of the Skanda Purana, such as those that describe the glories of Jagannatha Puri and Vyenkata Hill. And, so in all the Puranas, there are innumerable short statements that are veritable gems of wisdom.

The great acharyas, including Shrila Prabhupada, frequently quoted important verses from the Skanda Purana. In a purport to Shrimad-Bhagavatam (2.9.36), Shrila Prabhupada wrote: Srila Jiva Gosvami also quotes another common passage, which is found in three Puranas, namely the Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and Linga Purana. It runs as follows:

alodya sarva-sastrani
vicarya ca punah punah
idam ekam sunispannam
dhyeyo narayanah sada

"By scrutinizingly reviewing all the revealed scriptures and judging them again and again, it is now concluded that Lord Narayana is the Supreme Absolute Truth, and thus He alone should be worshiped."

Every day, in all ISKCON temples, a verse is chanted that is described by Shrila Prabhupada in a purport to Shri Chaitanya-charitamrita (Antya 16.96):

The remnants of Krsna's food are mixed with His saliva. In the Mhabharata and the Skanda Purana it is stated:

maha-prasade govinde nema-brahmani vaisnave
sv-alpa-punyavatam rajan visvaso naiva jayate

"Persons who are not very highly elevated in pious activities cannot believe in the remnants of food [prasadam] of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, nor in Govinda, the holy name of the Lord, nor in the Vaisnavas."

Purnaprajna Dasa

From the Jacket

The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

The Brahma Purana consists of ten thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousand, Sri Visnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Siva Purana of Twenty-four thousand and Srimad-Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand.

The Narada Purana has twenty-five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agni Purana fifteen thousand four hundred, the Bhavisya Purana fourteen thousand five hundred, the Brahma-vaivarta Purana eighteen thousand and the Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twenty-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana eighty-one thousand one hundred, the ‘Vamana Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses in all the Puranas is four hundred thousand. Eighteen thousand of these, once again, belong to the beautiful Bhagavatam.

It is known that of the eighteen major Puranas, six are for those in the mode of goodness, six are for those in the mode of passion, and six are for those in the mode of ignorance. Although there may be different opinions as to which Puranas belong to which group, Srila Prabhupada writes as follows in a purport of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta:

The Rg Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata, Pancaratra and original Ramayana are all considered Vedic literature. The Puranas (such as the Brahma-vaivarta Purana, Naradiya Purana, Visnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana) are especially meant for Vaisnavas and are also Vedic literature.

Back of the Book

Markandeya Purana beings with the sage Jaimini asking four questions: “Why did Lord Vasudeva, the original creator, maintainer and destroyer of the universe, who is devoid of material qualities, assume a humanlike for toe descend upon the earth and engage in pastimes there with His devotees? For what reason did Krsna, the daughter of King Drupada, become the common wife of the five Pandavas? This is certainly a very unusual occurrence that makes us truly perplexed. How is it that Lord Baladeva, the first expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krsna, went on a tour of holy places of pilgrimage so as to become freed from the sin of killing a brahmana? And, how was it that Draupada’s five unmarried sons were killed after the great battle at Kuruksetra, as if they had no protector?”

The answers to these questions give us much information of the former lives and activities of familiar personalities and thus fills in the gaps of chains of events. A common theme of the Puranas is that the events and circumstances of a particular person are the results of the activities he performed in previous lives, just as the acts that he performs in his present life will determine his future birth and activities. So the question about Draupadi marrying five husbands is answered by giving us a view of the past to see the circumstances that led to that unusual marriage.

Markandeya Purana

Markandeya Purana is one of the eighteen principal Puranas, as stated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (SB 12.7.23-24): The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

In the Twelfth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam it is also written: The Brahma Purana consists of ten thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousand, Sri Visnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Siva Purana of twenty-four thousand and Srimad-Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand. The Narada Purana has twenty-five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agni Purana fifteen thousand four hundred, the Bhavisya Purana fourteen thousand five Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twenty-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana eighty-one thousand one hundred, the Vamana Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses is all the Puranas is four hundred thousand.

