Koorma Purana

Dr. Vinay

Description

The Puranas work as guiding inspiration in Hindu life. The stories of Puranas reflect the composite human nature of all times. The lessons of the Puranas are captivating, entertaining and widely followed by the Hindus, so much that it can undisputedly be said that the Puranas are the beacons of Indian ethos. Today, when the old values seem outdated, the stories of the Puranas bring forth the lessons as much the graceful as were in old times. There are 18 Puranas, which tell the tales of vice and virtue, good and evil, religion and irreligion and so on. These are relevant even today. Koorma Purana is one of them. Its text is presented in form of a tortoise's expression of stories and morals out of them. The word 'Tortoise' means 'Koorma' in Sanskrit. According to Hindu scriptures, the Koorma was the metamorphosed form of Lord Vishnu, in his second incarnation. The morals derived from the stories spoken by the Koorma, were actually emanating from metamorphosed Lord Vishnu. The Koorma discusses the Shaiva and Shaakta theories.

Sujets

• Philosophie et théologie

Informations

• Publié par: Diamond Books
• Date de parution: 08 décembre 2021
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9788128828027
• Langue: English

Extrait

KOORMA PURANA
 

 
eISBN: 978-81-2882-802-7
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Published by: Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd.
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Edition : 2015
Koorma Purana
By - Dr. Vinay
Edited By - Kavita Jawarani
Preface
The Kurma Purana is a compilation of mythological legends and spiritual teachings revealed by Lord Vishnu, in his Kurma Avatar (tortoise incarnation). Lord Vishnu narrated the holy text to Sage Narada, who in turn, shared it with Sutaji. Sutaji, narrated the Purana to an august assembly of sages, in the holy city of Naimisharanya. The Kurma Purana originally consisted of four parts- the Brahma Samhita, the Bhagwati Samhita, Gauri Samhita and Vaishnavi Samhita. However, the extant text available today, includes only the Brahma Samhita, consisting of 6,000 shlokas (verses). The text is divided into two parts- the Purvabhaga, consisting of 53 chapters and the Uttarabhaga, consisting of 46 chapters. The Kurma Purana describes the various incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the significance of sacred places of pilgrimage and the duties of an individual during different phases (ashrams) of life.
A Mahapurana, by definition must exhibit five basic characteristics or the ‘Pancha Lakshana’. In other words, a Mahapurana must dwell upon five basic concepts- the creation of the universe (Sarga), the continuous process of destruction and re-creation (Pratisarga), the history of solar and lunar dynasties (Surya Vansha and Chandra Vansha), the different eras (Manavantaras) and the royal genealogies (Vanshacharita). There are 18 Mahapuranas, each describing the incarnation (avatar) of the supreme God in various forms and in different ages (yugas). One of the eighteen Mahapuranas, the Kurma Purana, is categorized as a Tamas Purana (one which deals with the darkness and ignorance).
Unlike the Vedas, the Puranas were meant for the ordinary people. They were a medium to propagate the essence and teachings of the Vedas through stories, myths and legends. The chronicles of various saints, kings and historical events were used to illustrate the eternal principles of truth and righteousness. Therefore, Puranic literature provides an invaluable record of history and mythology which forms the foundation of Hindu spirituality and culture.
Hearing, reading, reciting this sacred Purana, destroys all sins and propels the soul on the path to salvation (Mukti). The listeners must hold complete devotion in the values of Dharma and the supreme power of Almighty.
I am extremely grateful to Shri Narendra Verma ji of Diamond Books, for giving me the opportunity and complete creative freedom to edit the text and present my interpretation of The Koorma Purana.
– Kavita Jawarani
Contents Introduction The tale of Indradyumna Varnashram Dharma The division of time The creation of human and other species Daksha’s yagya The demon dynasty The solar and lunar dynasties Durjaya and Urvashi The four Yugas Glorious Kashi Prayagraj Description of the earth Lord Shiva’s incarnations Ishwar Gita Yoga The four Varnas and their ideal conduct Shraadh rituals Post death rites The significance of Daan Atonement of sins Conclusion
Introduction
Once, an august assembly of sages gathered in the holy city of Naimisharanya, to perform the celebrated Swayambhuva Yagya. The sages requested SootaJi, also known as Romaharshana, to narrate the holy Purana that was revealed to him by his mentor and Guru, Maharishi Veda Vyasa. Vyasa Ji was the compiler of the ancient, spiritual texts and narrated the legends to his disciple, SutaJi.
When the sages requested SootaJi to narrate the sacred Purana, he graciously obliged them and said: “I am delighted to narrate this holy Purana amidst this grand assembly of learned scholars and sages. The Puranas are precious gems of our spiritual heritage and thus, revealing them before an undeserving person, is like offering a diamond to the blind, as he would misuse or misinterpret this sacred knowledge. The essence of the Vedas is enshrined in this holy Koorma Purana that I shall now narrate to you.”
The Koorma Purana describes Lord Vishnu’s second incarnation in the form of a tortoise (Koorma). It begins with the Ksheera Samudra Manthana, when the deities and demons decided to churn the ocean of milk. The legend of Samudra Manthana is described in great detail in the Mahabharata and Ramayana as well. Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, was cursed by Sage Durvasa and had to live in the depth of the ocean. The deities and demons tied the mighty serpent, Vasuki around the Mount Mandara and churned the ocean, on which Lord Narayana was lying in Yogic sleep. As the Mount Mandara kept sinking into the ocean, Narayana assumed the form of a gigantic tortoise (Koorma Rupa) to support the mountain.
As the ocean was churned, Devi Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, emerged from the ocean. Indra, the Gods and sages were mesmerized by her divine beauty and wondered who she was. Lord Vishnu revealed that Lakshmi, or Shakti, was his consort and the source of all his divine powers. Lord Vishnu said: “She is the illusive projection, or Maya. Through Her, I allure the entire Universe and its inhabitants, to ensure the righteous sustenance of all creation. She is my own ‘ansha’ and thus, she is no different from me in essence. She is the Maha Shakti (supreme Goddess), the primal source of energy for all gods and deities. She holds the Shankha (conch shell), Chakra (discus), Kamal (lotus flower) and Abhaya in her four hands, which assure protection to all beings.”
Having heard about the supreme power of Devi Lakshmi, the deities and sages asked Lord Vishnu if there was anybody who had escaped the influence of Maya (illusion) and thus the Lord narrated the tale of an illustrious Brahmana, Indradyumna.
The Tale of Indradyumna
Indradyumna, a learned Brahmana, was an illustrious king in his past life and claimed invincibility over the deities. When Lord Vishnu assumed the Koorma Avatar (tortoise incarnation), the Shakti (divine power) of all Gods and deities was merged into the Avatar. King Indradyumna sought refuge in the lord and the Koorma Deva blessed him that he would be reborn as a learned Brahmana, who would observe religious rites, perform Yagyas and Vrataas in the worship of Lord Vishnu. Propitiated by his worship, Goddess Lakshmi appeared before Indradyumna and was overcome by his sincere devotion. The Brahman was dazzled by her radiance and requested the goddess to enlighten him about what constitutes true knowledge. Devi Lakshmi said: “I am the embodiment of illusion, an inseparable part of Lord Vishnu. Even the gods and sages cannot comprehend my true form. However, it is beyond my power to impart the essence of true knowledge to you.” The goddess blessed him that Lord Vishnu would himself reveal divine knowledge to the Brahman and then disappeared.
Indradyumna performed austere penance for several decades and finally Lord Vishnu appeared before him. The brahman fell down on his knees and eulogized the supreme God- “O Lord Almighty! You are the creator, sustainer and destroyer of the Universe. You are the pure soul, the source of all energy and the embodiment of eternal bliss. You are beyond all illusions, the eternal, everlasting soul- peaceful and wholesome. Bless me and reveal to me the secrets of life.” Lord Vishnu was extremely pleased by Indradyumna’s eulogy and devotion. He affectionately touched him, imparting the fundamental principles of Tatwa Gyaan to the Brahmana.
The gods and sages requested Lord Vishnu to share the divine knowledge he imparted to Indradyumna. Vishnu, in his Koorma avatar, revealed his teachings and the sacred words were compiled into the Koorma Purana. Lord Vishnu described the concept of Varnashrama dharma, laying down the fundamental principles of Dharma or righteous conduct. The Varnashram Dharma classifies the social order into four Varnas (classes) and the life of an individual, into four Ashrama (life phases).

