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ŚIVA1-4
LIŃGA 5-6
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NĀRADA 15-19
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BRAHMĀNDA 22-26
AGNI 27-30
VARĀHA 31-32
BRAHMA 33-36
VĀYU 37-38
PADMA 39-48
SKANDA, PARTS I-XIII, 49-61
PART I
M O T I L A L BANARSIDASS P U B L I S H E R S
PRIVATE LIMITED • D E L H I
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CONTENTS
PREFACE vn
ABBREVIATIONS xiii
INTRODUCTION xvii
I T h e title B r a h m ā n d a xvii
E x t e n t , Position, Transmission xviii-xix
T h e p l a c e of Composition xix
II Text-criticism : Materials xx
(i) C h a p t e r Concordance of the
B r a h m ā n d a a n d Vāyu P u r ā n a s XX
(ii) T h e B r a h m ā n d a a n d N ā r a d a P u r ā n a s xxii
(iii) T h e O l d J a v a n e s e B r a h m ā n d a P u r ā n a xxvi
V D h a r m a Ś ā s t r a — A n c i e n t L o r e s — T h e Science
of Music Iviii
IX T h e D a t e o f the B r a h m ā n d a P u r ā n a lxxix
X Appendix to the d a t e of the B r a h m ā n d a P u r ā n a lxxxi
( x )
PART I
SECTION I—PRAKRIYA
CHAPTERS
1. Contents of the B r a h m ā n d a P u r ā n a 3
2. T h e Legend of N a i m i s ā r a n y a 22
3. Evolution of the Universe : T h e Creation of
Hiranyagarbha 28
4. Constitution of the world ( T h e Cosmic E g g ) 32
5. Creation of t h e Universe 36
SECTION II—ANUSAÑGA 55
CHAPTERS
6. K a l p a s and M a n v a n t a r a s ; their D u r a t i o n 57
7. Knowledge About the World 65-
8. God Brahma's Mental Creation : g o d s , sages,
manes, a n d h u m a n beings created 86
9. Progeny of R u d r a : Birth of Bhrgu and
Others 93
10. Magnificence of God Śiva : Birth of Nila-
lohita : His eight Names a n d Forms 101
11. Creation of Sages 109^
12. R a c e of Agni 113
13. R e a l N a t u r e o f K ā l a — T i m e : Seasons as Pitrs
(Manes) 120-
14. R a c e of Priyavrata 134
15. L e n g t h a n d extent of the E a r t h : Description
of J a m b ū d v ī p a 141
16. Description of B h ā r a t a 149
17. Varsas o f J a m b ū d v ī p a , H a r i a n d I l ā v r t a 162
18. J a m b ū d v ī p a ; T h e Bindu L a k e —
I t s four streams 165
19. Plaksa a n d o t h e r Continents 174
20. Description of t h e Netherworlds 192
2 1 . T h e Solar System. M o v e m e n t s of heavenly
Luminaries : Division of T i m e 19ft
( xi )
PJ. Purāna ( J o u r n a l of t h e K a s h i r ā j T r u s t ) ,
Varanasi.
PR or P R H R C Puranic Records on Hindu Rites and Customs
R. G. H a z r a , C a l c u t t a , 1948.
RV Rg Veda, Svadhyaya M a n d a l , A u n d h
Śat. Br Śatapatha Brāhmana.
SC or S M C Smrti Candrikā—Dcv&nna. B h a t t a .
SEP Studies in Epics and Purānas by A. D. Pusalkar
B h a r a t i y a V i d y a B h a v a n ( B V B ) , Bombay.
INTRODUCTION
1. B r a h m a brahtnānda-māhātmyam adhikrtyā'bravit p u n a h /
t a c c a dvādaśa-sāhaśrarh B r a h m ā n d a m dviśatādhikam //
B h a v i s y ā n ā m ca kalpānārii śrūyate yatra vistarah /
t a d Brahmānda-purānam ca Brahmanā samudāhrtam //
Mt.P. 53-54-55.
2 KP. I I . 4 3 . 4 .
atra pūrvarh sa B h a g a v ā n rsīnām sattram āsatām /
sa vai p r o v ā c a B r a h m ā n d a m P u r ā n a m Brahma-bhāvitam //
AP. 272.22 repeats Mt. P. 53.54a, b.c.
3. N P . 109.1
4. loka-tattvārtham a k h i l a m V e d a - s a m m a t a m /
—Bd.P.l.l.l.1-8.
loka-tattva-vidhānārtham—ibid. 12
5. Bd.P. 1.1.1.39 : E v a m pādāstu catvārah
NP. 109.29 calles Bd. P. ' c a t u s p ā d a '
xviii Brahman da Purāna
2. Extent :
As to the extent of the Purāna,majority of the P u r ā n a s 1
regard "Bd. P. as consisting of 12000 verses" (dvādaśa-sāhas-
rath Brahmāndam). T h o u g h Ml. P. 53.54 gives 12,200 as the
n u m b e r of verses in Bd.P., the Venkateshwar Press edition of this
P u r ā n a , however, contains 14286 verses. Obviously Venk. Press
edition is inflated with an interpolation of 2286 verses. T h e
absence of Lalitā m ā h ā t m y a in the J V P . a n d t h a t of the so-called
'Prophetic history of future dynasties' in the Indonesian edition
of the Bd.P. show t h a t the original Bd. P. was smaller.
3. Position
All P u r ā n a s , however, agree a b o u t the. 18th position of
Bd. P. in the list of P u r ā n a s (vide KP.III.6.21-24, Bh. P. X I I . 13.
4-8, LP, I.39.6I-63, Mt. P. 53.12ff, SK. P . V I I . 2 . 5 - 7 ) .
4. Transmission
T h e Bd.P. records the following two lines of transmission
Of this P u r ā n a :
I. God B r a h m ā - * S a g e Vasistha->Parāśara-»-Jātukarnya
D v a i p ā y a n a (Vyāsa) — S ū t a Ro (Lo) m a h a r s a n a (Bd.P. 1.1.1 8-17).
JVP. (109.33-36) substitutes Śakti for P a r ā ś a r a a n d adds V ā y u
(the W i n d - g o d ) between J ā t u k a r n y a a n d Vyāsa. I I . This is
much longer t h a n the I above, a n d is given in the concluding
portion of the P u r ā n a (Bd.P. Hl.iv.4.58-66).
It is as follows :
God B r a h m ā - v M ā t a r i ś v a n (The W i n d - g o d ) - * Uśanas-*-
Brhaspati-VThe Sun-god-*The G o d of death-»-Indra->Vasistha
-+Sārasvata->Tridhāman -^-ŚaradvataTrivista-»-antarīksa->
Trayyāruni->-Dhanañjaya -> K r t a ñ j a y a Bharadvāja --> G a u -
tama->Niryyantara-»-Vājaśravas->-Somaśusma Trnabindu-*-
Daksa->Śakti->Parāśara (while in womb)->Jātukamya->.Dvai-
p ā y a n a (Vyāsa)->-Sūta R o ( L o ) m a h a r s a n a .
O n e wonders why Vasistha did not transmit this P u r ā n a
directly to his son Śakti a n d Why fifteen generations of teachers
or c o n t e m p o r a r y teachers h a d to intervene between the father
(Vasisfha) a n d the son ( Ś a k t i ) .
T h e VS.P. 103.58-66 gives this very list of teachers who
transmitted the text of t h a t P u r ā n a .
It must however be conceded t h a t all the teachers in the
list are a c c o m m o d a t e d in the longer II list.
•Note 1 on p. 157.
XX Brahmānda Purāna
I I . Text-Criticism : Materials
7 8
Prahriyāpāda (195) (209)
8 9.1-84
1.1 1 (66) (64)
(174) (205) 9 10.1-67
2 2 (92) (67)
(48) (45) 10 27
3 4 (88) (60)
(38) (92) 11 28
4 5 (45a) (39)
(34) (54) 12 29
5 6 (53) (49)
(141) (79) 13.1-86 30.1-78
(86) (78)
Anusańgapāda 13.87-151 31
(65) (61)
6 7 14 33
(77) (80) (75) (65):
Introduction XXI
14 78 Upasamhirapida
(117) (28)
15 79 III.l 100
(68) (95) (243) (246)
16 80 2 101
(59) (62) (316) (355)
17 81 3 102
(22) (26) (113) (135)
18 82 4 103
(15) (15) (73) (73)
Bd.P.
Pūrva bhāga
NP.Ch. 109 Prakriyā pāda
V.4 Stipulation of duties 1.1.1.
Story of the Naimisa forest 1.1.2.
T h e origin of H i r a n y a g a r b h a 1.1.3.
T h e conception of different worlds. 1.1.4
Bd.P.
Pūrva-Bhāga-Anu-
sańga Pāda
N.P. Ch. 109
V.5 N a r r a t i o n of K a l p a s a n d M a n v a n t a r a s , I.ii.6
K r o w l e d g e a b o u t worlds I.ii.7.
NP Bd.P.
E n u m e r a t i o n of Divine plants I.ii.24
Bd.P.
JVP. HI Upodghāta
Pāda
NP. Bd.P.
Bd. P.
UttaraBhāga-Upasamhāra Pāda
V.23 Description of Vaivasvata M a n v a n t a r a I I I . i v . 5 ff.
V.24 Stories of future M a n u s III.iv.1.7 ff.
XXVI Brahniānda Purāna
NP Bd.P.
V.25 K a l p a a n d Pralaya I U . i v . l & 3.
Measures of T i m e III.iv.2.90 ff.
14 Worlds a n d their character III.iv.2.-8-89.
V.26 Description of Hells III.iv.2.145-195.
Prakritic P r a l a y a IV.3.
V.27 Description of Siva's city IV.iv.2.
Threefold goals
*A few verses in the text of Bd. P. are corrupt and unintelligible. So this
theory is g i v e n on the basis of the corresponding verses of t h e V ā . P. 4. 76-79
as both these PurāBM h o v e identical verse
xxxii Brahmānda Purāna
J
xxxiv Brahmānda Purāna
/. Primary Creation :
(1) Creation of Mahat
(2) Creation of Tanmātras, (called Bhūta sarga here again)
(3) Vaikārika (Creation of Aindriya Sarga)
These are the Prākrta (created from Prakrti) Primary crea
tions a n d
T r i n i t y o f g o d s — B r a h m a , Visnu a n d R u d r a ) . T h e corner
stone of P u r ā n i c lore, is a m i x of the Vedic Brahman a n d t h e
S ā ń k h y a concept of three gunas etc.
Manvantaras
P u r ā n a s look u p o n T i m e as a form of G o d . 1 His power to
create t h e universe by disturbing t h e equilibrium of gunas of
P r a k r t i , the destroyer of all beings 2 a n d t h e empirical time-
sequence. T h e Bd. P. is c o m m i t t e d to the description of all
M a n v a n t a r a s a n d K a l p a - p e r i o d s 3 a n d i t describes T i m e f i g u r a
tively in terms of units of time : " T h e S a n is his source a n d t h e
period of nimefa* (twinkling of an eye or u t t e r a n c e of a short
vowel) is his beginning. D a y a n d night constitute his form a n d
nimesa-wa.it his limbs. T h e year is his essence. T h i s lord of sub
jects (Prajāpati) is of t h e n a t u r e of t h e present, past a n d f u t u r e " . 5
T h e m a i n division of time are t h e day, the fortnight, t h e
m o n t h , the season a n d Ayanas. 8
T h e M a n v a n t a r a s a r e based o n t h e concept o f Y u g a
periods. Originally a Yuga consisted of five years called (1)
Samvatsara, (2) Parivatsara, (3) Id or-Idāvatsara, (4) Anuvat-
sara a n d (5) V a t s a r a 7 . We find t h e same d u r a t i o n of Yuga in
M b h . S a b h ā 11.37-38) K a u t i l y a 8 a n d Vedāńga-jyotisa. 8
1. Manu 1.71.
2. V a n a . 188.27.
3. Bd. P. I.U.29.5.-21.
xxxviii Brahmānia Purāna
1. Bh. P. Ch. 3 1 .
2. Ibid. Ch. 35.116-126.
3. T h e r e are different n a m e s in t h e list of Vyāsas in K P . I. 52 viz. 11.
Rsabha, 12 Sutejas 14. Sucaksus 18. Rtañjaya 2 2 . N ā r ā y a n a , 2 4 . Vālmiki.
4. Ibid. C h . 31.33-101.
xl Brahmānda Purāna
T h e following e x a m p l e of one M a n u S v ā y a m b h u v a 3
will illustrate t h e personnel a t t e n d i n g u p o n a M a n u .
I Manu-—Svāyambhuva:
(1) G o d s — Y ā m a s , (2) I n c a r n a t i o n of Visnu, Yajña,
officiated as I n d r a (3) Seven Sages—Marīci, Atri, Ańgiras,
P u l a h a , K r a t u , Pulastya, Vasistha.
II Manu—Svārocisa
( I ) G o d s — 1 2 T u s i t a s a n d 12 P ā r ā v a t a s (2) Indra—Vipas'cit
(3) Seven Sages (the descendants of the Saptarsis of the p r e
vious M a n v a n t a r a ) — Ū r j a , S t a m b a , P r ā n a , R s a b h a , D a t t a ,
Niścala, Arvārivan. (4) S o n s — N i n e sons such as C a i t r a , K i m -
p u r u s a a n d others.
F o u r t e e n M a n v a n t a r a s complete the day of god B r a h m a .
At the end of god B r a h m a ' s day, there is a deluge. After taking
rest'at n i g h t ' of an equal d u r a t i o n as t h a t of the day, god B r a h m a
creates the Universe as he did in the previous K a l p a 1 —a fact
h a m m e r e d by the a u t h o r of the P u r ā n a every now a n d t h e n .
As n o t e d above, the Pralaya after the completion of a d a y of
B r a h m a is called Naimittika while t h a t at the end of life of
B r a h m " is called Prākrlika Pralaya.
1. Śaivism
R u d r a or Śiva as M a h e ś v a r a is the S u p r e m e deity. Śiva
on a lower p l a n e is b o r n of god B r a h m a as Nīla-lohita a n d was
given the following eight names : (along w i t h t h e explanation
of their significence) R u d r a , Bhava, Śarva, ī ś ā n a , P a ś u p a t i
{Paśūnām patih in the t e x t ) , Bhīma, U g r a a n d M a h ā d e v a 1 .
F r o m the B r ā h m a n a period where (as in t h e Satapatha V I .
1.3.1-18) R u d r a was r e g a r d e d as b o r n from P r a j ā p a t i a n d was
given the same list of n a m e s (except Aśani for Bhima in Bd. P . ) .
T h e n a m e s Śarva, Bhīma, U g r a indicate t h e terrific or des
tructive aspect of R u d r a , while the rest, his auspicious n a t u r e .
He is credited to have created all the Universe including god
B r a h m a a n d V i s n u . 2 Siva's four faces create functions of guar
d i a n s o f q u a r t e r s such a s I n d r a , K u b e r a a n d V a r u n a .
Mythological legends
1. Bd. P. I.ii.10.
2. O p . Cit. I. 2.26.9.
Śukra's eulogy of Nilalohita II.iii.72.163-195.
Introduction xlv
The Śiva-lińga
M o d e r n scholars hold t h a t the symbol (Liñga) of Śiva is his
phallus. As in KP (1.26.66-99) the Liñga of Śiva is the m a n i
festation of a c o l u m n of fire (the Skarhbha in A . V . ) t h e beginning
a n d e n d of w h i c h were u n t r a c e a b l e a n d hence incomprehensible
to gods B r a h m a a n d V i s n u (1.2.25.18-28). T h e y j o i n t l y p r a y e d
t h a t L i ñ g a in terms a t t r i b u t a b l e to the Supreme-most power
w h o creates, permeates, protects, destroys everything. It is
called para Brahman, the highest abode (paramam padam)etc. ( I b i d .
W. 3 1 - 5 4 ) . It is as it were a g a r l a n d of the epithets of Siva.
xlvi Brahmānda Purāna
Skanda—Kārt tikeya
T h e P u r ā n a does n o t explain the K u m ā r a - V i d y ā a n d the
yogic significance of the legend of the Śaivite god S k a n d a - K ā r t -
tikeya. Bd. P. (II.iii.9.22-51) gives the legend as follows:
I n d r a being afraid of the child t h a t would be b o r n of Siva
a n d U m ā requested Agni (the omnipresent Fire-god) to disturb
their sexual intercourse. At the a p p e a r a n c e of Agni, U m ā
n a t u r a l l y got up a n d the Semen of R u d r a was spilt on the g r o u n d .
Being enraged, U m ā , as a p u n i s h m e n t for his disturbance at such
a j u n c t u r e , forced Agni to carry the semen as foetus in his belly.
F i n d i n g it u n b e a r a b l e , he requested the river G a ń g ā to carry it.
G a ñ g ā also was too m u c h t o r m e n t e d to b e a r it a n d discharged
it. His b i r t h was welcomed w i t h j o y by all divine beings. T h e
wives of six Saptarsis (except Vasistha's wife A r u n d h a t ī ) fed h i m
a n d the god manifested six m o u t h s to suck t h e m a n d c a m e to be
known as Sanmukha ( S i x - m o u t h e d ) . He is the defeater of the
enemies of gods a n d hence is called Skanda. He was b r o u g h t up
by six K r t t i k ā s (Pleids) a n d hence was known as Kārttikeya.
W h e n he yawned, a javeline (Śakti) came out of his m o u t h .
G o d V i s n u gave h i m two birds, a cock a n d a pea-cock. It is
n o t e w o r t h y t h a t K u s h a n seals from t h e - 1st to 3rd cent A . D .
represent K ā r t t i k e y a holding a javeline a n d a cock. He was
a n o i n t e d as the commander-in-chief of the a r m y of Devas. A
seal of the 5 t h C e n t A . D . from M a t h u r a represents h i m as seated
on a peacock a n d being installed by god B r a h m a a n d Śiva (?)
as the leader of Deva a r m y . O u r P u r ā n a does n o t record his
m a r r i a g e w i t h a girl called Devasenā as in M b h . Vana 229.