Srila Prabhupada has said: “There are men in the modes of goodness, passion, and ignorance, and to reclaim all these conditioned souls, there are eighteen Puranas. Six Puranas are meant for those in the mode of goodness, six for those in the mode of passion, and six for those in the mode of ignorance. The Padma Purana is written for those in the mode of ignorance. Because there are many different types of men, there are many different Vedic rituals. In the Vedic literatures there are descriptions of rituals and ceremonies in which a goat may be sacrificed in the goddess Kali. This is described in the Markandeya Purana, but this Purana is meant for the instruction for those in the mode of ignorance.”

After reading this, you might be thinking, “Since the Markandeya Purana is meant for those in the mode of ignorance, it’s not for me.” Of course, Markandeya Purana is not meant to be the final authority for you, or anyone else associated with ISKCON, even tangentially. Still, Markandeya Purana is full of interesting stories that give us glimpses of bygone ages, and it also provides interesting explanations of why certain events occurred.

Markandeya Purana beings with the sage Jaimini asking four questions: “Why did Lord Vasudeva, the original creator, maintainer and destroyer of the universe, who is devoid of material qualities, assume a humanlike for to descend upon the earth and engage in pastimes there with His devotees? For what reason did Krsna, the daughter of King Drupada, become the common wife of the five Pandavas? This is certainly a very unusual occurrence that makes us truly perplexed. How is it that Lord Baladeva, the first expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krsna, went on a tour of holy places of pilgrimage so as to become freed from the sin of killing a brahmana? And, how was it that Draupadi’s five unmarried sons were killed after the great battle at Kuruksetra, as if they had no protector?”

The answers to these questions give us much information of the former lives and activities of familiar personalities and thus fills in the gaps of chains of events. A common theme of the Puranas is that the events and circumstances of a particular person are the results of the activities he performed in previous lives, just as the acts that he performs in his present life will determine his future birth and activities. So the question about Draupadi marrying five husbands is answered by giving us a view of the past to see the circumstances that led to that unusual marriage.

Besides this, the reading of the various Puranas gives us new slants on familiar stories. Details that were not mentioned in the Purana are revealed in another.

I have written this telling of the Markandeya Purana with emphasis on the stories and have omitted most of the lengthy prayers and elaborate instructions about performing various rituals. Everything is streamlined to make for interesting reading, because, after all, there is no need to make a detailed study of Markandeya Purana. For those who wish to make some kind of detailed study, that propensity should be used for studying Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Dear reader, I hope you are entertained by this book and I am also confident that you will find some words of wisdom as well.

The eighteen major puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

The Brahma Purana consists of ten thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousand, Sri Visnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Siva Purana of twenty-four thousand and Srimad Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand.

The Narada Purana has twenty-five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agni Purana fifteen thousand four hundred, the Bhavisya Purana fourteen thousand five hundred, the Brahma-vaivarta Purana eighteen thousand and the Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twenty-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana eighty-one thousand one hundred, the Vamana Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses in all the Puranas is four hundred thousand, Eighteen thousand of these, once again, belong to the beautiful Bhagavatam.

It is known that of the eighteen major Puranas, six are for those in the mode of goodness, six are for those in the mode of passion, and six are for those in the mode of ignorance. Although there may be different opinions as to which puranas belong to which group, Srila Prabhupada writes as follows in a purport of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta: The Rg Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata, Pancaratra and original Ramayana are all considered Vedic literature. The Puranas (such as the Brahma-vaivarta Purana, Naradiya Purana, Visnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana) are especially meant for Vaisnavas and are also Vedic literature.

Sri Brahma-vaivarta Purana is one of the eighteen principal Puranas, as stated in the Twelfth Canto of the Bhagavatam: Sages expert in ancient histories have declared that the Puranas, according to their various characteristics, can be divided into eighteen major Puranas and eighteen secondary Puranas.

In Brahma-vaivarta Purana, many very interesting details of familiar stories are found that are not seen elsewhere. There are many stories that explain the circumstances leading up to well-known occurrences, as well as previous lives of well-known personalities, shedding light on how they came to be in that condition. There is also a description of the marriage of Radha and Krsna, performed by Brahma.

