Word

Narada Purana

Sanskrit

नारद पुराण

IAST

nārada purāṇa

In General

Narad Purana is significant for the relative importance it has given to Bhakti and has been narrated by Sage Narada, the most devoted Bhakta of Vishnu. Sutha Mahamuni dictated the Purana to the sages of Nimisharanya headed by Saunaka. The Purana is in form of a commentary on scholarly discussion between Sanakadi Rishis and Narada. The story is thus developed with the questions and its answers from Sage Shaunaka and Sage Sutha respectively and as well as between Sanakadi Rishis and Narada. It is also called Naradiya Dharma Sastra for it speaks of religious principle and moral dictates mixed with genealogical details of prominent personalities. Grammer, etymology, mathematics, astrology, astronomy and many other subjects are also discussed in Narada Purana. Yoga and Pranayama find special reference in this Purana. The purana have many stories to brief the importance of bhakti and the impossible task that can be achieved by bhakti.

This is a middle size book with 25000 verses. Some verses are believed to be lost and now we are available only with 22000 verses. The whole content of Narad Purana has been divided into two parts. The first part contains four chapters which include dialogue between Suta and Shaunak, origin of the universe, salvation, birth of Sukadev, training of the mantras, worship rituals, provisions and the results of the various fasting observed on particular days in particular months. The second part contains beautiful tales related to various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, depiction and significance of pilgrimage centers and the modalities for performing of pilgrimage.

Narada ask few question to Sanakadi Rishis and that form the introduction to Naradiya Purana. The question Narada asked were: What is the real form of Vishnu from whose feet the Holy Ganga have originated and how the devotion to him could be achieved? How a man busy with his worldly life can pay attention to his spiritual development? What should be the ultimate aim of real devotees? How to serve the guests such that Vishnu be happy with us? How to perform Tapas and acquire knowledge that help one in spiritual development?

Veda

Narad Purana speaks in detail about Vedangas and gives lesson on them. This purana also provide elaborate lessons regarding the techniques of chanting Vedic Mantras.

Purana

The contents of Narada Puran

First section

Description of Lord Vishnu’s form. Origin of universe. Seven world: Bhuh, Bhuvah, Swah, Mahah, Janah, Tapa and Sathya. Seven neither world: Atala, Vithala, Sutala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala, and Patala. Seven continents in Bhuloka: Jambu, Plakash, Shalmala, Kush, Kroucha, Shaka and Pushkara. Seven ocean: Kshar, Ikshu, Sura, Ghrita, Dandhi, Milk and Water. The importance of Bharath Varsha. Heaven only relam of enjoyment. Birth of Sukadeva. The ideal Routine Chores analysis. Devotion to Lord and form of devotees. Sage Markandeyas Origin. The most holy teerthas. The importance of Prayag(pushkara), Meru Parva and river Ganga. Importance of Ekadesi Vrata and story of Rukmangada and his wife rohini. Subhahus tale and storyAswamedha Yagna of King Sagar. Sage Kapila’s Curse. Ganga’s descent. Saudasa’s Redemption. The tale behind origin of Holy rivr Ganga. Aditi’s penace to bring back Devas. Dialogue between Yama and Bhagiratha. Practice of Mantras and the importance in performing them in various period. Description on Naraka. The methord of performing Vratas. Story of Bhadrasheela.Varnashram Dharma. Four stages of life. Importance Sharda performed at Gaya.

Second section

The Tithis for Vratas and Atonemnt of various Sins. Atonement (prayschithas). Physical Unit of measurements. Atonement of sexual offences. Stories regarding various incarnation of Lord Vishnu. the story of the 12-year famine during which Gautama fed all the Rishis and saved them. Yamas Abode. Yoga and Pranayama and its various stages of practice. Tale of Devamali. Yagyamati and Sumati. The tale of Jayadhwaja. The tale of Gulika. The story of Sudhama and details of Manvantharas. Manus and Gods in various Mnnuvantara. The Cycle of the Yugas. Significance of Pilgrimage and various centeres of Pilgrimage The Discipline of Larning. Vedas and Vedangas, and how to study them. Detailed lessons in each og the six Vedangas.Lessons in performing Daily prayer and worship.