Being a destroyer of the a r m y of enemies of gods he is called
Skanda. A n o t h e r r e m a r k a b l e factor is t h a t his a r m y consists of
goblins a n d evil spirits (Pramathas a n d Vināyakas) in a d d i t i o n to
Devas. T h i s supports the tradition which explains his n a m e s
M a h ā s e n a a n d K u m ā r a associated w i t h diseases like d e m o n -
cough (as in Pāraskara Grhya Sūtra) a n d his permission to the
M o t h e r s to be evil spirits ( M b h . Vana 2 2 0 . 2 2 ) .
Skanda's inability to intervene in the scuffle between
xlviii Brakmānda Purāna
Ganeśa
G a n e ś a , the elephant-headed god whose images are found
all over Eastern Asia has an h o n o u r a b l e place even a m o n g
the Buddhists as a later d e v e l o p m e n t of the V e d i c B r a h m a n a s -
p a t i . O u r P u r ā n a notes two exploits of this leader of the G a n a s
of god Śiva. T h e benevolent G a n e ś a is t h e son of U m ā . W h e n
P a r a ś u r ā m a w e n t to L o r d Śiva to report his exploit (the killing
of Sahasrārjuna) Śiva a n d U m ā were in their privacy. G a n e ś a
a n d S k a n d a were g u a r d i n g the door of t h a t private a p a r t m e n t .
G a n e ś a prohibited P a r a ś u r ā m a from i m m e d i a t e e n t r a n c e . W h e n
he was forcing his way in, G a n e ś a lifted up P a r a ś u r ā m a , whirled
h i m in all the different worlds a n d placed h i m on the ground
again. Being over-powered thus by G a n e ś a , P a r a ś u r ā m a h u r l e d
t h e axe given to h i m by L o r d Sańkara. In order to respect the
axe of god Śiva, G a n e ś a allowed a tusk of his to be cut down
(II.iii.42.1-5). Pārvatī became offended at this act of P a r a ś -
r ā m a a n d r e m o n s t r a t e d w i t h lord Siva for his favouritism to
P a r a ś u r ā m a as against his son G a n e ś a a n d w a n t e d to leave Siva's
house w i t h h e r children. U l t i m a t e l y Lord K i s n a a n d R ā d h ā
consoled h e r a n d b r o u g h t a b o u t a rapproachment between Pārvatī
a n d P a r a ś u r ā m a {ibid. 2.3.43.28-54).
T h e second episode (Bd. P. I I . 3.67) is n o t creditable b o t h
to Śiva a n d G a n e ś a . Siva's mother-in-law did not approve of
his u n c o n v e n t i o n a l ways. U m ā , Siva's spouse felt insulted a n d
straightway urged Śiva to seek residence elsewhere. Śiva selected
V ā r ā n a s ī , the capital of Divodāsa. Śiva commissioned G a n e ś a
n a m e d N i k u m b h a or K s e m a or K s e m a k a ) to get V ā r ā n a s ī
vacated for his (Siva's) residence. G a n e ś a (i.e. N i k u m b h a )
a p p e a r e d in a d r e a m to a B r a h m i n M a ń k a n a a n d asked h i m to
Introduction xlix
Epithets of Ganeśa
Vaisnavism
O u r P u r ā n a identifies V i s n u w i t h the B r a h m a n . As the
enlightener a n d revealer of the G u n a Rajas he becomes Brahma,
t h e creator, a n d of the T a m a s , he becomes K ā l a , the destroyer,
a n d t h a t of Sattva, he stands separate as a sustainer of t h e
universe (Bd. P. I. i.*4-7). It m e a n s t h a t on the Lower Plane
B r a h m a , V i s n u a n d R u d r a are the representatives of the gunas
Rajas, Sattva a n d T a m a s (Ibid. I.i.4.6-8). T h e y are t h e three
states of the B r a h m a n (ibidW. 17-19). Visnu is called a thou
sand-headed P u r u s a who is threefold according to gunas, four
fold according to Vyūhas (manifestations). He is Ādya (First),
Aja ( u n b o r n ) , Nārāyana (causing sleep i.e. perfect rest of Naras),
omniscient, t h e divine Om (ibidW. 20-30).
"It is this great god w h o incarnates for t h e sake of gods to
destroy Adharma a n d to establish Dharma (II.iii.72.64., 73.69-70).
A n o t h e r reason a t t r i b u t e d to Visnu's descent is t h e curse of Sage
Bhrgu. W h e n t h e Asuras took shelter in the h e r m i t a g e of Bhrgu,
I X a r a s i m h a and Hiranyakaśipu.
II V ā m a n a ' s fraud—Bali was cheated and deprived of his empire a n d
confined to Pātāla.
III Varāha.
IV Churning of the nectar, Daityas cheated by V i s n u a s M o h i n i . Prah
l ā d a was defeated by Indra.
V T ā r a k ā m a y a b a t t l e — A b d u c t i o n of Brhaspati's wife T ā r ā by Candra.
As Brhaspati's cause was espoused by Devas, Asuras supported
C a n d r a — I n d r a killed V i r o c a n a .
VI Adi-baka. T h e conflict b e t w e e n Vasisjha a n d V i ś v ā m i t r a (But the
sages only fought in the form of birds).
VII T h e fight for T r i p u r a — Ś i v a massacred Asuras.
śāktism
The Sun-worship
Non-Vedic religions
T h e r e are indirect references to J a i n i s m , Buddhism
K ā p ā l i k a s a n d Ajīvakas (called Ajīvas). T h e y a r e alllcalled
nagnas ' n u d e s ' as they are not covered by the T r i n i t y of V e d a s
(II.iii.14.34-36, 39-40). In the description of K a l i Age, t h e
ochre-coloured (Buddhists), the nirgranthas ( J a i n s ) a n d K ā p ā l i
kas are bracketed with the " m e r c h a n t s " of the V e d a a n d holy
places (1.2.31.65-66).
T h e P u r ā n a strongly opposes a n i m a l sacrifices. In the
T r e t ā Yuga sages declared to I n d r a t h a t the slaughter of animals
in a sacrifice was n o t dharma. Hirhsā (Injury to a n i m a l s ) can
never be dharma. Sacrifices are to be performed w i t h Seeds which
a r e three years old ( u n p r o d u c t i v e ) " . W h e n king ' U p a r i c a r a '
(Heaven-moving) Vasu disagreed w i t h this principle of non
injury, he fell down a n d sank to P ā t ā l a (1.2.30.9-32). T h i s is
t h e U p ā n i s a d i c t h o u g h t - c u r r e n t a n d need n o t be traced to
J a i n i s m or Buddhism.
T h e institution of Bhiksus is not limited to J a i n s or Bud
dhists so t h e daśalaksanaka dharma ' D h a r m a characterised by T e n
T h e a u t h o r of t h e B d . P . is n o t exact in information a b o u t
our a n c i e n t works: T h u s (i) t h e r e is a difference in the total
n u m b e r of M a n t r a s in different V e d a s as stated in Bd.P. I.ii.35-
70-81 a n d t h e a c t u a l V e d i c Texts.
Name of the Veda Total No. as per Total No. in the Svā-
Bd.P. dhyāya Mana'ala (Sata-
valekar) edition.
3. Brāhmana Texts
O u t of the ten different characteristics of t h e B r ā h m a ń a
Texts, Bd.P. I.ii.34.63-64 explains Purākrti—'a precedent, an
instance w h e r e a n o t h e r did something of t h e same kind', a n d
Purā-kalpa ' w h a t h a p p e n e d in the past ages, changing t h e m e a n
ing after considering the context.'
4. Mimāmsā
O n P ū r v a m ī m ā m s ā S ū t r a I I . 1.33, S a h a r a quotes Bd.P.
I.ii.33.47-48 as the characteristics or function of B r ā h m a n a s * .
In Bd.P. 1.2.32.31.22 we find m e n t i o n of Ayurveda, Jyotisa,
Arthaśāstra, H e t u - Ś ā ś t r a (Science of Logic.)
Science of Music1
1. Based on II.iii.62.
Introduction Ixiii
Vedānta :
In t h e Mañgalācarana (benedictory verses at t h e beginning
of the B d . P . ) , the a u t h o r pays obeisance to the omnipresent Self-
b o r n Deity called L o r d H a r i who in his threefold form represen
ting rajas, sattva a n d tamas, creates, sustains a n d annihilates t h e
U n i v e r s e . 1 He possesses three gunas a n d is yet devoid of t h e m .
He is endowed w i t h unparalleled knowledge, d e t a c h m e n t ,
s u p e r h u m a n power a n d d h a r m a . Resorting to Yoga he created
the world of mobile a n d immobile beings (I.i.1.1-7). L a t e r
the creation of the Universe from Prakrti is called a Vivarta (of
B r a h m a n ) a n d not Parinama of the Sāñkhya (I.i.3.24). T h e
B r a h m a n has neither beginning nor end. It is u n b o r n , subtle,
incomprehensible, beyond b o t h Sat and A-sat (existence a n d n o n -
existence) ( I . i . 3 . 9 - I I ) . It is the source of the world.
In concluding the P u r ā n a (III.iv.4.71-73) he pays h o m a g e
to t h a t P r i m o r d i a l Deity whose description is like t h a t of the
P u r u s a in the Purusa-Sūkta ( R V . X - 9 0 ) . It is t h e P u r a n i c way
of presenting t h e V e d ā n t a .
Śāńkhya :
K a p i l a , the founder of the Sāńkhya school is said to be one
of t h e Seven Sons of god B r a h m a a n d a b r o t h e r of Āsuri a n d
Toga
Yoga as a philosophy is n o t directly discussed in the Bd. P.,
b u t the i m p o r t a n c e of Yoga is stressed everywhere. Visnu crea
ted the world t h r o u g h his power of Yoga |(I.i.1.1-7 . In inviting
B r ā h m a n a s for Ś r ā d d h a , a Yogi has a iprecedence over learned
B r ā h m a n a s (II.iii.9.70; 15-25). A guest at t h e time of Ś r ā d d h a
should be received as 'masters of Yoga move in different forms
to guide people in D h a r m a ' (ibid V. 9 ) . T h e p a t h of Yoga
t h r o u g h P r ā n ā y ā m a , P r a t y ā h ā r a etc. is r e g a r d e d as ' u n d o u b t e d l y
the means to M o k s a ' (Il.iii. 13.138-139)
Bhakti
In Bd.P.II.iii.34.37-41, we are told t h a t d u e to lack of
Bhakti, P a r a ś u r ā m a was u n a b l e t o m a s t e r the K r s n a - K a v a c a .
T h e r e Bhakti is classified as follows:
(i) Uttamā— T h e best one. T h e devotees in this class are
Śiva, N ā r a d a , Śuka, Ambarisa, R a n t i -
deva, M ā r u t i , Bali, Bibhisana, P r a h l ā d a ,
U d d h a v a a n d last b u t not the least Gopīs
of Braj. M a n y of these Bhaktas are in
cluded in Nārada-Bhakli-Sūtra 83 b u t t h a t
Bhakti-Sutra rates t h e Bhakti of Gopls
as the Sinceremost.
Introduction lxv
Tantra
T h e a n a c h r o n i s m of bringing in K r s n a (and. R ā d h ā ) in
P a r a ś u r ā m a legend shows its interpolatory n a t u r e . But it is
t h e T a n t r i c cult in which K r s n a a n d R ā d h ā are used for Mantra,
Kavaca etc. t h a t is i m p o r t a n t here. God B r a h m a advises P a r a ś u
r ā m a to secure t h e m from god Śiva (II.iii.32.37-39).
T h e whole c h a p t e r (ibid 33) is T a n t r i c . T h e M a n t r a is
t h e core of T a n t r a - Ś ā s t r a a n d K r s n a - M a n t r a of 10 syllables
given to P a r a ś u r ā m a is :
Gopijanavallabhāya Svāhā
Other points
A few m o r e points are remarkable :
(i) Ahimsa—Though animal sacrifices are c o n d e m n e d on
the ground of Ahirñsā (non-injury) which is regarded as ' T h e
gate-way to D h a r m a ' (I.ii.30.35) arid though non-retaliation is
r e c o m m e n d e d for sages aspiring for Moksa (II.iii.32.9.-12)
it is n o t a blind Ahimsā. For Bd.P. (I.ii.36.188) states " I f by
killing one, m a n y can lead a h a p p y life, there is no sin, major or
m i n o r , i n killing h i m " .
(ii) Non-covetousness : T h e tirade against Trsnā (covetous-
ness) in the t r a d i t i o n a l verses ascribed to K i n g Yayāti (Il.iii.
68.96-103) need not be a t t r i b u t e d to Buddhism as this revulsion
is expressed i n M b h . Vana 2-36, Śānti 174-46 a n d in other P u r ā n a s .
(iii) Free-Will and determination : Bd.P. (I.ii.8.61-62) raises
t h e p o i n t w h e t h e r one succeeds in one's efforts d u e to his Daiva
(destiny), effort or Svabhāva a n d decides t h a t a combination of
Daiva a n d h u m a n efforts yields fruit. Cf. M b h . Śānti 238.4-5
a n d M t . P . 220.8 for similar views.
1. V e d i c Age, p. 2 9 2 .
2. Ibid, p . 2 8 3 .
3 S e e below : W a s Karttavirya a villain ?
lxviii Brakmānda Purāna
•In fact it was a fight for the control of Indo-Gangetic plain between
kings of the north, the allies of Bhārgavas a n d the H a i h a y a kings.
Ixx Brahmānda Purāna
1
m e a n t for Rcīka's mother-in-law, the queen of K a n o u j , is obvi
ously intended as an apologetic explanation of the m a r t i a l
c h a r a c t e r of P a r a ś u r ā m a , though a B r a h m i n . T h e fact is t h a t the
Patriarchical system was well-established in t h e days of M b h .
But to justify the refrain in the old ballad on P a r a ś u r ā m a (which
the M b h — a Bhārgava version—assimilated)
tri-sapta-krtvah vasudhām
krtvā nihksattriyām Prabhuh /
— M b h . Śānti 49.63.
the K s a t t r i y a ladies were said to have been constrained to a d o p t
the Niyoga m e t h o d for the continuation of their families. To
credit a m a n w i t h span of active military leadership for twenty-
one generations is historically absurd. A n d it shows t h e hollow-
ness of the refrain, if it is taken literally to be t r u e . A n d a com
plete genocide of Ksattriyas is not implied by the P u r ā n a s as
shown below :
T h e m a i n point is t h a t P a r a ś u r ā m a was r e g a r d e d as a
B r ā h m a n a by the M b h . a n d P u r ā n a s which took for granted
the p a t r i a r c h i c a l system.
•continued
tasya p u t r ā . . . . J a m a d a g n i — d h e n v a s te vatsam āninyuli /
ajñātarii Kārtavīryena H a i h a y e n d r e n a dhimatā //
t a n n i m i t t a m a b h ū d y u d d h a m J ā m a d a g n e r m a h ā t m a n a h //
— M b h . Śānti 49.45-47.
1. sva-sainvarh nihatarh drsfvā so'rjunah Krodha-mūrchitah j
musfinā tādayāmāsa Bhārgavarh dvijasattamam //
tāditas tena bahuSo ( ) vikalāńgah prakalpitah j
Papāta sahasā bhumau mamāra dvija-sattamah 11
~Pd.P. V I . 2 4 1 . 37-38.
lxxiv Brahmānāa Purāna
II Pradyota Dynasty
(Op.Cit. W . 1 2 2 - 1 2 7 a )
According to Bd.P., Ś u n a k a (Pulaka in M t . P . ) a minister
of K i n g Ariñjaya (V.L. Ripuñjaya) killed his master a n d install-
ed his son P r a d y o t i on the M a g a d h a n t h r o n e . T h e following
is the list of rulers of P r a d y o t a d y n a s t y :
Pradyota (23)->-Pālaka (24)->Viśākhayūpa (50)->-Ajaka
(21) ->-Nandi v a r d h a n a ( 2 0 ) .
T h u s the five kings of P r a d y o t a dynasty ruled over M a
g a d h a for 138 years.
This account in the P u r ā n a is misleading. P r a d y o t a or
C a n d a P r a d y o t a , Vāsavadattā's father a n d U d a y a n a ' s father-
in-law ruled from Ujjayinī as has been attested by Bhāsa in his
plays a n d also in the M t . P . , while describing future kings. 1
T h i s P r a d y o t a was a contemporary of Bimbisāra of M a g a d h a
according to Pali records a n d there is no reliable evidence to
presume a P r a d y o t a d ynasty in M a g a d h a . 2
IV Nanda Dynasty
(Op.Cit. W . 139-143)
M a h ā p a d m a ( N a n d a ) , T h e son of M a h ā n a n d i from a
Śūdra woman, exterminator of all Ksattriyas, the sole emperor
(ekarāt, ekachattra) ruled 88 years—8 sons one after a n o t h e r ruled
for 12 years.
T o t a l period of N a n d a dynasty 100 years.
V Maurya Dynasty
(Op.Cit. W . 144-149)
A B r a h m i n K a u t i l y a 'will' uproot N a n d a s a n d instal
C a n d r a g u p t a M a u r y a as the king.
C a n d r a g u p t a (24)-»-Bhadra-Sāra (Bindusāra) (25)->
Aśoka (36)->Kulāla ( K u n ā l a ) (8)->Bandhupālita (8) - >I ndra -
Pālita (10)->Devavarmā (7 - » Ś a t a d h a n u (8)->-Brhadratha ( 7 ) .
T h e n u m b e r of regnal years of B a n d h u p ā l i t a a n d Śata-
d h a n u are given as p e r emendation in D K A P . 29.Though Bd.P.
records 9 M a u r y a n kings, M t . P . , V P . a n d Bh.P. state t h a t the
total n u m b e r of these kings as 10.