Purana consists of four parts-Brahma-khanda, Prakrti-khanda, Ganapati-khanda, and Krsna-janma-khanda. The Krsna-janma-khanda is the largest, comprising about half of the entire work. Although the Vrndavana pastimes are narrated in this khanda, they are briefly described in comparison with what is found in Srimad-Bhagavatam. There are interesting details not found elsewhere, however, including the previous lives of many prominent characters.

This volume presents the Brahma-vaivarta Purana in story form, condensed so that the reader’s interest will be held.

Sri Brahma-vaivarta Purana is one of the eighteen principal Puranas, as stated in the Twelfth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam: Sages expert in ancient histories have declared that the Puranas, according to their various characteristics, can be divided into eighteen major Puranas and eighteen secondary Puranas. The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas. The Brahma Purana consists of ten thousand verses, the Padma Purana of fifty-five thousad, Sri Visnu Purana of twenty-three thousand, the Siva Purana of twenty-four thousand and Srimad-Bhagavatam of eighteen thousand. The Narada Purana has twenty-five thousand verses, the Markandeya Purana nine thousand, the Agni Purana fifteen thousand four hundred, the Bhavisya Purana fourteen thousand five hundred, the Brahma-vaivarta Purana eighteen thousand and the Linga Purana eleven thousand. The Varaha Purana contains twent-four thousand verses, the Skanda Purana eighty-one thousand one hundred, the Vamana Purana ten thousand, the Kurma Purana seventeen thousand, the Matsya Purana fourteen thousand, the Garuda Purana nineteen thousand and the Brahmanda Purana twelve thousand. Thus the total number of verses in all the Puranas is four hundred thousand. Eighteen thousand of these, once again, belong to the beautiful Bhagavatam.

It is know that of the eighteen major Puranas, six are for those in the mode of goodness, six are for those in the mode of passion, and six are for those in the mode of ignorance. Although there may be different opinions as to which Puranas belong to which group, Srila Prabhupada writes as follows in a purport of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta: The Rg Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata, Pancaratra and original Ramayana are all considered Vedic literature. The Puranas (such as the Brahma-vaivarta Purana, Naradiya Purana, Visnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana) are especially meant for Vaisnavas and are also Vedic literature.

Srila Prabhupada confirmed this while lecturing on Srimad-Bhagavatam in Paris in 1974: Krsna advised Arjuna, traigunya-visaya veda nistraigunyo bhavarjuna. The Vedas deal with these three gunas- the sattva-guna, rajo-guna, tamo-guna. So, for one who is in the sattva-guna, there are six Puranas. Sattva-guna, tamo-guna, rajo-guna. There are eighteen Puranas. Some of them are for persons who are situated on the modes of goodness, and some of them are for the persons who are in rajo-guna, and some of them are for persons in tamo-guna. Just like in the Vedic sastras, there is also recommendation to worship goddess Kali. That is for the tamo-guna, not for the sattva-guna. For the sattva-guna, there is the Visnu-Purana, Brahmanda-Purana, Brahma-vaivarta-Purana, Bhagavata- Purana. Because knowledge has to be given to everyone, according to his capacity.

In Brahma-vaivarta Purana, many very interesting details of familiar stories are found that are not seen elsewhere. There are many stories that explain the circumstances leading up to well-known occurrences, as well as previous lives of well-known personalities, shedding light on how they came to be in that condition. There is also a description of the marriage of Radha and Krsna, performed by Brahma. This may be a point of contention in some circles, but it was placed before Srila Prabhupada for his judgment while he was on a morning walk in Nellore in South India in 1976:

Acyutananda: In South India there are very few Radha-Krsna devotees. And what they have is from some Puranas, the marriage of Radha and Krsna. They perform Radha-Krsna kalyana, marriage.

Tamala Krsna: Is that bona fide, Prabhupada?

Prabhupada: Yes.

That Brahma-vaivarta Purana is a Vedic literature worthy of being read by present-day devotees was clearly indicated by Srila Prabhupada while conversing with disciples in Bhuvanesvara in 1977:

Prabhupada: That will be nice. I was training, but they have not become so expert. As I am doing Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, they could do Padma Purana, Brahma-vaivarta Purana in the same way, but our students are not so expert.