 
Varnashram Dharma
Before the commencement of creation, the Universe was filled with water. As Lord Vishnu lay in Yogic sleep, a lotus emerged from his naval, upon which Lord Brahma was seated. When Brahma was asked to start the process of creation, he was unable to do so and from his wrath, was manifested Lord Shiva. Goddess Lakshmi was created from Vishnu’s body and became his consort. Lakshmi used her powers of illusion (Maya) to delude the deities, demons and humans to create and sustain the righteous order. Those who followed the righteous path and complied with the precepts of Varnashrama Dharma, were blessed by the Devi with prosperity and eternal bliss.
According to the Varnashrama Dharma, the social order is classified into four Varnas (classes). At the commencement of creation, Brahma created his nine psychic sons: Mareech, Bhrigu, Angira, Pulastya, Pulah, Kritu, Daksha, Atri and Vashishtha. Brahma created the Brahmanas from his mouth, from his arms he created the Kshatriyas (martial race), from his thighs he created the Vaishyas (trader class) and the Shoodras were created from his feet. Then he created the Vedas- the source of true knowledge and the foundation of our spiritual beliefs.
Having created the ‘Varnas’ [the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishya and the Shoodras], Brahma also laid down a code of conduct for each of these castes. The basic duties of the Brahmanas are the performance of Yagna (sacrifice), conducting Yagnas by presiding over the ritual as a priest, offering Dana (donation of alms), pratigraha (receiving donations) and Adhyapana (studying and teaching religious scriptures). By righteously following the prescribed code of conduct, a Brahmana attains the Brahmaloka.
The basic duties of the Kshatriyas are to perform Dana (donations), Adhyayana (study the Holy Scriptures) and performing Yagnas. The primary