VI Śuñga Dynasty
(Op.Cit. W . 1 4 9 - I 5 6 a )
P u s p a - m i t r a ( P u s y a — 0 ) , (60 years)-»Agnimitra (8)->
Sujyestha (7) - W a s u m i t r a ( 1 0 ) - * B h a d r a ( 2 ) - * P u l i n d a k a (3)
->Ghosa (3)-*Vajramitra (7)->Bhāgavata ( 3 2 ) ^ - D e v a b hū mi
(10).
1. The Vedic Age (tSVB), p. 328 and The Age of Imperial Unity, p p . 18-22
Introduction lxxvii
2700 years.
T h u s from P r a t ī p a to the e n d of t h e A n d h r a s comprised a
complete cycle of t h e Saptarsis (Great B e a r ) .
O u r P u r ā n a presents this m u c h historical d a t a from the
beginning of the K a l i Age to the end of the Ā n d h r a dynasty.
O t h e r great dynasties like the Solar race a n d t h e L u n a r race are
n o t adequately treated.
After the description of t h e A n d h r a dynasty, Bd.P. e n u m e
rates some local dynasties with the total n u m b e r of Kings per
dynasty :
Some etymologies
T h e a u t h o r of the Bd.P. takes pleasure in etymologies
j u s t to serve his purpose a n d pleasure. Although most of t h e m
a r e discussed in the annotations, here are a few specimens :
1. nara 'a m a n ' <na4-vTr—1.1.5.135; 1.2.6.56-57
2. ambhas ' w a t e r ^ ^ b h ā 'tos hine'—1.1.5.133
3. R u d r a from y/ru—and y/dru (i.2.9.78). N o r m a l l y it is
derived from y/rud—'to cry'
4. D e v a ^div—to play 1.2.8.10; also -y/div—to shine
' a god'
5. raksas 'a d e m o n ' -y/raks—to protect 1.2.8.33
6. G a n d h a r v a y/dhi<dhay ' t o d r i n k ' I.ii.8.41
Q
I—l
zo
(3d
H I
as O
W <
U
•<
M
I
o
lxxxii Brahmānda Purāna
7. Pulaha :
'Keśair lavaih s a m u d b h ū t a h /
'Born of h a i r ' — I l . i i i . 1.45
8. Vasistha—'possessor of VastC (wealth) or
'Vaśi' self-controller I I . i i i . 1.46.
9. Medinī ' T h e earth'—medas 'fat'
'overspread with the fat of M a d h u a n d Kaitabha'
I.ii.37.2
10. K u b e r a < A u (bad )+bera (body) II.iii.8.44.'ugly' De-
God of wealth form-bodied
11. Hetu\/han<.to kill (the a r g u m e n t )
'cause', ' t h e middle T e r m in Logic'
•sj hi — to go ( m e a n i n g arrived a t ) I.ii.33.49.
12. C a r a k a • 'A Class of B r ā h m a n a s ' < y/car— (performed
a t o n e m e n t for G u r u ' s B r a h m a h a t y ā ) I, ii.35.27.
CHAPTER ONE
1
a n d went t o K u r u k s e t r a . H e (humbly) a p p r o a c h e d t h e p u r e
sages who were performing t h e elaborate-sacrificial session.
18. T h e performers of t h e Satra met R o m a h a r s a n a (i.e.
L o m a h a r s a n a ) with great humility. He excelled t h e m in intel
lect ( b u t ) as laid down in t h e scriptures 2 , ( h e bowed down)
duly to them.
19. On seeing R o m a h a r s a n a then, all those sages were
extremely pleased. T h e y were glad a n d their minds became
happy.
20. T h e y worshipped h i m with all necessary requisites
of hospitality, such as Arghya ( M a t e r i a l s of worship), Pādya
( w a t e r for washing t h e feet) etc. He paid respects to all t h e
sages. He received the permission of the king ( ? ) .
2 1 . After p e r m i t t i n g him, t h e sages enquired h i m of his
health. He a p p r o a c h e d all those sages (individually) (consider
ing t h e m to b e ) t h e eternal B r a h m a n , the great splendour.
W h e n t h e assembled persons indicated their consent, he sat on
a beautiful well-covered seat.
22-23. W h e n he h a d taken his seat, all t h e sages of praise
worthy, holy vows, well-disciplined according to (religious)
rules, a n d of calm a n d concentrated m i n d s , became delighted
a n d surrounded h i m w h o was an observer of great (religious)
vows. W i t h deep love ( a n d r e v e r e n c e ) , they spoke to h i m ( a s
follows) :
24. " W e l c o m e *to you, O highly fortunate one. H o w
glad are we, the residents of this place, to see you, t h e best of
sages, of excellent vows, hale a n d hearty, O intelligent one !
S ū t a said : —
"O excellent Brāhmanas, I shall recount in d u e order
t h a t sacred story which D v a i p ā y a n a , w h o was pleased with me,
had n a r r a t e d to m e . O B r ā h m a n a s , I shall expound the
P u r ā n a t h a t h a d been related by M ā t a r i ś v a n 1 ( t h e wind-god)
on being asked by t h e noble-souled sages of N a i m i s a forest. 2
37b-39. A P u r ā n a is characterised by five topics 3 . Viz.
Sarga( P r i m a r y cveauon), Pratisarga (Dissolution and R e c r e a t i o n ) ,
Varhśa (Lineage of Kings e t c . ) , Manvantaras ( t h e regions of
M a n u s or Manu-periods) a n d Vamśānucarita (chronological
description of kings a n d sages).
T h e first pāda (section) (of this P u r ā n a ) is called Pra-
kriyā-Pāda (section on rites). In this section there is the summing
* begot from V i r i n i — V ā . P . l . 1 3 1 .
** Vā.P. 1.133, reads: Mirul-Prasāda.
* * * T o be a m e n d e d as Ilā as in Vā.P.1.141 as there is no person called
I c c h ā in this context in (he Purūnas.
f (Vińkuksi in VA.P.)
X Vā.P.I.141b-142a reads: 'The destruction of D h u n d h u , Iksvāku
a n d others ending w i t h B hadbala are described ? D h r u v a is not credited w i t h
destroying Brhadbalas, vide P E . (Puranic encyclopaedia on D h r u v a & Brhadbala.)
I.I.I.121-131 17
CHAPTER TWO
13. T h e e x p o u n d e r s of B r a h m a n t h o u g h t of a m o u n t a i n
in Naimisa at t h a t spot. Since they were born ( r a t h e r — p e r f o r m e d
sacrifice—Vā.P.2.13) in N a i m i s a , they are r e m e m b e r e d as
Naimisīyas.
14. T h e Sattra of those intelligent persons lasted for
twelve years, w h e n the Valorous P u r u r a v a s Was ruling over
the e a r t h .
15. We have h e a r d the report that, even when he en
j o y e d e i g h t e e n islands over the. ocean, P u r u r a v a s was never
contented w i t h the jewels, d u e to his covetousness.
16. U r g e d by a divine messenger, Urvaśī m a d e love to
h i m . He sponsored this Sattra in t h e c o m p a n y of Urvaśī.
17-19. While K i n g Pururavas ruled, the sages of the
Naimisa forest performed t h e sacrificial session.* T h e G a ń g ā
conceived a brilliant foetus from the Fire-god. She deposited
it on t h e m o u n t a i n a n d it was transformed i n t o gold. G o d
Viśvakarmā himself, the god of great imagination who evolved
the world, entered t h a t sacrificial session of those sages of
u n b o u n d e d (immense) lustre ( a n d ) transformed t h e premises
a n d enclosure of the sacrifice i n t o a golden one.
20-21. Pururavas, t h e son of I d a c a m e a-hunting to t h a t
region. Seeing t h a t extremely wonderful enclosed place of the
sacrifice m a d e of gold, his wisdom was overcome (lit. struck
down) by avarice a n d he began to seize it. T h e r e u p o n the
residents of N a i m i s a b e c a m e very m u c h infuriated against the
king.
22-23. T h e angry learned ascetics ( w h o were devoted
to p e n a n c e ) urged by the Devas hit him with K u ś a grasses,
charged with t h u n d e r b o l t . P o u n d e d by the a d a m a n t i n e Kuśa
1
grasses t h a t king cast off his m o r t a l body. T h e son of Urvaśī,
CHAPTER THREE
Sūta narrated :
1. Listen to their divine story t h a t rids one of all sins.
It is being n a r r a t e d by m e . It is wonderfully variegated. It has
m a n y topics ( u n d e r discussion) ; it is esteemed by t h e Vedas.
2. He who retains this ( i n m i n d ) p e r m a n e n t l y or listens
to this frequently m a i n t a i n s his family (or propagates his race)
a n d he is h o n o u r e d in t h e heavenly world.
3. Listen to t h e topic being r e c o u n t e d in the m a n n e r it
h a d been h e a r d a n d it h a d occurred. Listen to the five Tārās
( s t a r s ) * t h a t are five in n u m b e r . Listen to this n a r r a t i v e t h a t
is conducive to the increase of the fame of t h e ancestors.
4. T h e glorification of all these persons of meritorious
deeds a n d of everlasting fame is conducive to wealth, fame,
longevity a n d heaven. It destroys enemies.
5-7. I b o w d o w n to H i r a n y a g a r b h a , the lordly Purusa
who is u n b o r n , w h o is the first creator of subjects, w h o is t h e
most excellent one, t h r o u g h w h o m t h e K a l p a has b e e n com
p e t e n t to h a v e its characteristics; t h r o u g h w h o m the fire has been
c a p a b l e of being a purifying factor; a n d w h o is t h e self-born
B r a h m a administering all t h e worlds. After bowing down to
B r a h m a , I shall recount t h e excellent creation of living beings,
t h a t begins with Mahat (the great First Principle) a n d ends
w i t h Viśefa (special created t h i n g s ) , 1 t h a t has its own charac
teristic features a n d diversities, t h a t has five authorities
(testimonies) ; t h a t calmly rests in t h e six ones (?) a n d t h a t
which is presided over by P u r u s a .
8-9. T h r o u g h concentration of mind, I shall describe to
you t h e excellent creation of Bhūtas. Avyakta ( t h e unmanifest
1. The text from verse 17-28 is corrupt and the corresponding text
of the Vā.P. Ch.4 has little in common with these verses and is of no help in
interpretation. Hence reconstruction of emendations could not be hazarded.
But Vā.P. 4.76b-79 bear some correspondence to Bd.P.I.i.3.24-27. The Vā.
30 Brahmānda Parana
CHAPTER FOUR
Sūta said :
1. W h e n t h e unmanifest one is stationed within itself
a n d w h e n the effect (universe) h a d b e e n w i t h d r a w n , t h e Pra
d h ā n a a n d P u r u s a r e m a i n w i t h their similarity of characteristics
(retained).
2. These two have T a m a s a n d Sattva gunas. T h e y are
stationed on a p a r w i t h each other. H e n c e they a r e said to be
m u t u a l pursuers. T h e y a r e not excessive ( i n t h e manifestation
of the G u n a s ) .
I.I.4.3-11 33
faces as B r a h m a as K ā l a ( G o d of D e a t h ) he is Bhava, t h e
destroyer; (as V i s n u ) he is t h e P u r u s a with thousand heads.
18. As B r a h m a , he creates the worlds; as K ā l a , he
annihilates t h e m ; as Purusa, he is indifferent : these are t h e
t h r e e states of the selfborn deity. 1
19. As B r a h m a , he possesses Rajas exclusively; as K ā l a
he has Rajas a n d T a m a s a n d as P u r u s a (i.e. Visnu) he is
exclusively S ā t t v i k a ; — t h i s is the position of t h e G u n a s in t h e
case of t h e self-born deity.
20. B r a h m a has eyes like lotus-petals*; K ā l a has t h e
lustre ofcollyrium ever since his origin. Purusa islotuseyed with
t h e form of t h e s u p r e m e A t m a n .
* V ā . P . o . 2 3 : F r o m that (Pair of Brahma & Buddhi) was born Ksetrajña
designated as Brahma, full of tamas and unmanifestness.
1. T h e trinity of gods carrying out the functions of creation, susten-
ance a n d destruction of the universe but the three states of one and the same
self-born deity.
* Kamalapatrāksa should be emended as Kamalapatrābha as in Vā.P.5.
3 1 b , as it is the description of the complexions of three deities.
I.I.4.21-29 35
CHAPTER FIVE
comes into being. V P . I . 2 . 2 2 states that this Ekārnava doctrine is very ancient
and Brahma-vādins have elaborated it to explain the process of creation a n d
dissolution. M t . P . 182 identifies N ā r ā y a n a with M a h ā r n a v a .
1. Cf. Purusa-sūkta (RV.X.90.1).
* nisiddha in the text is illogical. V ā . P . 6 . 4 (an identical verse) reads:
Prabuddha 'awakened' by the d o m i n a n c e of Sattva.
2. T h e usual derivation of N ā r ā y a n a found in other Purānas also b u t
for a different derivation vide supra 4.28"! ~J
** V ā . P . 6 . reads : naiiarh kālam upāsya sah /
Śarvaryante prakurute Brahmatvarh sarge-kāranāt II
' H a v i n g passed the night-time in sleep, at the end of the night, creates
g o d Brahma for the creation of the universe'.
38 Brahmānda Purāna
1 2
t o n g u e ; the D a r b h a grasses were his h a i r s , t h e B r a h m a ( o n e
of the four Rtviks employed at a S o m a sacrifice or vedic
3
knowledge of great p e n a n c e was his h e a d . T h e V e d a s were his
shoulders; he h a d the fragrance of t h e Havis. T h e Havya, Kavya
1
etc. w e r e his velocity; Prāgvamśa ( t h e sacrificial r o o m facing
6
the east) was his b o d y ; he was brilliant; he was e q u i p p e d w i t h
different kinds of Diksās ( i n i t i a t i o n s ) ; he was the m a s t e r of
Yoga w i t h D a k s i n ā for his h e a r t ; he was t h e lord full ofŚraddhā
6
(faith) a n d Sattva (good quality) ; he h a d Upākarma (extra
1
study of t h e V e d a s by w a y of e x p i a t i o n ) for his Ruci ( l u s t r e or
t a s t e ) ; he h a d Pravargya ( t h e ceremony p r e l i m i n a r y to Soma
sacrifice) as his Āvartabhūsancfi ( o r n a m e n t a l whorls of h a i r on
his c h e s t ) , the way of t h e different Cchandas ( M e t r e s ) was
his p a t h w a y ; t h e Upanisads with their esoteric doctrines consti
t u t e d his seat. He was assisted by M ā y ā in the capacity of his
spouse; he h a d t h e height of t h e peak of a m o u n t a i n ; he had
t h e day a n d the n i g h t as his eyes;* he had t h e ancillary subjects
* For Bd.P.—bīja-kumbha-latā-vrtah
(translated here) V ā . P . 6 . 3 7 b r e a d s :
dipah kumbhavad āvrtah
'just as a l a m p lighted in a pitcher cannot emit light outside d u e to the
opaque wall-like cover of the pitcher. T h i s simile in V ā . P . is the traditional
a n d m o r e appropriate o n e here. For more discussion vide n o t e 2 on P. 57
o f the translation o f K P ( M L B D . )
1. This 'meditated' (Vaikrta) creation by Avidyā w a s characterised
by ignorance as it included immobiles (jVāga)-like mountains, trees. H e n c e it
is also called Mukhya. As verse 55 below explains Mukhya means Sthāvara
(immobile).
2 . W . 36-40 describe the second type and stage o f "meditated"
creation viz. Tiryaksrotas. It is not that the creatures in this creation always
m o v e in oblique direction. But, as verse 56 below and V P . 1.5.9-11 and 22a
explain, it includes birds a n d beasts w h i c h are by nature mostly ignorant and
hence taking to wrong-ways and egotistic. This is the second stage in volution
after the immobile one.
V ā . P . 6 . 4 3 a reads: utpatha-grāhinah 'taking to wrong w a y s ' — a better
reading.
3. T h e text reads astāvirhśad-vidhātmikāh and the reading is supported
by Vā.P.6.44. But V P . I . 5 . 1 1 a reads: as(āvirhiad-vadhāimikāh.
1.1^.39-47 43
1
w a r d — c u r r e n t e d (arvāk-srotas) as well as competent to achieve
t h e goals of his life.
4 8 . Since they function downwards (i.e. on the earth,
below heaven) they are (called Arvāksrotas. T h e y a b o u n d in
brilliance b u t were c o n t a m i n a t e d by tamas a n d d o m i n a t e d w i t h
rajas.
49. H e n c e they have excess of misery. T h e y make re
p e a t e d a t t e m p t s . T h e y are enlightened within a n d without.
T h e y are the m o r t a l beings capable of achieving their goal.
50. T h e y a r e a r r a n g e d into eight classes w i t h hellish
characteristics (i.e. such characteristic features as are conducive
to h e l l ) . Those m e n w i t h souls of spiritual achievement are
similar in characteristic features to the G a n d h a r v a s .
51-52. T h e fifth creation, t h e Anugraha Sarga (creation
of blessings) is a r r a n g e d into four classes, viz. i) Viparyaya
(Loss of consciousness), ii) Śakti (Efficiency), iii) Siddha (of
a c h i e v e m e n t ) a n d iv) Mukhya ( P r i n c i p a l ) .
T h e y are b o r n a g a i n and again, they recede a n d they
( c o m e b a c k ) to be present. T h e sixth creation is said to be of
Bhūtādi (elements or creatures) e t c .
53-55A. Those creatures should be known as character
ised by tendency to eat a n d obtain or g r a b .
T h e first creation of B r a h m a should be known as t h a t of
M a h a t ( t h e g r e a t p r i n c i p l e ) . T h e second creation is t h a t of
Tanmātras. It is called Bhūtasarga.2
55B. T h e third Vaikārika creation is called Aindriya
Sarga (creation p e r t a i n i n g to the sense o r g a n s ) . These are the
Prākrta (of Prakrti) creations t h a t are evolved with consciousness
and foreknowledge.
Sūta said :
1. On h e a r i n g the first P ā d a (section) the m a i n t h e m e
of which is the P r a k r t i , thus recounted, K ā p e y a ( K ā ś y a p e y a in
Vā.P.) who was delighted h a d some doubts.