Purana consists of four parts-Brahma-khanda, Prakrti-khanda, Ganapati-khanda, and Krsna-janma-khanda. The Krsna-janma-khanda is the largest, comprising about half of the entire work. Although the Vrndavana pastimes are narrated in this khanda, they are briefly described in comparison with what is found in Srimad-Bhagavatam. There are interesting details not found elsewhere, however, including the previous lives of many prominent characters.

This volume presents the Brahma-vaivarta Purana in story form, condensed so that the reader’s interest will be held.

This is the second in the series of maha-puranas, told in story form. In the Shrimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 12 chapter 7 verses 23 and 24 it is stated: The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda , Narada , Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

The Narada Purana is not as often quoted by the Vaishnava acharyas as most of the other Puranas. In Shrila Prabhupada's books, only one quota- tion is found as follows, in the purport of the Shrimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 10 chapter 16 verse 57: Commenting on this verse, Srila Madhvacarya has quoted the Narada Purana as follows: "From Hi- ranyagarbha, Brahma, comes the second creation of this universe, but the universe is primarily created by Visnu Himself.

Visnu is thus the primary creator, and four-headed Brahma is merely the sec- ondary creator."

This volume is very small, especially considering the size of the Narada Pura- na, because it is a summary study, in story form. There are not many stories told in the Narada Purana. Most of the book consists of very elaborate descriptions of various methods of worship of the Supreme Lord or the demigods, as well as glorification of various holy places and religious vows.

INTRODUCTION:

This is the second in the series of maha-puranas, told in story form. In the Shrimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 12 chapter 7 verses 23 and 24 it is stated: The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

The Narada Purana is not as often quoted by the Vishnava acharyas as most of the other Puranas. In Shrila Prabhupada's books, only one quotation is found as follows, in the purport of the Shrimad-Bhagavatam, Canto 10 chapter 16 verse 57: Commenting on this verse, Srila Madhvacarya has quoted the Narada Purana as follows: "From Hiranyagarbha, Brahma, comes the second creation of this universe, but he universe is primarily created by Visnu Himself. Visnu is thus the primary creator and four-headed Brahma is merely the secondary creator."

This volume is very small, specially considering the size of the Narada Purana, because it is a summary study, in story form. There are not many stories told in the Narada Purana. Most o the book consists of very elaborate descriptions of various methods of warship of the Supreme Lord or the demigods as will as glorification of various holy places and religious vows.

Just to give idea of the very intricate rituals outlined in the Narada Purana, I will present here part of the description of how one should offer lamps to Hanuman. Sanat-kumara said, "Henceforth, I shall describe the procedure of offering a lamp to Hanuman. Merely by understanding this, one will attain all perfection".

"I shall mention the size of the lamp and the vessel, as well as the amount of oil that is to be used. I shall tell you the mantra to be considered the bestower of all desires."

"Mustard seed oil is conducive to the destruction of ailments. In the activities of killing, the oil extracted from white mustard is useful. Gingelly oil is considered conducive to the acquisition of prosperity, and it is also used as an offering for the arrival of a traveler. In the activities of ostracizing, the oil from the karanja plant should be used. (The list of various oil for various purposes goes on and on)."

"Wheat, gingelly seeds, black gram, green gram and rice. These are the panchadhanya (set of five grains) used for the purpose of nityadipa (a Permanent lamp) for the worship of Hanuman, the son of the wind-god."

"Thereafter, the pure devotee, with a fully controlled mind, should make the vessel of the lamp. When the lamp is lit in the vessel, the devotee should read the kavacha pertaining to Hanuman. After placing the lamp on the clean ground, it should be lit on a Tuesday. One should make as many threads in the wick as there are syllables in the mula-mantra, accompanied by the name of the sadhya (the person for whose purpose the ritul is intended)".

"For offering lamps to Hanuman, red threads are considered best. In rites regarding hatred and Killing, black threads should be used. (For various purposes, different colors of threads in the wicks are recommended.)"

"In the performance of daily rituals, the amount of oil used in offering should be six palas (a unit of measurement). The lamp should be offered at six places: near the Deity of Hanuman, in the temple of Lord Shiva, at the place where nitya and naimittika rituals are performed, in front of any other deity, at any other place of the devotee's choice of he is afflicted by ghosts and spirits, and where four roads meet."

"When offering a lamp to Hanuman, I am describing whatever is especially liked by him".

Anyway, I have presented this excerpt just to give an idea of how complex and detailed the rituals of worship that are advocated in the Narada Purana are. My interest is just to present the stories of the Puranas, as well as the accompanying wisdom displayed by the story tellers.

While writing articles for Back to Gadhead magazine, devotees have refereed to several stories in the Narada Purana, including eh carving of the Deities of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra by Vishvakarma, and the story of how Narada Muni became the gopi Naradi, so that he would be able to understand the conjugal pastimes of Lord Krishan.

I know that everyone loves a good story. There are many fascinating stories contained in the Puranas and so I hope that you enjoy these few that I have presented from the Narada Purana.

The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Karma and Brahmanda Puranas.

Srila Prabhupada often mentioned that of the eighteen major Puranas, six are meant for persons in the mode of goodness, six are meant for those in the mode of passion, and six are intended for persons in the mode of ignorance.

In the Back to Godhead magazine, a list of how these are divided is given as follows.

Eighteen Maha-puranas ("Great Puranas")

Six sattvic Puranas (for persons in goodness) Bhagavata Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam), Visnu Purana, Naradiya Purana, Garuda Purana, Padma Purana, and Varaha Purana.

Six rajasic Puranas (for persons in passion) Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Linga Purana, Siva Purana, Skanda Purana, and Agni Purana.

Six tamasic Puranas (for persons in ignorance) Brahma Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Brahma-vaivarta Purana, Markandeya Purana, Bhavisya Purana, and Vämana Purana.

Here in the Matsya Purana we find many of the same stories that are related in Srimad-Bhagavatam. What is interesting is that in different narrations of the same stories found in various Puranas is that new insights or parts of the stories are found. For example, in the story of Bali Maharaja and Lord Vämana found here in this Purana, we find the original cause for Bali losing his kingdom-that he was cursed by his grandfather, Prahlada Maharaja, when the latter heard him blaspheme the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Even though many of the stories found here are familiar to most of us, by reading these accounts, we fill in some of the blanks, so to speak. This Purana was originally spoken by Lord Matsya to Vaivasvata Manu, and later on repeated by Suta Gosvami to the rsis of Naimisaranya, headed by Saunaka.

Another interesting feature of this Purana is the lengthy section describing the duties of a king, and the kinds of punishment a king should mete out to those who transgress the laws of the state, which are nothing but the laws laid down in the dharma-sastra.

The Kurma Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas, as stated in Srimad Bhagtavatam (12.7.23-24):

The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Sina, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

The Kurma Purana plays a key part in one of the pastimes of Lord Caitanya described in Sri Caitanya-caritamyta:

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to Kamakosthi, and then on to the southern Mathura, which is now known as Madurai.

There, a brahmana who was a great devotee and authority on Lord Ramacandra invited the Lord to lunch. However, after bathing in the River Krtamala, when the Lord went to the brahmana's house, He saw that all the food remained unprepared, because cooking had not even started. The Lord thus addressed the brahmana: My dear sir, please tell me why you have not yet begun to cook. It is already noon.

The brahmana replied: My dear Lord, we are living in the forest, and so for the time being there are no ingredients for cooking. When Laksmana brings the vegetables, fruit and roots, Sita will arrange the necessary cooking.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was very satisfied to see the brahmana's method of worship. Finally, the brahmana began hastily cooking and 10, at about three o'clock in the afternoon, the Lord was able to eat His lunch. The brahmana fasted, however, being exceedingly morose, and so the Lord inquired: Why aren't you eating? Why do you appear to be so unhappy!