2-3. After p r o p i t i a t i n g the S ū t a by m e a n s of words
( a n d desirous of h e a r i n g ) a n o t h e r story for t h a t purpose, (he
said) — " H e r e a f t e r O Sage conversant with the K a l p a ,
recount P r a t i s a n d h i t o m e . I wish to know this, viz. : the interim
period between t h e two K a l p a s i.e. t h e K a l p a t h a t has passed
a n d t h e K a l p a t h a t is c u r r e n t . I wish to know t h e P r a t i s a n d h i
( t h e period of t r a n s i t ) between these two. I n d e e d , you are
sufficiently well-versed."
4. On being thus requested by K ā p e y a , Sūta, the most
excellent a m o n g eloquent m e n , began to n a r r a t e the origin of
the three worlds entirely.
Sūta said :
5. Now I shall describe factually, O m e n of holy vows,
the K a l p a of the past a n d t h e K a l p a of the future a n d t h e
period of transit t h a t is between these two.
6. (I shall also describe) O m e n of holy rites, the dif
ferent M a n v a n t a r a s in the Kalpas. T h e K a l p a t h a t is c u r r e n t
now is V a r ā h a — a n auspicious K a l p a .
1. Description of Manvantaras is one of the main characteristics of a
Purāna. We have a description of these Manvantaras in Bh.P. V I I I . 1 . 1 - 2 9 .
K P . I . 5 1 , NP.I.40-17-37, V P . I I I . 1.1-9 and others. But this chapter like Vā.P. 7
describes the Kalpas and the interim period joining the Kalpas. A number of
verses are c o m m o n to Vā.P.7 and this chapter.
58 BrahmSnda Purāna
C H A P T E R SEVEN
Sill a said :
1. He passed a period of time equal to a thousand Yugas
as his night. At the end of the night, B r a h m a creates the
universe through the cause (potentiality) of creation.
2. At that time, in t h a t vast expanse of water, B r a h m a
became wind and moved a b o u t (in that ocean) enveloped in
darkness when the mobile and the immobile beings h a d
( a l r e a d y ) perished ( a n d became non-existent).
3-4a. He flooded the surface of the e a r t h all round with
water. W h e n the elements had been stationed in S a t y a * ( t r u t h )
along with their divisions, he moved about like the glowworm
d u r i n g t h e nights in t h e rainy season.
4b-5a. He was moving about quickly as he pleased,
thinking by means of his intellect, about the means of stabiliza
tion.
* V ā . P . 8 . 3 samantāt—all round.
66 Brahmānda Puārna
25. Being created, they exist for the sake of their pro
geny. T h e y are regarded as having achieved the four Purusā-
rthas viz. : D h a r m a , Artha, K a m a a n d Moksa.
26. T h e Devas, the—Pitrs and the h u m a n beings ( a r e
c r e a t e d ) in o r d e r ; thereafter, they equipped themselves with
p e n a n c e ; they filled the abodes at the outset.
27. I n d e e d , those h u m a n beings become B r ā h m a n a s and
souls of spiritual achievement. D u e to their K a r m a n con
taminated by the faults of hatred a n d too m u c h of a t t a c h m e n t *
they went to heaven (?)
28. While r e t u r n i n g in an embodied state, they are b o r n
in every Yuga. W i t h the r e m n a n t s of the fruits of their K a r m a n ,
(they are born again a n d again) ; they are well known as Tadā-
tmakas (? Identified with t h e m ) .
29-30. T h e people bound by the a d v e n t of (a new)
K a l p a are born from the J a n a l o k a . T h a t which is their cause
in the waters is indicated by means of the K a r m a n * * ( ? ) . From
the J a n a l o k a , they are born t h r o u g h auspicious and inauspicious
K a r m a n s . T h e y assume physical bodies of diverse forms, in the
different species.
31. T h e subjects beginning with the Devas and ending
with the immobile beings are b o r n (influencing) themselves
mutually. T h e i r p u r e ( o r sanctified) K a r m a n s usually pre
dominated.
32. Therefore, they attained only those names and
features (which they h a d before). Again a n d again they are
b o r n w i t h names and forms in the (different) K a l p a s .
33-34. Thereafter, is the creation of B r a h m a who is de
sirous of creating the Upasrsfi (subsidiary c r e a t i o n ) . Even as he
was m e d i t a t i n g on those subjects, since he was of truthful med
itation, a thousand couples came out of his m o u t h . It is b u t
n a t u r a l t h a t they were people of great brilliance with the
Sattva quality p r e d o m i n a n t .
* Vā.P.8.141 reads: sma tesu vai for Bd.P. text here: smrtefu vai. As
A* question of memory or smrti text does not arise here Vā.P. reading is better,
80 Brahmānda Purāna
CHAPTER EIGHT
Sūta said :
1. Even as he was m e d i t a t i n g , the m e n t a l progeny were
born along with those causes a n d effects arising out of his
body.
2 - 4 . T h e r e cropped up Ksetrajñas (Individual souls) of
the Ksetra (Cosmic b o d y ) of this intelligent person i.e. B r a h m a ) .
Thereafter, he was desirous of creating thousands a n d thou-
sands of the four groups of living entities viz. the Devas, the
Asuras, the Pitrs and the h u m a n beings. Prajāpati engaged him
self therein a n d m e d i t a t e d u p o n the creation. While m e d i t a t i n g
thus, an effort arising out of his T a m a s constituent was involv
ed. So, at the outset the Asuras were b o r n as his sons from
Prajāpati's loins.
5. Asu is considered by scholars as the vital b r e a t h .
Therefore, those who were born of it were Asuras. 1 He discarded
t h a t physical body whereby the Asuras h a d been c r e a t e d .
6-7a. T h a t physical body discarded by h i m immediately
became N i g h t . Since t h a t physical body h a d the T a m a s ele
m e n t p r e d o m i n a n t , the night too consisting of three Tāmas
(watches of night of the d u r a t i o n of three hours e a c h ) became
Tamobahulā ( o n e in which darkness prevails).
Therefore at night the subjects (people) a r e themselves
enveloped bv darkness.
7b-9. After creating the Asuras, he adopted a n o t h e r
body t h a t was unmanifest, with the Sattva element predomi
n a n t within it. T h e n he engaged himself with it. As the lord
joined himself to it, he felt very h a p p y . Thereafter from his
shining face the D e v a t ā s (gods a n d goddesses) were born.
Since they were b o r n of the refulgent face (Divyatah) they
are glorified as Devas.
1
10. T h e root \/"Div" is used in the sense of " t o p l a y " .
Therefore, the Devas were b o r n of his divine (lit. " s h i n i n g " )
body (and called Devatās).
11. After creating the Devas, he discarded t h a t divine
body. T h a t physical body discarded b y him b e c a m e " d a y " .
12. Therefore, people worship the Devas with holy rites
performed d u r i n g the d a y t i m e . After creating t h e Devas, he
a d o p t e d a n o t h e r body.
13-14. He adopted a n o t h e r body t h a t was solely consti
tuted by the Sattva element a n d engaged himself therein. T h e
lord m e d i t a t e d u p o n those sons considering t h e m like father (of
fatherly n a t u r e ) . T h e Pitrs were born of t h a t body in the
j u n c t u r e of night and d a y ; therefore those Pitrs are Devas.
T h a t state of being Pitrs is declared a b o u t them.
15. He discarded t h a t body whereby the Pitrs were
created. T h e b o d y t h a t had been discarded by h i m forthwith
b e c a m e the twilight.
16. Hence, the daytime is considered as belonging to t h e
Devas a n d t h e night is remembered as belonging to the Asuras.
T h e body that belongs to the Pitrs a n d t h a t is in between those
two is the most i m p o r t a n t .
17. H e n c e the Devas, the Asuras, the sages a n d the h u
m a n beings, while practising Yoga, worship t h a t body w h i c h
is in between d a w n a n d m o r n i n g (day-break).
18. H e n c e , B r ā h m a n a s perform sandhyā at the junction
of the night a n d day. Thereafter, B r a h m a engaged himself
in a n o t h e r body of his.
19. T h a t body which the lord created m e n t a l l y was
solely constituted by t h e Rajas element. T h e y (the progeny so
created) are his sons through the mind. Since they were begot
ten (Prajananāt), they became Prajās (subjects).
20. Since, he m e d i t a t e d (before creation) (Mananāt),
they are called Manusyas ( M e n ) ; they became wellknown as
Prajās because they were procreated. After creating the subjects
again, he discarded his own body.
CHAPTER NINE
1
18-19. He created these nine m e n t a l sons viz. : Bhrgu,
Ańgiras, M a r l c i , Pulastya, P u l a h a , K r a t u , Daksa, Atri a n d
Vasistha. In the P u r ā n a , these are decisively called the " n i n e
B r a h m ā s " (because they were like) B r a h m a (the c r e a t o r ) u n t o
all beings of controlled souls, having the A t m a n as their source
of origin.
20. T h e n B r a h m a created again D h a r m a who was
•delightful a n d pleasant u n t o all living beings; as well as the
Prajāpati Ruci. These two were the eldest of all ancient ones.
21. He created from his intellect, D h a r m a who was
delightful a n d pleasant u n t o all living beings. He who is n a m e d
Ruci was b o r n of the m i n d of (the lord of) unmanifest birth.
22-24. Sage Bhrgu was born of the h e a r t of the lord
whose source of origin was water. B r a h m a created Daksa from
his vital b r e a t h and M a r l c i from his eyes. He created R u d r a
(also known as) Nīlalohita in the form of Abhimāna (prestige,
h o n o u r ) . He created ańgiras from his h e a d a n d Atri from the
ears. From his Udāna (?) vital breath (prāna) he created
Pulastya and Pulaha from Vyūna. Vasistha was born of
Samāna and he created K r a t u from Apāna.
25. T h u s these twelve are r e m e m b e r e d as the sons of
B r a h m a at the beginning (of c r e a t i o n ) of subjects. D h a r m a
was the first-born a m o n g those Devatās.
26. Bhrgu a n d others who h a d been created are remem
bered as Brahmarsis (Brahminical sages). T h e y are the ancient
house-holders a n d D h a r m a (virtue) was initially established by
them.
27-28a. In the K a l p a , these twelve give b i r t h to subjects
a g a i n and again. T h e i r twelve races a r c divine a n d equipped
with Divine qualities. T h e y perform holy rites and have (i.e.
procreate) progeny. T h e y are a d o r n e d ( h o n o u r e d ) by great
sages.
28b-29. W h e n the p r o g e n y created b y D h a r m a a n d other
g r e a t sages ( w h o themselves) h a d been created ( b y h i m ) d i d
not multiply, t h e intelligent a n d self-possessed lord b e c a m e
slightly enveloped by T a m a s a n d afflicted by grief.
1. Derivation of Sthānu.
1.2.9.91b-92—10.1-4 101
CHAPTER TEN
Sūta replied :
2. T h e origin of the p r i m o r d i a l creation has been succinct
ly m e n t i o n e d by m e . I shall now n a r r a t e in detail the names
a l o n g w i t h the physical bodies.
3. M a h ā d e v a begot of his wives m a n y sons in the o t h e r
K a l p a s t h a t have passed by. Listen to those ( p r o c r e a t e d ) in
this K a l p a .
4. In t h e beginning of the K a l p a , the lord c o n t e m p l a t e d
on a son on a p a r w i t h himself. Thereafter, the child Nilalohita
a p p e a r e d on his lap.
1. Derivation of Mahādeva.
•This chapter deals w i t h the eight forms of g o d Ś i v a — a popular concep
tion in Purānas a n d classical literature. It is an amplification of a similar
concept in Śatapatha Brāhmana as n o t e d below. This chapter is textually very
close to Vā.p.Ch.27.
102 Brahmanda Purina
CHAPTER ELEVEN
•This chapter deals with the progeny of the famous seven sages such as
Bhrgu, Ańgiras, Atri, P u l a h a a n d others. After mentioning their important
descendants we are told that all these races passed away in the S v ā y a m b h u v a
Manvantara.
T h i s chapter corresponds to V ā . P . c h . 2 8 .
110 Brahmānola Purāna
CHAPTER TWELVE
Sūta said :
l-2a. A m e n t a l son of B r a h m a is r e m e m b e r e d as t h e
deity identifying itself with fire in the Svāyambhuva M a n v a n -
I (=Daksināgni) I
born of Arani (cf. R v . I I I . 2 9 . 2 ) | The Sun
or source: | Water or Lightening Havya-vāhana
F u n c t i o n s : kavya-vāhana pertains to D e v a s
• t P e r t a i t i s to Pitrs)
(Vaidyuta)
Saharaksa
(belongs to Asuras)
2. V ā . P . 29-7 reads Brahmaudanigni instead of Brahmadattāgni of B D . P.
T h a t reading i s supported b y M t . P . T h e genealogy i s : Brahmadatta o r Brahma-
1.2.12.9-18 115
1. VV.34-38 give the list of Pāvaka's sons. But actually they are given
here in the genealogical order as follows:
Pāvaka—Hrcchaya—Mrtyumān ( M a n y u m ā n ) — S a m v a r t a k a (Vadavā-
n a l a ) — S a h a r a k s a — k s ā m a — K r a v y ādagni.
2. T h e fires under group of Śuci are given in a genealogical order as
follows:
Śuci or Ayus, M a h i s a , Sahasa, Adbhuta, Vividhi, Arka—nine sons of
Arka as enumerated in V . 4 3 .
1.2.12.40-50 119
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Sūta said :
1. Even as B r a h m a was creating sons formerly in the
S v ā y a m b h u v a M a n v a n t a r a , the h u m a n beings, the Asuras a n d
the Devas were b o r n out of his limbs.
2. T h e Pitrs also were b o r n , considering h i m as their
father ( ? ) . T h e m o d e of their creation has been described
before. Let it be h e a r d briefly once again.
3. After c r e a t i n g the Devas, Asuras a n d the h u m a n
beings, B r a h m a took pride in t h e m . (He conceived of a further
c r e a t i o n also). ( T h e Pitrs) w h o were being considered like
fathers, were born of his flanks.
4. T h e six seasons beginning with M a d h u ( S p r i n g )
(were b o r n of his flanks). T h e y call t h e m Pitrs. T h e vedic text
s a y s , — " T h e seasons are t h e Pitrs a n d D e v a s . "
5. In all the M a n v a n t a r a s , past a n d future ( t h e same is
r e p e a t e d ) . Formerly, these were born in the auspicious M a n v a n
t a r a of S v ā y a m b h u v a .
1.2.13.6-15 121
1
16. T h e various units (or states) of time are t h e Tithis
of Parvans (dates of l u n a r fortnights), the junctions, the fortnights
t h a t a r e on a p a r with halves of m o n t h s , t h e moments, the
Kalās, K ā s t h ā s , M u h ū r t a s , days a n d nights.
17-18. T w o half-months m a k e one Māsa ( m o n t h ) . T w o
m o n t h s m a k e w h a t is called Rtu. T h r e e Rtus m a k e one Ayana
a n d t h e two Ayanas, (viz. : t h e southern a n d t h e northern)
together constitute a year. These are the abodes for the Sthānins.
T h e Rtus are t h e sons of N i m i . Similarly, they should be known
as six in n u m b e r .
19-20. T h e five types of subjects (i.e. h u m a n beings,
q u a d r u p e d s , birds, reptiles and trees) are remembered as the
sons of Rtu. T h e y are characterised by their seasonal change.
Since the mobile a n d the immobile beings are born through
the Ārtavas (seasonal changes, menstruation etc.) t h e Ārtavas
a r e fathers a n d t h e Rtus a r e grandfathers. W h e n they come
together, t h e subjects of t h e Prajāpati are born.
2 1 . H e n c e t h e Vatsara ( y e a r ) is considered the great
grand-father of t h e subjects. These Sthānins of t h e n a t u r e of the
abodes in their respective abodes have been recounted.
22. T h e y are declared as those who have t h e same names,
the same essence a n d the same n a t u r e as they ( i . e . units of
t i m e ) . It is Samvatsara ( t h e year) t h a t is considered a n d re
m e m b e r e d as P r a j ā p a t i .
23. Agni, the son of Samvatsara, is called rta by scholars.
Since they are b o r n of R t a , they a r e called R t u s .
24-25. Years should be known as having six seasons. To
the five types of subjects, viz. : bipeds, q u a d r u p e d s , birds,
reptiles a n d t h e stationary beings, there are five Ārtavas (seasonal
changes). T h e flower is remembered as K ā l ā r t a v a (seasonal
change indicating p a r t i c u l a r period of time of trees. T h e state
of being Rtu a n d Ārtava is recounted as Pitrtva ( t h e state of
being Pitrs).
26. T h u s the Rlus a n d t h e Ārtavas should be known as
Rudra said :
6 3 . " B h ū r l o k a is spoken of as the first one a m o n g all
t h e worlds. At the behest of P a r a m e s t h i n (supreme l o r d ) , I
shall sustain it always.
64. All the lustrous worlds stand by on being held on to
this e a r t h . At his behest, I shall hold them here always.
65. T h e r e is the fourfold classification of the D e v a s .
Still they p a r t a k e of food at one place. I will not p a r t a k e of
food along with t h e m . Therefore, they will offer it separately
unto m e .
66-68. O D a k s a , since, on a c c o u n t of me sinless Sati h a d
been insulted, a n d all other d a u g h t e r s were praised along w i t h
their husbands, h e n c e when the Vaivasvata M a n v a n t a r a
begins, these great sages who are not b o r n of a w o m b will be
b o r n again d u r i n g my second Y a j ñ a " . After announcing this to
all of them, he cursed Daksa once again, " I n the Cāksusa
M a n v a n t a r a when Śukra's Homa is performed by Brahma (?),
you will become a h u m a n king in the family of Cāksusa.
69-71. You will be born as the grandson of Prācīna-
barhis a n d the son of Pracetas. You will be born by the n a m e
of Daksa itself, as the son of M ā r i s ā , the d a u g h t e r of Śākhins
(trees).