The brahmana explained: I have no reason for living and so I shall commit suicide by entering either water or fire. My dear sir, Sīta-devi is the mother of the universe and the supreme goddess of fortune, and yet she has been touched by the demon Ravana. Because of this, I am so miserable that I cannot bear to go on living. And yet, even though my body is burning, my life does not depart.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said: Please do not think like this any longer. You are a learned pandita and so why don't you give the matter proper consideration? Sita-devi, the wife of the Supreme Lord, Ramacandra, certainly has a spiritual form, full of bliss, and thus no one has the power to even see her with material eyes, and so what to speak of touch her. Factually, when Ravana came to kidnap Sita, she immediately disappeared and then manifested a material, illusory form, just to cheat him.

My dear brahmana, please have faith in My words and do not burden your mind any longer with this misconception.

Although the brahmana had been fasting for some time, he had faith in the words of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and so agreed to accept some food. In this way, his life was saved.

About the Book:

The Garuda Purana is one of the eighteen principal Puranas, as stated in the Shrimad-Bhagavatam (SB 12.7.23-24): The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

In a Bhagavad-gita lecture given in Los Angeles on February 15, 1969, Shrila Prabhupada said, "There are eighteen Puranas. Men are conducted in three qualities: the modes of goodness, modes of Passion, and modes of ignorance. To reclaim all these conditioned souls in different varieties of life, there are presentation of the Puranas. Six Puranas are meant for the person who is in the modes of goodness. And six Puranas are meant for the persons who are in the modes of passion. And six Puranas are for those who are in the modes of ignorance."

INTRODUCTION:

The Garuda Purana is one of the eighteen principal Puranas, as stated in the Shrimad-Bhagavatam (SB 12.7.23-24): The eighteen major Puranas are the Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Linga, Garuda, Narada, Bhagavata, Agni, Skanda, Bhavisya, Brahma-vaivarta, Markandeya, Vamana, Varaha, Matsya, Kurma and Brahmanda Puranas.

In a Bhagavad-gita lecture given in Los Angeles on February 13, 1969, Shrila Prabhupada said, "There are eighteen Puranas. Men are conducted in three qualities: the modes of goodness, modes passion, and modes of ignorance. To reclaim all these conditioned soul in different varieties of life, there are presentation of the Puranas. Six Puranas are meant for the person who is in the modes of goodness. And six Puranas are meant for the persons who are in the modes of passion. And Puranas are for those who are in the modes ignorance."

The Garuda Purana confirms that it is one of the six Puranas that are meant for persons in the mode of goodness. It says that the Bhagavata Purana is the foremost, the Visnu Purana is Next, and the Garuda Purana is third in importance.

Srila Prabhupada often quoted this famous verse from the Garuda Purana that describes the sublime position of the Shrimad-Bhagavatam. This verse was also used by Krisnadasa Kaviraja in his Shri Chaitanya-charitamrita (Madhya 25.145):

artho yam brahma-sutranam
bharatarha-uiniranayah
gayatri-bhasya-rupo sau
vedartha-paribrmhitah

grantho stadasa-sahasrah
srimad-bhagavatabhidhah

"The meaning of the Vedanta-sutra is present in Srimad-Bhagavatam. The full purport of the Mahabharata is also there. The commentary of the Brahma-gayatri is also there and fully expanded with all Vedic knowledge. Srimad-Bhagavatam is the supreme Purana, and it was compiled by the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His incarnation as Vyasadeva. There are twelve cantos, 335 chapters and eighteen thousand verses." The primary characteristic of a Purana in the mode of goodness is that it exclusively glorifies Lord Visnu as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Shrila Prabhupada quoted many verses form the Garuda Purana. In his purport to the Shrimad-Bhagavatam (SB 2.9.36), Shrila Prabhupada wrote: The same truth is also indirectly described in the Garuda Purana as follows:

param gato pi vedanam
sarva-sastrartha-vedy api
yo na sarvesvare bhaktas
tam vidyat purusadhamam

"Even though one may have gone to the other side of all the Vedas, and even though one is well versed in all the revealed scriptures, if one is not a devotee of the Supreme Lord, he must be considered the lowest of mankind."

In another purport to Shrimad-Bhagavatam (SB 2.9.36), Shrila Prabhupada wrote: Therefore the devotional service of the Lord with perfect knowledge through the training of a bona fide spiritual master is advised for everyone, even if one happens not to be a human being. This is confirmed in the Garuda Purana as follows:

kita-paksi-mrganam ca
harau sannyasta-cetasam
urdhvam eva gatim manye
him punar jnaninam nrnam

"Even the worms, birds and beasts are assured of elevation to the highest perfectional life if they are completely surrendered to the transcendental loving service of the Lord, so what to speak of the philosophers amongst the human beings?"

In his purport to Shrimad-Bhagavatam (SB 6.2.7), Srila Prabhupada quoted this verse:

avasenapi yan-namni
kirtite sarva-patakaih
puman vimucyate sadyah
simha-trastair mrgair iva

"If one chants the holy name of the Lord, even in helpless condition or without desiring to do so, all the reactions of his sinful life depart, just as when a lion roars, all the small animals flee in fear." (Garuda Purana)

In his purport to Shri Chaitanya-charitamrita (Madhya 2.46), Shrila Prabhupada wrote. The Garuda Purana similarly states:

brahmananam sahasrebhyah satra-yaji visisyate
satra-yaji-sahasrebhyah sarva-vedanta-paragah
sarva-vedanta-vitkotya visnu-bhakto visisyate
vaisnavanam sahasrebhya ekanty eko visisyate

"It is said that out of thousands of brahmanas, one is qualified to perform sacrifices, and out of many thousands of such qualified brahmanas expert in sacrificial offerings, one learned brahmana may have passed beyond all Vedic knowledge. He is considered the best among all these brahmanas. And yet, out of thousands of such brahmanas who have surpassed Vedic knowledge, one person may be a visnu-bhakta, and he is most famous. Out of many thousands of such Vaisnavas, one who is completely fixed in the service of Lord Krsna is most famous. Indeed, a person who is completely devoted to the service of the Lord certainly returns home, back to Godhead."

Later in the Shri Chaitanya-charitamrita (Antya 4.197), the author quotes Lord Chaitanya as saying: "Sanatana Gosvami is one of the associates of Krsna. There could not be nay had odor from his body. On the first day I embraced his, I smelled the aroma of catuhsama [a mixture of sandalwood pulp, camphor, aguru and musk]."

An associate of the Lord is one whose body is fully engaged in the service of the Lord. A materialist might see Santana Gosvami's body as being full of itching sores that exuded foul moisture and a bad smell. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, however, said that actually the aroma of his body was the excellent scent of a mixture of sandalwood pulp, camphor, musk and aguru. In the Garuda Purana this mixture, which is called catuhsama, is described as follows:

kasturikaya dvau bhagau catvaras candanasya tu
kunkumasya trayas caikah sasinah syat catuh-samam

"Two parts of musk, four parts of sandalwood, three parts of aguru or saffron and one part of camphor, when mixed together, form catuhsama."

In another purport of Shri Chaitanya-charitamrita (Antya 16.29), Shrila Prabhupada wrote: A brahmana must be a Vaisnava and a learned scholar. Therefore in India it is customary to address a brahmana as pandita. Without knowledge of Brahman, one cannot understand the Supreme personality of Godhead. Therefore a Vaisnava is already a brahmana, whereas a brahmana may become a Vaisnava. In the Garuda Purana it is said:

bhaktir asta-vidha hy esa yasmin mlecche pi vartate
sa viprendro muni-sresthah sa jnani sa ca panditah

"Even if one is born a mleccha, if he becomes a devotee he is to be considered the best of the brahmanas and a learned pandita."

In his Nectar of Devotion, Shrila Prabhupada wrote: In the Garuda Purana the stress on hearing is expressed very nicely. It is said there, "The state of conditioned life in the material world is just like that of a man lying unconscious, having been bitten by a snake. This is because both such unconscious stated can be ended by the sound of a mantra."

There is no doubt that the Garuda Purana is an important Vaishnava literature. Not only did Shrila Prabhupada Quote the Garuda Purana on numerous occasions, Santana Gosvami quoted many verses form the Grauda Purana in his famous book, Hari-bhakti-valasa, which is a handbook for practicing devotees. I am confident that the readers of this small summary will be not only be entertained but astonished at the wisdom contained in the Garuda Purana.