W h e n t h e Vaivasvata M a n v a n t a r a arrives, there also, O
evil-minded one, I will cause obstacles in a holy rite
e n d o w e d w i t h virtue t h o u g h it m a y be difficult of a c c e s s " .
Sūta said :
Sūta said ;
111. Let t h e real n a t u r e of K ā l a ( T i m e ) be listened
t o . 2 After listening, let it be r e t a i n e d in the m i n d . T h e sun
is his source a n d t h e period of t h e twinkling of t h e eye is his
beginning. He is called Sańkhyācaksus ( H a v i n g t h e n u m b e r for
his eyes).
112. T h e d a y a n d night together constitute its form.
T h e J\fimesas(moments)are his limbs. T h e year (Samvatsara) is his
essence. His n a m e is Kalātmaka (one whose soul is t h e d i g i t ) .
113-115. T h a t lord of subjects is of t h e n a t u r e of the
present, future a n d past times. U n d e r s t a n d t h e condition of the
K ā l a divided i n t o five, by m e a n s of t h e day, t h e fortnight,
the m o n t h , t h e reasons a n d the Ayanas. T h e first (year) is
Samvatsara; t h e second one is Parivatsara; the third one is
Itfvatsara ; the fourth is Anuvatsara; a n d the fifth a m o n g t h e m
is Vatsara. T h a t p e r i o d of time is t e r m e d Yuga.3
Bhānu, J ī v a n a (Enlivener) a n d h o n o u r e d by B r a h m a . He is
the Prabhava (source of b i r t h ) a n d Apyaya ( e n d or t h a t in which
they merge themselves at d e a t h ) o f all living beings. Therefore,
Bhāskara the presiding deity of the T ā r ā s (constellations),
should be known as the second Parivatsara.
127-129. Since Soma (the m o o n god) is the lord of all
medicinal herbs, since he is the grandfather, since he is t h e
enlivener of all living beings, since he is the lord, causing Toga
(acquisition of w h a t is n o t a t t a i n e d ) a n d Ksema (preservation
of w h a t is a c q u i r e d ) ; since he always looks after a n d upholds
the universe by m e a n s of his r a y s ; since he is the source of
origin of the Tithis (days of the l u n a r fortnight), j u n c t i o n s
of Parvans, full m o o n a n d t h e N e w m o o n ; since he causes the
n i g h t ; since he is the Prajāpati w i t h n e c t a r i n e soul—for all
these reasons S o m a ( M o o n ) w i t h t h e Pitrs is r e m e m b e r e d
as Idvatsara.
F o r the following reasons V ā y u (the W i n d g o d ) is
Anuvatsara :
130. In t h e world, he is the propeller of all activities of
the living beings t h r o u g h the five types of vital winds viz. :
Prāna, Apāna, Samāna, Vyāna, and U d ā n a .
131. He causes the unified a n d simultaneous activities
of t h e five units of t h e physical body. viz. : t h e sense organs,
the m i n d , t h e intellect, t h e m e m o r y a n d t h e strength.
132. He is t h e soul of a l l ; he is the lord of all worlds
t h r o u g h the (spatial winds) Avaha, P r a v a h a e t c . He exists
t h r o u g h his seven times seven bodies (known as M a r u t s ) t h a t
r e n d e r h e l p t o others.
133-134. He is the m a k e r of the destiny of all living
beings; he is t h e Prabhañjana ( v i o l e n t gust of wind a l s o ) ; he
perpetually causes t h e well-being of all living beings; he is the
source of origin of fire, waters, e a r t h , t h e sun a n d t h e m o o n ;
t h e wind is P r a j ā p a t i : he is the soul of all t h e worlds; he is
the great grandfather a n d he causes days a n d nights. H e n c e , it
is t h a t .Vāyu ( w i n d g o d ) is Anuvatsara.
135. All these four ( i . e . K ā l a , the sun, the M o o n a n d the
wind g o d ) a r e lords of subjects; they a r e b o r n of t h e flanks ( o f
B r a h m a ) ; they a r e t h e fathers of all the worlds. T h e y have b e e n
glorified as the souls of the worlds.
1.2.13.136-146
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
1. T h e race of Priyavrata :
N a m e s of Priyavrata's Sons Names of the Dvipa assigned as
kingdom
. 1. Agnidhra Jambū
2. Agnibāhu
3. Medhas
4. Medhātithi Plaksa
5. Vasu (Vapusmān) Śālmala
6. Jyotismān Kuśa
7. Dyutimān Krauñca
8. Havya Śāka
9. Savana Puskara
10. Sattra
136 Brahmānda Purāna
1
45-47. N i n e sons were b o r n to h i m . T h e y were on a
p a r w i t h the Prajāpatis.
T h e eldest was well known as N ā b h i . K i m p u r u s a was h i s
younger b r o t h e r . Harivarsa was the third a n d the fourth was
I l ā v r t a . R a m y a was t h e fifth son, H i r a n v ā n is m e n t i o n e d as
his sixth son. K u r u was the seventh a m o n g t h e m . B h a d r ā ś v a
is r e m e m b e r e d as the eighth a n d the n i n t h was K e t u m ā l a .
U n d e r s t a n d their realms.
48-52 T h e father gave N ā b h i t h e southern V a r s a n a m e d
H i m a ; h e gave K i m p u r u s a t h a t Varsa, called H e m a k ū t a . H e
gave H a r i v a r s a t h a t sub-continent which is remembered as
N a i s a d h a . He gave I l ā v r t a the sub-continent t h a t was in the
m i d d l e of Sumeru. T h e father gave R a m y a , the sub-continent
t h a t is r e m e m b e r e d as N ī l a . T h e sub-continent Śveta t h a t was
situated to t h e n o r t h of it was given by the father to H i r a n v ā n .
He gave to K u r u the sub-continent t h a t was to t h e n o r t h of
Śrñgavān. Similarly, he allotted to Bhadrāśva the sub-continent
M ā l y a v a t . H e assigned the sub-continent G a n d h a m ā d a n a t o
K e t u m ā l a . T h u s these nine sub-continents have b e e n n a r r a t e d
by me, part by part.
53. Agnīdhra crowned those sons in d u e o r d e r in those
sub-continents. Thereafter, t h a t pious-souled one b e c a m e enga
ged in p e n a n c e .
54. T h u s the entire e a r t h consisting of the seven c o n t i
nents was colonized by the seven sons of Priyavrata, who w e r e
the grandsons of S v ā y a m b h u v a M a n u .
55. T h u s , when annihilation takes place, these seven
settlements (continents) a r e created again a n d a g a i n b y t h e
kings in all the seven sub-continents.
56-58. This is the n a t u r e of colonization of the conti
nents a n d the K a l p a s .
W i t h regard to t h e eight sub-continents beginning w i t h
t h a t of K i m p u r u s a (the following things should be n o t e d ) .
T h e i r a t t a i n m e n t is n a t u r a l . W i t h o u t effort they a r e generally
h a p p y . T h e r e s no annihilation or calamity in t h e m . T h e r e is
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Sūta said :
1-3. On h e a r i n g a b o u t the settlement of the subjects t h u s ,
Ś ā m ś a p ā y a n i asked Sūta a b o u t the length a n d extent of t h e
E a r t h * a s i t h a d been d e t e r m i n e d — " H o w m a n y continents a r e
there ? H o w m a n y oceans ? H o w m a n y mountains are proclaim
ed ? H o w m a n y are the Varsas (sub-continents) ? W h a t are the
* After verse 14 there read verse No.28 which tells: the six
mountains are N i l a , N i s a d h a , Śveta, H e m a k ū t a , H i m a v ā n and Śrńgavān.
1. T h e Varsa-parvatas are the mountains (mountain-chains) which
d i v i d e o n e V a r s a (sub-continent) from another. T h u s they m a y be regarded
as boundary mountains. T h e names and other characteristics are described
in the following verses. T h e i r geographical location is given in supra C h . l
Footnotes on pp. 11, 12.
1.2.15.15-24 143
North: ( U t t a r a ) Kuru V a r s a
Śrńgavān M t .
H i r a n m a y a Varsa
Śveta M t .
R a m y a k a Varsa
Nīla M t .
I Ilāvrta Varsa
I Meru Mt.
I Ilāvrta V a r s a
Nisadha Mt.
Hart V a r s a
Hemakūta Mt.
Kimpurusa V a r s a
Himavān (Himalaya) Mt.
South Bhārata or H a i m a v a t a V a r s a
D o e s the bowlike formation of these Varsas suggest the spherical shape
of the earth ?
1. Galled V e y a d d h a in J a i n (Ardha M ā g a d h ! ) canon.
2. Purānas give different locations of G a n d h a m ā d a n a and M ā l y a v ā n .
So do modern scholars, as the n a m e s of extra-Indian mountains were adopted
by the Indo-Aryans as they penetrated d e e p in the Indian Peninsula. T h u s
M ā l y a v ā n d u e t o its association w i t h G a n d h a m ā d a n a a n d M e r u should b e
identified with the Sarikol range, as G a n d h a m ā d a n a was the northern ridge
of the great Hindukush arch with its northern extension, the Khwaja Maham-
mad. T h e southern ridge of Hindukush is N i s a d h a which merged into North
ern Karakorum a n d K u n l u n ( M . Ali.—Geog. of Purārias, p p . 58-59).
146 ^^ Brahmānda Purāna
Bhārata
South
1.2.15.54-63 147
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Romaharsana said :
4. "I shall r e c o u n t to you all the subjects here in the
B h ā r a t a Varsa.
This is a mysterious sub-continent in the middle (of the
universe) where the fruits ( o f K a r m a s ) are enjoyed w h e t h e r
auspicious or inauspicious.
5. T h e sub-continent t h a t is to the n o r t h of the ocean as
well as to the south of the H i m a v ā n , is called the sub-continent
of B h ā r a t a where the subjects are Bhāratī (pertaining to
Bhārata).
6. M a n u i s called B h a r a t a because of his (efficiency in
the) m a i n t e n a n c e a n d n o u r i s h m e n t of the subjects. T h a t sub
continent is thus remembered as B h ā r a t a in view of the expres
sion defined t h u s . 1
7. It is from here t h a t heaven a n d salvation a r e a t t a i n e d
a n d people go to the m i d d l e (?) a n d u l t i m a t e e n d . 2 N o w h e r e
else on the E a r t h has the holy rite been enjoined on the h u m a n
beings.
8. U n d e r s t a n d t h a t there a r e n i n e different divisions or
zones of B h ā r a t a V a r s a . 3 It should be known t h a t they a r e
separated by oceans a n d it is impossible to traverse from one
t o the o t h e r .
D a r d u r a , K o l ā h a l a , along w i t h Surasa, M a i n ā k a , V a i d y u t a ,
Vātandhama, Nāgagiri, the m o u n t a i n P ā n d u r a (Pale-
white i n c o l o u r ) , T u ń g a p r a s t h a , Krsnagiri, t h e m o u n t a i n
G o d h a n a , the Puspagiri, Ujjayanta, the m o u n t a i n R a i v a t a k a ,
Śrlparvata, C i t r a k ū t a and t h e m o u n t a i n K ū t a ś a i l a . T h e r e are
m a n y m o u n t a i n s other t h a n these. T h e y are smaller t h a n
these, less well known a n d lesser n u m b e r of living beings
d e p e n d e n t on t h e m .
24. T h e regions interspersed with these m o u n t a i n s a r e
partially i n h a b i t e d by Aryas a n d partially by t h e Mlecchas
(tribal-barbarous-people). T h e following rivers (beginning with)
the G a ń g ā , the S i n d h u a n d the Sarasvatī are utilised by them
for d r i n k i n g purposes.
25-2 7a. T h e foregoing three a n d the following rivers
originate from the foot of t h e H i m a l a y a s , 1 viz. : the S a t a d r u ,
t h e C a n d r a b h ā g ā , the Y a m u n a , the Sarayū, t h e Irāvatī, t h e
Vitastā, the Vipāśā, the Devikā, the K u h ū , t h e G o m a t i , the
D h ū t a p ā p ā , t h e B u d b u d ā , the Drsadvatī, the Kauśikī, t h e
T r i d i v ā . t h e Nisthīvī, t h e G a n d a k ī a n d the Caksurlohitā.
27b.29a. T h e following rivers are r e m e m b e r e d as depen
d e n t on (i.e. originating from) the P ā r i y ā t r a m o u n t a i n : 2 T h e
Continued
The Tolalas—It is the Southern part of K o s a l a or G o n d w a n District
round Tosali ( M o d . D h a n t i ) in Puri District (De, p. 4 3 ) .
The Kosdlas— Sircar identifies with D a k s i n a (Southern) K o s a l a — M o d .
Raipur, Sitapur, Santalpur Districts.
The Vaidiia= Eastern M a l w a w i t h Vidis'ā or Bhilasa as the capital.
The Tripura=The region round Tewar—This covers upper Narmadā
valley (present J a b a l p u r a n d parts of M a n d l a a n d Narasimhapur Districts.)
The Naisadhas=Ma.rwax w i t h N a r w a r as the Capital (De, p.141).
The Anūpas= S o u t h M a l w a . Country on the N a r m a d ā about N i m a r
( D e , p. 8 ) .
The Vītihotras=The country is founded in the S o u t h by the Narmadā
a n d N o r t h East, West by the Vindhya. T h e centre was Satwas 30 miles N o r t h
West ofHarda.
The Āvantis=Country around Ujjain.
The Tundikera=tA. Ali locates it within the N a r m a d a basin around t h e
town Sainkheda (p.161).
The Nihāras= Location uncertain, D. C. Sircar G A M I , p. 4 5 .
The Harhsa-mārgas=Peopleot H u m z a i n N o r t h W e s t Kashmir. This tribe
h a d a location t h e r e — D . C. Sircar Ibid. p. 38 a n d 4 3 .
The Kupathas=Hill tribes in the N o r t h West of India.
1. T h e Mountain-system described in this w i t h M t . M e r u as the centre
is substantiated by the geographer M. Ah. in Geog. of the Purānas, pp. 47-59.
For the m o d e r n n a m e s of the Puranic mountains vide Supra Ch. 1. p.l 1 F N . K
162 Brahman (la Purāna
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Sūta said :
2. Listen attentively, O B r ā h m a n a s , to what you are
•desirous of hearing. T h e r e is a very large grove of Plaksa trees
in the sub-continent K i m p u r u s a . It can be compared with the
^heavenly) N a n d a n a p a r k .
3. It is remembered t h a t the span of life in K i m p u r u s a
is for ten thousand years. T h e m e n have golden complexion
a n d the w o m e n are comparable to celestial damsels.
4. All people there, are free from ailments a n d sorrows.
T h e y are perpetually joyous in their minds. T h e y have the
lustre of hot glowing gold.
5. In the holy sub-continent of K i m p u r u s a , there is an
auspicious tree oozing out (exuding) honey. All t h e K i m p u r u s a s
•drink its excellent j u i c e .
6. T h e y say t h a t the sub-continent H a r i v a r s a is beyond
K i m p u r u s a . T h e people there a r e b o r n resembling gold in the
colour of their complexion.
7. All the people in the sub-continent of H a r i v a r s a are
those w h o have been d r o p p e d d o w n from the Devaloka (Region
of the D e v a s ) . All of t h e m h a v e the characteristics and racial
features of the Devas. T h e y d r i n k the auspicious sugarcane
juice.
8. In t h e sub-continent H a r i v a r s a , all the people live
for eleven thousand years w i t h o u t a n y ailment. All of t h e m are
joyous in their m i n d s .
9-10. O l d age does not affect t h e m n o r do they die
prematurely.
1.2.17.11-20 163
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Sūta said :
1. In t h e midst of the H i m a l a y a n ridges, there is a
Vā.P.46.38b—anububhūsata—(be believed) by o n e desirous to c o m -
prehend.
166 Brahmānda Purāqa
1
m o u n t a i n n a m e d K a i l ā s a . T h e glorious a n d prosperous K u b e r a ^
lives there along w i t h t h e Rāksasas.
2-3. T h e king, the overlord of A l a k ā , rejoices (there)
with the celestial damsels a t t e n d i n g on h i m . T h e sacred splen
did a n d chill water originating from the foot of t h e K a i l ā s a
m o u n t a i n has formed a lake n a m e d M a d a 2 ( M a n d a , in V ā . P .
4 7 . 2 ) . It abounds in white lilies and it resembles a sea. T h e
auspicious river M a n d ā k i n ī 3 (the G a ń g ā ) rises from t h a t divine
(lake).
4-5. On its banks t h e r e is t h e great divine park called
N a n d a n a v a n a . To t h e North-east of t h e Kailāsa, in front of
t h a t divine m o u n t a i n of all medicinal herbs, the m o u n t a i n full
of jewels a n d minerals, t h e powerful m o u n t a i n of wonderful
mysteries, there is a m o u n t a i n n a m e d C a n d r a p r a b h a . 4 It is
perfectly white a n d it resembles splendid jewels.
6. At its foot there is a great divine lake n a m e d Svac-
choda. F r o m t h a t divine lake rises a river n a m e d Svacchodā.
7-8a. T h e r e is a g r e a t splendid divine p a r k on its banks
called C a i t r a r a t h a . O n t h a t m o u n t a i n lives M a n i b h a d r a along
w i t h his followers. He is t h e ruthless lord of t h e armies of
Yaksas. He is surrounded by the G u h y a k a s .
C H A P T E R NINETEEN
Sūta said :
1. I shall succinctly recount (information about) t h e
1
c o n t i n e n t of P l a k s a in t h e m a n n e r it really is. Listen to
this, O excellent B r ā h m a n a even as I speak a b o u t it
factually.
2. Its w i d t h is t w i c e t h e w i d t h of J a m b ū d v ī p a . Its
r o u n d girth ( p e r i m e t e r ) is twice its w i d t h .
* Vā.P.49.54a. reads prabhāsu (they are like the lords of the universe)
in brilliance. A better reading.
1. M. Ali examines the description of this Dvipa from different sources
and concludes that 'the K r a u ñ c a d v i p a of the Purānas is represented by the
basin of the Black Sea. (op. cit. pp. 4 5 - 4 6 )
1.2.19.70-79 181
C H A P T E R T W E N T Y
Sūla said :
l-2a. U n d e r s t a n d the details of the earth, the w.nd, the
ether, the w a t e r a n d the fire which is the fifth o n e — t h a t are
b e i n g recounted later on, t h a t h a d b e e n recounted earlier along
with the proofs thereof.
Continued
I. The Upper Regions :
Satya Loka
Tapo-loka
Jana Loka
M a h a r Loka
Svar Loka
• I
Bhuvar Loka
R e g i o n s or Nether-worlds:
Atala
Vitala
Sutala
Talātala
Rasātala
Mahā-tala
Pātāla
All these are supported by Lord Śesa, the Serpent-King.
T h e s e lower regions are not dark or devoid of sunlight. T h e y are full
of light a n d h a v e the affluence a n d comforts of the world of gods. Cf. B h .
P.V.24, V P . V . 2 . V ā . P . 50.1-54.
Baladeva U p ā d h y ā y a makes out a plausible case for identifying the
Nether-worlds w i t h the continent of America, (vide : Purāna-Vimarśa, p p .
43-49).
194 Brahm&n&a Purāna
1
CHAPTER TWENTYONE
Sūtasaid :
I. As long as the Sun and the M o o n revolve, they are-
elevated by means o f t h e i r lustre a n d brilliance through their
discus.
2-3. (?) T h e space covered by the brilliant refulgence
of the sun and the m o o n is the e x t e n t of the seven seas a n d t h e
continents. T h e light falls over half the extent of the e a r t h a n d
the other side remains external. T h e sun a n d the m o o n
illuminate the a r e a a r o u n d facing t h e m .
In extent and m a g n i t u d e the heaven (i.e. the firmament)
is remembered as equal to t h a t of t h e E a r t h .
4. T h e root \/av m e a n s illumination a n d protection.
Revolving all r o u n d , the sun illuminates a n d protects the
three worlds. H e n c e , on a c c o u n t of illumination a n d protection,
he is remembered as ' R a v i . ' 2
5-6. Hereafter, I shall recount the m a g n i t u d e of the m o o n
a n d the sun.
T h e word Mahi ( e a r t h ) is (arbitrarily)-assigned to this
sub-continent because of its state of being honoured (Mahitatvāt)
T h e Solar disc is as extensive as t h e d i a m e t e r of this sub con
tinent of B h ā r a t a . U n d e r s t a n d t h a t in Yojanas (1 Yojana =
12 k m . ) .
7. T h e extent of t h e disc of the sun is n i n e thousand
Yojanas. Its g i r t h is three times the extent.
1. T h e present chapter deals w i t h the ancient astronomical ideas in
the pre-telescope age. Similar information about the stellar region regarding
the size of the planets and other stars, movements of the Sun, the M o o n etc.
are found in other Purānas like the Bh.P. V Chs. 21-24, M t . P. Chs. 124-128,
V . P . II Chs. 8-12 and V ā . P. 1.50. 57 to Ch. 5 3 — t h e last being textually t h e
same as the Bd. P. and was useful in correcting the misprints in the present
text. T h e astrological aspect of these planets etc. is found in G P . 59-64 and
A P . 121 etc. S o m e of these ideas regarding the distances, positions and dimen
sions of planets are o u t d a t e d due to advance of modern astronomy.
2. T h e author of this P u r ā n a is fond of giving popular etymologies.
T h u s Ravi 'the S u n ' is normally traced to •yjru—according to Utfāii IV 13ft
Ujjvaladatta, but here the author traces it to \ / a v — " t o protect".
1.2.21.8-19 199
To t h e east of M e r u a n d on t h e t o p of t h e M ā n a s a is the
1
city of M a h e n d r a . It is t h e excellent abode of Vasus (of w h o m
I n d r a is t h e h e a d ) . It is d e c o r a t e d w i t h gold.
To the south of t h e M e r u and on t h e top of t h e M ā n a s a
itself, lives Vaivasvata Y a m a , (Yama t h e son of t h e Sungod)
in the city called S a m y a m a n a .
To t h e west of the M e r u a n d t h e t o p of t h e M ā n a s a it
self, is t h e beautiful city n a m e d Sukhā. It belongs to the intel
ligent V a r u n a . V a r u n a , the lord of the a q u a t i c beings, lives in
t h e city n a m e d Sukhā.
33. To t h e n o r t h of t h e M e r u , on t h e top of the
M ā n a s a itself, is t h e city of Soma, n a m e d V i b h ā v a r l . It is on
a p a r w i t h t h e city of M a h e n d r a .
34. It is for t h e stabilization of V i r t u e ( D h a r m a ) a n d
for the protection of all t h e worlds t h a t the g u a r d i a n s of the
worlds (i.e. quarters) have stationed themselves in all t h e four
quarters on t h e top of the M ā n a s a .
35. U n d e r s t a n d t h e m o v e m e n t of t h e sun d u r i n g t h e
southern transit, as he goes to t h a t q u a r t e r . His m o v e m e n t is
above all t h e guardians of t h e quarters.
36. D u r i n g his southern transit, the sun rushes forward
like an a r r o w t h a t is discharged. He revolves always, t a k i n g
t h e circle of luminaries with him.
37-38a. W h e n t h e sun is in t h e m i d d l e (of the firma-
m a n t ) at A m a r ā v a t ī (city of I n d r a ) his rising is seen in Samya
m a n a belonging to Vaivasvata (i.e. Y a m a ) . At Sukhā it shall
be t h e middle of t h e night a n d t h e sun (appears t o ) set at
V i b h ā (i.e. V i b h ā v a r l ) .
38b-39a. W h e n the sun is in t h e middle (of t h e firma
m e n t ) a t S a m y a m a n a belonging t o Vaivasvata (i.e. Y a m a ) , h e
is seen rising at Sukhā belonging to V a r u n a . At V i b h ā it shall
be t h e m i d d l e of the night a n d ( t h e sun appears to) set at
M ā h e n d r i (Amarāvatī, the city of I n d r a ) .
39b-41. W h e n it is afternoon for t h e people of the south
east ( o r t h e South a n d the E a s t ) , it is m e n t i o n e d as forenoon for
* Cf. Ait. Br. 111.44 w h i c h clearly states that there is rising or setting
of the Sun. Also V P . I I . 8 . 1 6 . Contrast the Greek idea of having a new sun
every day.
1. T h i s is a mythical m o u n t a i n surrounding the outermost border of
the world. It is so called as it divides the visible wOrld from the region of dark
ness. For its description vide W . 104-107 below.
1.2.21.55-64 203
t h r e e points ( c o n s t i t u t i n g ) i n t h e Nāgavīthi. T h e m a g n i t u d e
of t h e n o r t h e r n orbit as well as the southern orbit is eighty
h u n d r e d thousand a n d f i v e thousand eight h u n d r e d Yojanas ( ? )
(or 8 0 4 - 5 8 = 138 lakhs of Yojanas.)
77b-79a. I shall henceforth m e n t i o n t h e distance b e t
ween t h e q u a r t e r s in Yojanas.
T h i s distance is eight h u n d r e d t h o u s a n d four h u n d r e d
a n d thirty t h r e e Yojanas (?)
T h u s t h e distance b e t w e e n t h e quarters has been m e n t i o n
ed in Yojanas.
79b-80a. I shall m e n t i o n t h e distance b e t w e e n t h e t w o
quarters a n d M e r i d i a n s , t h e southern a s well a s t h e n o r t h e r n ,
in Yojanas. U n d e r s t a n d it.
80b-81. T h e exterior a n d t h e interior distances between
t h e quarters a n d t h e m e r i d i a n s are seven million a n d o n e
h u n d r e d a n d seventyfive thousand Yojanas.
82. D u r i n g U t t a r ā y a n a t h e sun goes r o u n d t h e i n t e r n a l
zones. D u r i n g t h e D a k s i n ā y a n a it goes r o u n d t h e e x t e r n a l
zones always in t h e d u e o r d e r .
83. T h e r e a r e one h u n d r e d a n d e i g h t y t h r e e zones i n
t h e n o r t h . I n t h e south also t h e sun traverses t h a t m u c h .
84-85. U n d e r s t a n d the m a g n i t u d e of t h e zone in Yojanas.
It is seventeen thousand two h u n d r e d a n d t w e n t y o n e Yojanas
(in magnitude).
86. T h i s m a g n i t u d e of t h e zone has thus been recount
r
ed in so m a n y Yojanas. *iflJ' ct(
T h e d i a m e t e r of t h e zone is laid obliquely., ZyJeli"**
87-88. Everyday the sun traverses those (zones) m d u e
order. J u s t as the o u t e r r i m of t h e p o t t e r ' s wheel comes b a c k
quickly (i.e. revolves), so also t h e sun functions quickly d u r i n g
his S o u t h e r n transit. H e n c e , he traverses a m a j o r p o r t i o n of
t h e E a r t h in t h e course of a s h o r t e r period.
89-91. D u r i n g D a k s i n ā y a n a , on a c c o u n t of his rapidity,
t h e sun covers t h i r t e e n a n d a half constellations in t h e course of
a d a y of twelve M u h ū r t a s . He covers t h e same n u m b e r of cons
tellations d u r i n g t h e night of eighteen M u h ū r t a s .
J u s t as t h e central region of t h e p o t t e r ' s wheel whirls
slowly so also, d u r i n g his n o r t h e r n transit t h e sun traverses
w i t h less r a p i d i t y . H e n c e , d u r i n g his n o r t h e r n transit, t h e sun
206 Brahmānda Purāna
Tapas Māgha
Tapasya Phālguna
Madhu Caitra
Mādhava Vaiśākha
Śukra Jyestha
śuci Asādha
Nabhas Śrāvana
Nabhasya Bhādrapada
Isu Aśvina
Orja Kārttika
Sahas Mārgaśirsa
Sahasya Pausa
212 Brahmānda Purāna
C H A P T E R TWENTYTWO*
Sūta said :
1. All t h e Antaras (i.e. M a n v a n t a r a s ) d u r i n g t h e creation
of S v ā y a m b h u v a have b e e n r e c o u n t e d . I shall r e c o u n t all t h e
future ones in d u e order.
2. On h e a r i n g this, the sages asked R o m a h a r s a n a a b o u t
t h e m o v e m e n t of the S u n , t h e M o o n a n d t h e planets.
Sūta said :
5. This is something t h a t confounds all living beings.
U n d e r s t a n d this even as I tell you. A l t h o u g h this is visible
and directly p e r c e p t i b l e , it perplexes t h e people.
6. T h e star t h a t (diffuses light) in t h e four quarters
and is established at t h e tail of t h e Śiśumāra(i.e. a collection of
stars resembling a d o l p h i n or a G a n g e t i c porpoise) is D h r u v a ,
1
t h e son of U t t ā n a p ā d a . He is, as t h o u g h , t h e m a i n pivot to
w h i c h all t h e stars a n d planets a r e a t t a c h e d .
7. It is reported t h a t it is he w h o p e r p e t u a l l y makes t h e .
m o o n a n d t h e sun revolve along with t h e planets. As it ( t h e
s u n ) revolves like a wheel, t h e stars also follow it.
8. T h e g r o u p of luminaries, t h e sun a n d t h e m o o n , t h e
stars-and constellations a l o n g with t h e planets move a b o u t ,
2
at t h e will of D h r u v a .
9-10. T h e y a r e fastened to D h r u v a by m e a n s of b o n d s
in the form of rows of winds. T h e i r j u n c t i o n , difference, time,
m o v e m e n t , rising a n d setting, portentious p h e n o m e n o n , t h e
s o u t h e r n and n o r t h e r n transits, the equinox a n d t h e colours of
t h e planets ( ? ) — a l l these function, d u e to D h r u v a .
11. R a i n , heat, snowfall, day, night, t h e twilight, t h e
welfare a n d woes of t h e subjects—all these take place d u e to
Dhruva.
12. Presided over by D h r u v a , the sun takes up w a t e r
a n d showers i t . 3 This sun whose rays a r e ablaze, is t h e fire of
t h e destruction of the universe.
13-15. In the course of his revolution, O Brāhmanas,.
he illuminates t h e quarters. W i t h t h e mass of his rays a n d
a c c o m p a n i e d by the wind all r o u n d , the sun takes away t h e
w a t e r of t h e entire world, O excellent B r ā h m a n a s . T h e m o o n
transmits the entire w a t e r d r u n k b y the sun. T h e torrential
c u r r e n t of w a t e r ( D o w n p o u r of r a i n ) functions t h r o u g h JVādis
(veinlike vessels) accompanied b y t h e wind. T h e w a t e r t h a t
oozes out of t h e moon remains in t h e food (i.e. p l a n t s a n d food
crops).
C H A P T E R T W E N T Y T H R E E
Sūta said :
1. T h a t chariot is occupied a n d presided over by t h e
Devas, Adityas, sages, G a n d h a r v a s , Divine damsels, Grāmanis,
Serpents a n d d e m o n s . 1
2-5a. T h e s e abide in the sun for t h e period of two
m o n t h s each in d u e o r d e r . 2
T h e following reside in t h e sun continuously in t h e
m o n t h s o f M a d h u a n d M ā d h a v a ( C a i t r a a n d Vaiśākha) viz.
(gods) D h ā t r a n d A r y a m a n ; (sages) Pulastya, Pulaha, the
P r a j ā p a t i ; (serpents) Airāvata, Vāsuki, Karhsa, B h ī m a ; R a t h a -
krt, a n d R a t h a u j a s — t h e s e two a r e cited as Yaksas; ( G a n d h
arvas) T u m b u r u , N ā r a d a ; (divine damsels) Susthalā a n d
CHAPTER TWENTYFOUR
Sūta said :
Sūta said
\
240 Brahmānia Purāna
CHAPTER TWENTYFIVE
Sūta said :
1. After r e c o u n t i n g this (astronomical information in
the last c h a p t e r ) Lord V ā y u (The W i n d god) of very great
intellect a n d who is (always) engaged in what is conducive to
the welfare of t h e world, commenced the Japa ( m u t t e r i n g in an
u n d e r t o n e t h e M a n t r a ) t h a t was to be c h a n t e d when the sun
reached t h e middle of the sky.
2. All those sages who h a d assembled there a n d w h o h a d
perfect control over their O w n selves, stood up with palms
j o i n e d in reverence.
3 . T h e W i n d god p r a y e d : " O N ī l a k a n t h a , obeisance
to you w h o ought to be worshipped at t h e end of religious
observances, a n d who are the lord of all living beings, a n i m a
ting them all."
4-5. On hearing this, those sages of p u r e souls, of Praise
w o r t h y religious observance and famous as Vā akhilyas,
eightyeight thousand in n u m b e r , who, of sublimated sexual
impulse, walked by t h e side of the sun (as his associates) a n d
subsisted on leaves, (of trees), wind a n d water, submitted to
V ā y u as follows :
Maheśvara said :
45. Formerly, when t h e milk-ocean was being c h u r n e d
by the Devas a n d Dānavas for the sake of Amrta (nectar),
a terrible poison as sparkling as the d a r k fire cropped u p .
46. On seeing, O lady of excellent face, t h e m u l t i t u d e s
of Devas a n d Daityas b e c a m e dejected. All of t h e m a p p r o
ached Brahma.
47. On seeing the frightened groups of Devas, B r a h m a ,
of great splendour, asked : "O highly fortunate ones, why are
you frightened? W h y are you dejected in t h e m i n d ?
48. Three-fold prosperity a n d power has been conferred by
me on you all, O excellent Devas. By w h o m has your prosperity
been t u r n e d off?
49. You a r e t h e lords a n d masters of the three worlds.
All of you a r e free from ailments. In the creation of subjects
there is no one who dares to transgress my behest.
50. All of you move a b o u t in aerial chariots. All of you
go a b o u t as you please. (All of you are very c o m p e t e n t ) in
regard to spiritual things, worldly beings a n d providential ones
for e v e r ) .
5 1 . You are c o m p e t e n t to make all t h e subjects function
in accordance w i t h the consequence of their previous actions.
H e n c e , why are you all agitated due to fear like t h e deer
harassed by lion ?
52. W h a t is your misery? W h a t is your distress? W h e n c e
has fear befallen you? It behoves you to explain quickly all
these things d u l y " .
252 Brahmānda Purāna
t h e Cintya ( o n e w h o c a n be c o n t e m p l a t e d u p o n ; obeisance to
the Acintya (one w h o is beyond contemplation) ; Obeisance to
t h e Cintya-cum-Acintya one.
73. Obeisance to the dispeller of distress of all t h e
worlds; Bow to t h e lord w h o is fond of N ā r ā y a n a ; Obeisance to
Śarva, the lover of U m ā , H a i l to t h e lord m a r k e d with t h e face
of N a n d i n ? (nandi-vaktrāñkitāya) *
74. H a i l to ( t h e lord identifying himself with) Paksa
( f o r t n i g h t ) , Māsa ( M o n t h ) and Ardhamāsa (half a m o n t h ) ;
obeisance to (the Lord, the identifier w i t h ) the S e a s o n a n d
Sarhvatsara( y e a r ) ; Bow to t h e lord of m a n y forms, to the lord
with shaven h e a d , to the lord bearing a staff, to t h e lord wearing
a mailed a r m o u r .
75. Obeisance to the lord with t h e skull in his h a n d ;
Bow to the god having quarters for his r a i m e n t ( t h e n a k e d
o n e ) ; to one with a tufted h e a d ; Obeisance to the lord with a
bow and a chariot, a n d to the celibate god with self control.
76-78. Obeisance to t h e e m b o d i m e n t of Rk, Yajus a n d
S ā m a v e d a ; obeisance to Purusa, the supreme lord- Bow u n t o
you who are worthy of being eulogised by prayers composed like
this."
After eulogising like this, O lady of excellent face, B r a h m a
bowed down ( a n d praised once a g a i n ) .
"O lord R u d r a , (even) after knowing my devotion as well
as t h a t of t h e Devas, you do not manifest yourself. T h o u g h you
h a d released y o u r ( m a t t e d ) h a i r a n d got it splashed with t h e
waters of t h e G a ń g ā , ( y e t ) you are too subtle, to be contemplat
ed u p o n , on a c c o u n t of y o u r supreme Yogic p o w e r " .
T h u s I was eulogised formerly by lord B r a h m a , the fireatoT---
of the worlds, by means of various kinds of hymns originating
from t h e V e d a s a n d V e d ā ń g a s (ancillary parts of the v e d a s ) .
T h e r e u p o n , I spoke to P i t ā m a h a B r a h m a in i m p o r t a n t
words:
79-80. "O lord of the worlds, O lord of the past, present
a n d future, O lord of the universe, O B r a h m a , w h a t should be
d o n e by me u n t o you. Tell m e , O lord of holy r i t e s " .
CHAPTER TWENTYSIX
1
The Origin of the Lińga-Image of Śiva
Sūta said :
2. " T h i s has been declared by Visnu formerly in the
course of his conquest of the three worlds after binding Bali,
t h e lord of the three worlds, of great prowess.
3-5. T h e consort of Śacī ( I n d r a ) was delighted when
the Daityas were destroyed. Thereafter, all the Devas c a m e to
see the eternal lord. T h e y c a m e to the place where the lord of
cosmic form abides near the milk ocean. T h e Siddhas, t h e
B r ā h m a n a sages, the Yaksas, the G a n d h a r v a s , t h e groups of
divine damsels, the serpents, t h e divine sages, t h e rivers and
the m o u n t a i n s a p p r o a c h e d the great soul and the supreme
Being, H a r i a n d began to eulogise him.
6. " Y o u are the supporter a n d the maker (of the uni
verse) O Lord, you create t h e worlds. It is d u e to y o u r
grace, t h a t the three worlds a t t a i n ever-lasting welfare.
7-8. All the Asuras have been defeated. Bali has been
imprisoned by y o u " .
On being thus addressed by Devas (gods), Siddhas
a n d the great sages, Visnu, t h e s u p r e m e M a n , replied to
t h e Devas.
"O excellent Devas, let this be h e a r d . I shall explain the
reason.
9-10a. I have a t t a i n e d Siddhatva (state of a great Siddha)
d u e to t h e grace of t h a t lord who is the creator of all living
beings, who is the personification of the destructive principle
a n d who is the lord and cause of T i m e , by w h o m the worlds
a n d I have been created along with B r a h m a , by m e a n s of his
Māyā.
10b-12a. Formerly, when t h e three worlds h a d been
swallowed (enveloped) a n d merged in t h e darkness a n d all was
unmanifest, a n d while I, with all the living beings within my
belly, lay there alone, I h a d a t h o u s a n d heads, eyes a n d feet
a n d h a d t h e conch, discus a n d the club in my h a n d s , I was
lying on t h e p u r e expanse of w a t e r .
Sūta said :
64. "After hearing this, all t h e Devas went to their
respective abodes, paying h o m a g e a n d respects u n t o Ś a ń k a r a
t h e great soul.
65. H e who recites this h y m n u n t o t h e lord, t h e great
soul, obtains all desires a n d gets rid of all sins.
66. All this was n a r r a t e d to t h e m by Visnu, the power
ful one, d u e to the grace of M a h ā d e v a , a b o u t the eternal
B r a h m a n . T h u s everything regarding the power of M a h e ś v a r a
has been described to you.
1.2.27.1-9 265
CHAPTER TWENTYSEVEN
Sūta said :
5. " L e t this righteous activity be heard while I recount
it, O alert ones. It is, d u e to his compassion towards the
devotees, t h a t this h a d been carried o u t by t h e lord of the
Devas.
6. ( T h i s h a p p e n e d ) O B r ā h m a n a s , formerly on the
splendid a n d auspicious peak of the H i m a l a y a s in the K r t a -
yuga. T h e r e is a forest of D e v a d ā r u trees which is beautiful
a n d full of m a n y trees a n d creepers.
7-9. M a n y sages perform austerities here a n d carry on
2
holy ascetic rites. S o m e of t h e m h a d only śaivāla (moss) for
1. G o d Śiva is the best o n e a m o n g all gods etc. Cf. Bh. G. for such
a list of excellences a n d every such excellence is H i s part :
Tad yad vibhūtimai sattvarh....
mama Ujomśasambhaaam / Bh. G. X 4 1 .
1.2.27.83-95 273
CHAPTER TWENTYEIGHT
1. O S ū t a ! K i n g P u r u r a v a s , t h e son of I l ā , used to go
to t h e heaven on the New M o o n d a y in every m o n t h . H o w
was it ? H o w did he p r o p i t i a t e the Pitrs ( M a n e s ) .
Sūta said :—
2. O Śārhśapāyani, I shall n a r r a t e his power. I shall
n a r r a t e the c o n t a c t of t h e noble-souled son of I l ā with t h e sun
as well as w i t h t h e m o o n .
3-5. I shall tell you a b o u t t h e increase a n d t h e decrease
in t h e size of t h e m o o n t h a t has its essence within, d u r i n g the
two fortnights, t h e b r i g h t one a n d t h e d a r k one. I shall state
t h e decision in r e g a r d to one with t h e Pitrs (Pitrmatah) as well
as to one belonging to t h e Pitrs (Pitryasya). I shall n a r r a t e
t h e acquisition of n e c t a r from t h e m o o n as well as t h e propi
tiation of t h e P i t r s ; I shall m e n t i o n t h e sight of t h e Pitrs viz.
t h e Kāvyas, t h e Agnisvāttas a n d t h e Saumyas. I shall m e n t i o n
h o w P u r u r a v a s p r o p i t i a t e d t h e Pitrs. I shall m e n t i o n all these
in d u e order as well as t h e P a r v a n s .
6 . W h e n t h e sun a n d t h e m o o n come into c o n t a c t w i t h
t h e star, t h e y stay in A m ā v ā s y ā (New M o o n ) for a n i g h t in
t h e same zone.
278 Brahmānda Purāna
C H A P T E R TWENYNINE
Sūta said:—
2. W h a t I have a l r e a d y described in t h e context of
( t h e description of) t h e E a r t h etc, the set of four Yugas is
a m o n g t h e m . I shall r e c o u n t it. .(All of you listen a n d ) u n d e r
stand.
3-4. T h e r e a r e six aspects to be m e n t i o n e d in regard
to t h e set of four Yugas. viz. Yuga, t h e difference of Yugas,
Total 3600,001
3600,000 Years
w i t h Sandhyā a n d Sandhyāmśas 4 3 2 0 , 0 0 0 years.
1.2.29.35-46 291
CHAPTER THIRTY*
Śāmśapāyani said :—
1. H o w could Yajña begin to function formerly in the
Svāyambhuva M a n v a n t a r a , at the beginning of the T r e t ā Yuga.
N a r r a t e it factually to m e .
2-4. W h e n the Sandhyā (the period between two Yugas)
elapsed along with the K r t a Yuga, when ( t h e time u n i t ) called
K ā l a [kalā] began to function at the advent of T r e t ā Yuga,
when the creation of r a i n h a d taken place a n d (the plants a n d )
the medicinal herbs had grown, when the pra c t i c e of culti
vation a n d agriculture h a d been fully established, when the
people devoted to the stage of life of a householder established
the classification of castes a n d stages of life with keen insight,
then how was Yajña initiated after gathering together all the
requisites ?"
1. The fall of king Vasu for supporting animal sacrifices showed how
that institution of animal sacrifice became condemned at the time of this
Purāna.
300 Brahmānda Puārna
1
as the gateway to D h a r m a . T h o u s a n d s a n d millions of sages
have gone to heaven by means of their own austerities.
36-38. Therefore, the great sages do not praise either
charity or Yajña. By giving roots and fruits or greens a n d
vegetables gleaned by them or waterpot in accordance with
their capacity, m a n y ascetics have become well-established in
the heavenly world.
Non-harassment, absence of greed, penance, mercy to the
living beings, control of sense-organs, celibacy, truthfulness,
tenderness, forgiveness, fortitude—these are the roots of the
eternal D h a r m a , but they a r e very difficult to achieve.
39-41. It is h e a r d (traditionally) that m a n y sinless
B r ā h m a n a s , Ksatriyas a n d others have achieved spiritual power
by m e a n s of p e n a n c e . T h e y are Priyavrata, U t t ā n a p ā d a ,
D h r u v a , M e d h ā t i t h i , Vasu, S u d h ā m a n , Virajas, Śańkha,
Pāndyaja, Prācinabarhis, Parjanya, H a v i r d h ā n a a n d o t h e r
kings. T h e s e a n d m a n y others have gone to heaven by means
of their jausterities. T h e y a r e saintly kings of great inherent
strength whose r e p u t a t i o n has been firmly established.
42. H e n c e , by all reasons, p e n a n c e is superior to Yajña.
It is due to his p e n a n c e that this whole universe h a d been
formerly created by B r a h m a .
4 3 . H e n c e , Y a j ñ a does not follow it ( p e n a n c e ) anywhere.
This (world) is regarded as based on penance.
Articles (of sacrifice) and M a n t r a s a r e the bases of
Y a j ñ a . P e n a n c e is of t h e n a t u r e of non-intake of food.
44. O n e attains the Devas by means of Yajña and
Vairāja by m e a n s of p e n a n c e . Brahminical holy rites (are
achieved) by m e a n s of r e n u n c i a t i o n a n d t h e victory over
P r a k r t i t h r o u g h Vairāgya (absence of passionate a t t a c h m e n t ) .
45-48. O n e attains Kaivalya (salvation) t h r o u g h know
ledge. These are declared as five goals.
T h u s great a r g u m e n t took place between t h e Devas a n d
t h e sages in connection w i t h the functioning of t h e Yajña for-
merly d u r i n g S v ā y a m b h u v a M a n v a n t a r a .
Thereafter, on seeing h i m (Vasu ?) struck d o w n by means
of t h e power of D h a r m a , all of t h e m ignored the words of Vasu
CHAPTER THIRTYONE
CHAPTER THIRTYTWO*
Sūta said :
1. L e a r n from me the different subjects viz. Asuras,
Serpents, G a n d h a r v a s , Piśācas, Yaksas a n d Rāksasas, t h a t are
b o r n in (different) Yugas.
* T h i s chapter corresponds to V ā . P . C h . 5 9 .
1. This chapter records the belief that there has been a continuous
deterioration in height or physical built a n d other capacities of all the subjects
of creation, be they gods, m e n or serpents. Archaeological excavations have not
substantiated this belief.
314 Brahmānda Purāna
CHAPTER THIRTYTHREE
Sūta said :—
1. T h e sons of R s i k a s should be known as the sons of
the sages. They, are the expounders of the Brāhmanas. ( S c r i p
tural texts). U n d e r s t a n d t h e m by names.
2-4. T h e Śrutarsis (sages distinguished by knowledge of
t h e V e d a s ) — t h e most i m p o r t a n t a m o n g t h e m — a r e mentioned
briefly. 1 T h e y a r e Bahvrca, Bhārgava, Paila, S ā ń k r t y a , Jājali,
Sandhyāsti, M ā t h a r a , Yājñavalkyā, Parāśara, Upamanyu,
I n d r a p r a m a t i , M ā n d ū k i , Śākali, Bāskali, Śokapāni, Naila,
Paila, Alaka, P a n n a g a , P a k s a g a n t a (and others). T h e Śrutarsis
a r e eighty-six in n u m b e r .
5-6. T h e s e B r ā h m a n a s a r e t h e most i m p o r t a n t a m o n g
Bahvrcas w h o a r e distinguished for their knowledge of V e d a s . 2
Hotr is the response or supporting tune by the assistant Hotr, Upadrava is the
fourth of the five parts of a S ā m a n Stanza. ( S ā y a n a on S a d a v i m ś a B r . ) .
According to that Brāhmana, a S ā m a n Stanza has five parts. Hrirhkāra a n d
Omkāra appear subsequent additions.
330 Brahmānda Purāna
CHAPTER THIRTYFOUR
Vāyu said :—
1. On h e a r i n g his words, the sages asked S ū t a thereafter
" H o w were the Vedas classified once again, O highly intelli
gent one, r e c o u n t t h a t to u s . "
Sūta said :—
Indra-Pramati Bāskaia
(4 branches)
(1) Bodhyā
(2) Agnimātr
(3) Pārāśari
(4) Yājñavalkyā
Mānclukeya (complete R g v e d a )
Satyaśravas (Cont.)
.334 Brahmānda Purāna
Śāmiapāyana enquired :—
34-35. H o w was t h a t sage who was h a u g h t y a n d a r r o g a n t
on account of his knowledge slain d u r i n g the horse-sacrifice of
J a n a k a ? H o w did the a r g u m e n t begin? W h y did it start at
<Cont.)
Satyahita
Satya-śri
ŚāL
Śākalya Rathītara Bharadvāja
or (Son of Bāskala)
Devamitra
1.2.34.36-45 335
Sūta said :—
36. T h e r e was a great assemblage (of learned men)
d u r i n g the horse-sacrifice of J a n a k a . M a n y thousands of sages
came there.
37-38.- All of them were desirous of watching that Yajña
•of the saintly king J a n a k a . On seeing the B r ā h m a n a s who
arrived, he h a d his curiosity a r o u s e d — " W h o is the most
excellent B r ā h m a n a a m o n g these ? H o w can I come to t h a t
•decision ?" After thinking thus, the king hit u p o n an intelligent
plan.
39-41a. He b r o u g h t the following articles (as gift) viz.
A thousand cows, plenty of gold, villages, jewels a n d maid
servants. T h e king then a n n o u n c e d to the sages, "O sages of
excellent fortune, I bow down my head u n t o all of you. T h e
w e a l t h that has been brought here is for t h e most excellent one
a m o n g you. O excellent Brāhmanas, know that my wealth is
for y o u . " *
41b-45. On hearing the words of J a n a k a a n d on seeing
t h e most valuable wealth, those sages well-versed in the Vedas
b e c a m e greedy. T h e y were desirous of seizing the same.
T h e y challenged one a n o t h e r in their height of arrogance
d u e to Vedic knowledge, with their mind dwelling on the
riches displayed. T h e y b e g a n to quarrel and claim t h u s — " T h i s
wealth ( o u g h t to) be mine. This is mine and not y o u r s " .
A n o t h e r said : " S a y , why do you swagger".
O w i n g to the fault of wealth, they began to argue in
"various ways.
CHAPTER THIRTYFIVE
Svāyambhuva Manvantara
Sūta said :—
1. Śākalya (otherwise known as) D e v a m i t r a , an intelli
g e n t noble-soul, a leading B r ā h m a n a w h o Was the foremost
* Vā P. 6 0 . 5 8 b reading is more explicit:
Sāpah pano'sya vādasya abruvan mrtyum āvrajet.
1. T h e last question of Yājñavalkya to Śākalya in the Br had. Upa
w a s about Aupanisada Purusa a n d not about the superiority of the path of
S ā ń k h y a (spiritual wisdom) or Y o g a (path of m e d i t a t i o n ) as in this Purāna.
2. T h e Legend that Yājñavalkya received a new Veda (the white
Y a j u r v e d a ) from the Sun-god is as old as the M b h . Śānti 318.6-12. But this
chapter in the M b h . does not mention his guru's order to recant the Yajurveda
learnt by Yājñavalkya trom h i m due to KiT-insolence and uncharitabi
remarks about his class-mates' capacity to perform that p e n a n c e .
Bāskala
Bharadvāja (expounded 3 S a m h i t ā s )
Sūta said : —
15. T h e sages h a d some work to do, O excellent
B r ā h m a n a . After reaching the top of the M e r u , they conferred
with one a n o t h e r as follows :
16. " I f any excellent B r ā h m a n a does n o t t u r n up h e r e
within seven days, he shall ( h a v e t o ) perform (expiation for)
Brāhmana-slaughter (Brahma-Hatyā). T h i s is proclaimed as o u r
stipulated c o n d i t i o n . "
17. Thereafter, all of t h e m excepting V a i ś a m p ā y a n a
went to the place w h e r e t h e assemblage h a d been fixed. ( T h e y
attended along with all t h e m e m b e r s of their g r o u p s ) .
Yājñavalkya said ;—
20. "I shall perform it single-handed. Let these sages
s t a n d b y . Purified by my own p e n a n c e , I shall lift it up
with m y p o w e r " .
2 1 . O n being told thus, h e (Vaiśampāyana) became
angry a n d expelled Yājñavalkya. He said " R e t u r n to me every
thing t h a t has been learned by y o u " .
22. On being told thus, ( t h e sage) the most excellent
one a m o n g the knowers of B r a h m a n , vomited out t h e Yajur
M a n t r a s t h a t h a d perceptible forms a n d h a d been smeared
with blood.
23. Thereafter, t h e B r ā h m a n a m e d i t a t e d u p o n the sun-
god a n d p r o p i t i a t e d h i m . T h e V e d a t h a t h a d come u p went
over to the sun a n d stayed there.
24. T h e sun-god w h o was pleased w i t h h i m gave u n t o
B r a h m a r ā t i (i.e. Yājñavalkya who h a d the fund of Vedic know-
ledge) those Yajur M a n t r a s that h a d gone up to the Solar
sphere.
25-27. M ā r t a n d a (the Sun) gave those Y a j u r - M a n t r a s to
t h e intelligent Yājñavalkya w h o h a d assumed the form of
h o r s e . (Some) B r ā h m a n a s study those Yajur M a n t r a s by some
1
Sutvan
!
School of Laugāksi
K i n g Hiranya-nābha
Prince K r t a
Composed 24 Samhitās (taught one to each student)
Kabandha
(received Black Atharvan)
Pathya Devadarśa
I 1
Babhru Saindhavāyana
or Muñjakejya
346 Brahmānda Purāna
1
e i g h t y ) . W h a t is said here is in accordance w i t h Ańgirasas.
T h e y have Aranyakas also.
83. T h u s , t h e n u m b e r is reckoned. T h e different b r a n c h
e s a r e m e n t i o n e d . T h e originators o f t h e b r a n c h e s a n d t h e
causes of difference ( a r e also m e n t i o n e d ) .
8 4 . T h e r e are differences of b r a n c h e s (of V e d i c schools}
in all t h e M a n v a n t a r a s in this m a n n e r . T h e Śruti (as u t t e r e d
by) Prajāpati is eternal. These a r e r e m e m b e r e d as their a l t e r
native recensions.
85-86. On account of t h e fact t h a t t h e Devas a r e n o t
e t e r n a l , t h e M a n t r a s originate, again a n d a g a i n . 8 T h e differ
ences a m o n g the Śrutis d u r i n g D v ā p a r a Yugas h a v e b e e n
recounted.
T h u s , after classifying t h e Vedās a n d h a n d i n g t h e m over
to his disciples, t h e godly excellent sage w e n t to t h e forest for
performing p e n a n c e .
87-89a. These different schools of Vedic b r a n c h e s have
been evolved by his disciples a n d t h e disciples of his disciples.
T h e r e a r e fourteen Vidyās (Lores) viz. t h e six Vedāńgas-
(Ancillary subjects), t h e four Vedas, t h e M ī m ā m s ā a n d N y ā y a
Vistara ( L o g i c ) , D h a r m a ś ā s t r a a n d P u r ā n a ( M y t h o l o g y ) .
F o u r m o r e lores viz. Ayurveda ( M e d i c i n e ) , Dhanurveda
(Science of a r c h e r y ) Gāndharva (Musicology), these three to
gether w i t h Arthaśāstra (Economics, Political economy) c o n s t i t u t e
( a l o n g w i t h t h e former ones) the eighteen lores. 3
1.2.36.1 361
CHAPTER THIRTYSIX
Śāmśapāyana said :—
1
1. I wish to h e a r a b o u t t h e r e m a i n i n g M a n v a n t a r a s in
the p r o p e r sequence a n d also a b o u t t h e rulers of t h e M a n v a n
taras as well as those whose leaders are Śakra ( I n d r a ) a n d
{other) Devas.
Sūta said :—
2. U n d e r s t a n d even as I recount succinctly a n d in
detail a b o u t those M a n v a n t a r a s which have gone by a n d which
a r e yet to come.
3-5. T h e following six a r e t h e M a n u s of the past viz.
S v ā y a m b h u v a M a n u a t t h e outset; then Svārocisa M a n u , t h e n
U t t a m a , T ā m a s a , R a i v a t a a n d Cāksusa. I shall m e n t i o n the
eight ( M a n u s ) of t h e future (four of w h o m are) Sāvarni,
R a u c y a , B h a u t y a a n d Vaivasvata. I shall n a r r a t e these (later
o n ) before Vaivasvata M a n u . T h e f i v e M a n u s o f the p a s t —
know t h e m to be Mānasas ( M e n t a l Sons).
6-7. I have already recounted to you t h e M a n v a n t a r a
of S v ā y a m b h u v a M a n u . Henceforth, I shall m e n t i o n succinctly
t h e creation of the subjects by t h e second noble-souled M a n u
Svārocisa. 1 I n t h e M a n v a n t a r a . o f Svārocisa t h e Tusitas were
the gods.,
8-12. So also the scholars P ā r ā v a t a s . T h u s two groups
are r e m e m b e r e d .
T h e sons of K r a t u (also known as) Svārocis were b o r n
of T u s i t a . T h e P ā r ā v a t a s were Vāsisthas (? Sons of V a s i s t h a ) .
T w o groups are r e m e m b e r e d ( e a c h consisting of) twelve. These
twentyfour Devas are considered as Chandajas.
T h e T u s i t a s a r e — D i v a s p a r ś a , J ā m i t r a , G o p a d a , Bhāsura,
Aja, Bhagavān, D r a v i n a of great strength, Aya of powerful
arms, M a h a u j a s of great virility, Cikitvān w h o was well-known,
Arhśa a n d R t a the twelfth a m o n g t h e m . These are glorified as
Tusitas.
1
42-43. U n d e r s t a n d the creation of T ā m a s a in detail
a n d in d u e order. In the fourth M a n v a n t a r a of T ā m a s a , t h e
M a n u , t h e . sets (of Devas) proclaimed a r e viz. Satyas,-
S u r ū p a s , Sudhīs a n d H a r i s . T h o s e Devas in t h e M a n v a n t a r a of
T ā m a s a were t h e sons of Pulastya.
44-48. E a c h of those sets of Devas consisted of twenty-
f i v e ( D e v a s ) . (Defective text) I n t h a t M a n v a n t a r a the
I n d r i y a s (? sense-organs) a r e r e m e m b e r e d as t h e Devas. It is
t h r o u g h the sense-organs t h a t people u n d e r s t a n d things. T h e
sages affirm ( a b o u t t h e sense-organs). T h e y h a v e their testi
monies. Manas ( t h e M i n d ) the eighth one ( ? ) is t h a t at
the head.
Śibi of great exploits, is the I n d r a of those Devas. O
excellent ones, u n d e r s t a n d those seven sages who were in t h a t
M a n v a n t a r a . T h e y w e r e — K ā v y a the son of Ańgiras, P r t h u t h e
son of K a ś y a p a , Agni the son of Atri, J y o t i r d h ā m a n the son of
Bhrgu, G a r a k a t h e son of P u l a h a , Pīvara the son of Vasistha a n d
C a i t r a t h e son of Pulastya.
49-50. T h e following were the sons of T ā m a s a , t h e
M a n u viz. J ā n u j a ń g h a , Ś ā n t i , N a r a , K h y ā t i , Ś u b h a , Priya-
bhrtya, Parīksit, Prasthala, D r d h e s u d h i , Krśāśva a n d
Krtabandhu.
U n d e r s t a n d the groups of Devas m e n t i o n e d in t h e fifth
(? second) M a n v a n t a r a of Svārocisa.*
51-54. T h e y were Amitābhas, Abhūtarayas, Vikunthas
and Sumedhas.
V a r i s t h a s were the splendid sons of V a r i s t h a the
Prajāpati* * ( ? ) .
T h e r e were fourteen very brilliant Devas in each of the
four G a n a s (sets of g o d s ) .
T h e following fourteen a r e r e m e m b e r e d as t h e Devas
called A m i t ā b h a s in the Svārocisa (Cārisnava in Vā. P.)
M a n v a n t a r a viz. U g r a , Prajña, Agnibhava, Prajyoti, Amrta^
S u m a t i , Virāva (? V ā v i r ā v a ) , D h ā m a n , N ā d a , Śravas, Vrtti,.
Rāśi, V ā d a a n d Ś a b a r a .
Sūta said :—
83. Listen to t h e succinct a c c o u n t , O B r ā h m a n a s of
t h e creation of Cāksusa in whose family was b o r n P r t h u t h e
valorous son of V e n a .
84-86. T h e r e a r e o t h e r lords of subjects (such as)
D a k s a , t h e son of P r a c e t a s .
Atri, t h e Prajāpati, accepted U t t ā n a p ā d a as his son.
Since t h e P r a j ā p a t i was a king, he b e c a m e his a d o p t e d son. He
was given in a d o p t i o n by S v ā y a m b h u v a M a n u to Atri for some
reason, after t h e advent of t h e sixth future M a n v a n t a r a of
Cāksusa. W i t h this as i n t r o d u c t i o n I shall r e c o u n t it, O
Brāhmanas.
87-88. S ū n r t ā , t h e beautiful lady of excellent hips, t h e
d a u g h t e r of D h a r m a , gave b i r t h to the four sons of U t t ā n a
p ā d a . T h a t lady, well-known b y t h e n a m e S ū n r t ā , was t h e
splendid m o t h e r of D h r u v a . T h a t l a d y of sparkling smiles was
b o r n of Laksmī, t h e wife of D h a r m a .
89-90a. U t t ā n a p ā d a begot t h e sons D h r u v a , K ī r t i m ā n ,
A y u s m ā n a n d Vasu. He begot two d a u g h t e r s of sparkling
smiles viz. Svarā a n d Manasvinī. T h e sons of these two ladies
( h a v e already been) m e n t i o n e d .
90b-93a. In t h e f i r s t T r e t ā Yuga, t h e grandson o f
S v ā y a m b h u v a ( M a n u ) , D h r u v a of great virility, performed a
p e n a n c e w i t h o u t taking in food for ten t h o u s a n d years accord
ing t o t h e divine reckoning. H e was desirous o f ( a n d p r a y e d
for) a c q u i r i n g g r e a t fame. P r a y i n g for great fame, he practised
all t h e Yogic rites. B r a h m a w h o was delighted w i t h h i m ,
bestowed o n h i m t h e excellent a b o d e a m o n g t h e luminaries. I t
is divine a n d devoid of rising a n d setting, till t h e t o t a l a n n i h i
lation of all living beings.
93b-95. On seeing his g r e a t g r a n d e u r a n d prosperity,
U ś a n a s , t h e p r e c e p t o r of t h e D a i t y a s a n d t h e Asuras sang this
verse : —
'O ! H o w wonderful is t h e power of his p e n a n c e ' ! O
(how c o m m e n d a b l e is) his l e a r n i n g ! O ( h o w g r e a t is) t h e
holy rite, whereby t h e seven sages s t a n d by, after keeping this.
Dhruva above them.
T h e heaven is attached to Dhruva. He is the master a n d
lord of t h e h e a v e n .
1.2.36.96-107a 369
Sūta replied :—
104. U d a k a , t h e son of Aranya, a t t a i n e d the status of
V a r u n a . Therefore, she was known as Vārunī. She became
well-known thus, on account of her brother.
105. T e n splendid sons were born of M a n u a n d N a d v a l ā ,
the d a u g h t e r of Viraja, the P r a j ā p a t i . T h e y were of great
vigour a n d vitality.
106-107a. T h e y were U r u , P ū r u , Satyadyumna, T a p a s -
vin, Satyavāk, K r t i , Agnistut, Atirātra, S u d y u m n a (these n i n e )
a n d A b h i m a n y u the t e n t h . These were the sons of M a n u a n d
Nadvalā.
370 Brahmānda Purāna
Śāmiapāyana requested1 :—
117-121. O sage of great noble rites, recount t h e b i r t h
( a n d life- tory) of P r t h u in detail, how formerly t h e E a r t h was
Sūta Narrated
122. I shall recount to you, O B r ā h m a n a s , t h e b i r t h of
P r t h u , t h e son of Vena. Listen to it with c o n c e n t r a t i o n and
p u r i t y of m i n d , O excellent B r ā h m a n a s .
123. This Brahman (i.e. the story as sacred as the Vedas)
should not be c o m m u n i c a t e d to one who is not pure, to one
who is a sinner, to one w h o is not a disciple, to one w h o is
a n t a g o n i s t i c a n d u n d e r no circumstances to one who does not
observe holy rites.
124-125. T h e origin of P r t h u t h e son of V e n a is con
ducive to t h e acquisition of wealth, fame, longevity a n d merit.
It is on a p a r with the Vedas. It is an esoteric secret mention
ed by t h e sages. If a n y person who is free from jealousy listens
to this story or recounts this to others after m a k i n g obeisance
to the B r ā h m a n a s , he will never have an occasion to repent over
his omissions a n d commissions of acts.
126. T h e r e was a king n a m e d Ańga. T h e lord was on a
p a r w i t h Atri a n d was born of t h e family of Atri. He was a
Prajāpatī a n d a zealous protector of D h a r m a .
Sūta said:—
195-200. T h e r e u p o n , he removed the heaps or collections
of rocks everywhere. T h e son of V e n a removed w i t h the tip of
his bow all t h e m o u n t a i n s t h a t h a d risen u p . In t h e M a n v a n
t a r a s t h a t h a d gone by, the E a r t h h a d been uneven. ( N o w ) all
her u n e v e n parts b e c a m e even naturally. In t h e previous crea
tion when the surface of t h e E a r t h was uneven, there h a d been
no distinction between cities and villages. T h e r e were no p l a n t s
or crops. T h e r e was n e i t h e r agriculture nor breeding of cattle.
T h e r e was no m a r k e t place or trade route. Such h a d been the
condition formerely in the Cāksusa M a n v a n t a r a . All these h a d
been possible (or created) (only) in the Vaivasvata
Manvantara.
T h e subjects lived in those places wherever there was
level g r o u n d . Initially t h e diet of t h e subjects consisted of
fruits a n d roots.
2 0 1 . We have h e a r d t h a t at t h a t time their sustenance
was m a i n t a i n e d w i t h great difficulty. • Everything was m a d e
available in this world even since t h e days of the son
of Vena.
202. After a d o p t i n g Cāksusa M a n u as the calf, lord
P r t h u milked plants a n d vegetables from the E a r t h on its o w n
surface.
203. Those virtuous subjects began to sustain themselves
by means of t h a t food ever since t h e n . It is h e a r d t h a t the
E a r t h was once again milked by the sages.
204-206. S o m a ( T h e M o o n ) was t h e calf in their case.
Brhaspati (Jupiter) was the m i l k m a n . Gāyatrī a n d other
(Vedic) M e t r e s carried out the function of t h e Utensil (milk-
p o t ) . P e n a n c e a n d t h e eternal B r a h m a n (Vedas) was t h e i r
milk (the y i e l d ) .
Again it is h e a r d t h a t the E a r t h was milked by t h e g r o u p s
o f Devas with P u r ā n d a r a ( I n d r a ) a s their leader, taking u p
1.2.36.207-217 37£
CHAPTER THTRTYSEVEN
Sūta said :—
1. As p e r t r a d i t i o n a l r e p o r t , t h e V a s u d h ā (the E a r t h )
was extended h e r e with oceans as its limits. It is glorified in
songs as V a s u d h ā because it holds (within its bowels) riches
(Vasu).
2. Formerly, it was completely i n u n d a t e d with t h e '
Medas (fat, suet) of (the d e m o n s ) M a d h u a n d K a i t a b h a . H e n c e
by etymological derivation it is called Medini by t h e expoun
ders of t h e B r a h m a n .
3. Thereafter, on its a t t a i n m e n t of t h e status of t h e
d a u g h t e r of t h e intelligent king P r t h u , t h e son of V e n a , it c a m e
to be cited as Prthivi.
4-5. T h e division of t h e E a r t h also was formerly accom
plished by P r t h u . T h e E a r t h consisting of a series of towns a n d
mines (of various n a t u r a l p r o d u c t s ) a n d i n h a b i t e d by t h e people
of four castes was p r o t e c t e d by t h a t intelligent king. K i n g
P r t h u t h e son of Vena, was a person of such power a n d influence,
O excellent B r ā h m a n a s .
6-12a. He is w o r t h y of b e i n g bowed down to a n d
h o n o u r e d by e n t i r e living beings all r o u n d .
P r t h u alone is worthy of being offered of o b e i s a n c e by
B r ā h m a n a s of g r e a t dignity a n d splendour, a n d experts in t h e
382 Brahmānda Purāna
V e d a s a n d t h e V e d ā ń g a s (ancillary subjects of t h e V e d a s ) ,
since he is ancient a n d h a d B r a h m a n as t h e source of origin.
P r t h u , the p r i m o r d i a l king, the valorous son of Vena,
s h o u l d be bowed d o w n to by the highly fortunate kings w h o
seek g r e a t r e p u t a t i o n .
P r t h u a l o n e , w h o was the first formulator of Military
service, should be bowed down to by warriors in the battlefield
desirous of o b t a i n i n g victory in t h e war.
T h e warrior w h o glorifies king P r t h u a n d t h e n proceeds
to the battlefield r e t u r n s safely from the terrible battle a n d
attains glorious fame.
T h e saintly king of great fame, P r t h u alone, should be
bowed down to by Vaiśyas too w h o strictly a b i d e by t h e duties
a n d activities befitting t h e Vaiśyas, since it was he w h o h a d
offered them sustenance.
T h u s the different types of calves, milkmen, milk a n d the
vessels—all these have been recounted by me in d u e order.
12b-15a 1 . At t h e outset, t h e E a r t h was milked by t h e
noble-souled B r a h m a after m a k i n g the wind god t h e calf. T h e
seeds on the surface of t h e E a r t h were t h e milky yield.
Thereafter, i n t h e S v ā y a m b h u v a M a n v a n t a r a ( t h e E a r t h
was milked) after m a k i n g Svāyambhuva M a n u t h e calf. All
types of plants were t h e milky yield.
Thereafter, w h e n t h e Svārocisa M a n v a n t a r a arrived, the
E a r t h was milked after m a k i n g Svārocisa, t h e calf. T h e plants
a n d food-grains were t h e milky yield.
15b-16a. I n the U t t a m a ( M a n v a n t a r a ) t h e e a r t h was
milked by intelligent D e v a b h u j a * after m a k i n g M a n u the best
calf a n d t h e (milk-yield was) all crops.
16b-17a. Again d u r i n g the fifth M a n v a n t a r a called
T ā m a s a , t h e e a r t h was milked again b y B a l a b a n d h u after m a k i n y
T ā m a s a ( M a n u ) as t h e calf.
17b-18a. It is reported t h a t w h e n t h e sixth M a n v a n t a r a
of Cāristava ( C ā r i s n a v a in Vā. P.) arrived, the E a r t h was
milked by P u r ā n a for the calf Cāristava. ( c ā r i s n a v a ) .
* Alternatively :
On account of the fire consisting of your fiery brilliance, he
(Daksa) will be just like fire. But he will make the subjects multiply and
flourish again—the subjects most of whom are consumed by fire.
1.2.37.41-52 385
Sūta explained :—
52. Creation and annihilation, O excellent ones, do
happen perpetually among the living beings. The sages and those
386 Brahmānda Purāna
C H A P T E R THIRTYEIGHT
Vaivasvata Manvantara :
The Mārica Creation