Brahma Vaivarta Purana : ब्रह्मवैवर्त पुराण

The Brahmavaivarta Purana (ब्रह्मवैवर्त पुराण) is a voluminous Sanskrit scripture and one of the 18 major Puranas (Maha-Purana) of Hinduism. It centres around the devotion of Lord Krishna and Radha. One remarkable feature of this Purana is that it provides a lot of information and details about Shri Radha, which is not described in detail in other Puranas.

No story of Radha is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana. However, some scholars say that it is mentioned in sign language. Whatever the truth, no detailed story or incarnation of Radha is described in detail there. This makes the Brahmavaivarta Purana an excellent source of information about Shri Radha.

I am sharing the complete edition of Brahma Vaivarta Purana for the first time on the internet. Please check out my video for a short introduction:

Overview of Brahma Vaivarta Purana

  1. Composition and Structure:
    • The Brahma Vaivarta Purana is traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa, like many other Puranas. Its exact date of composition is not clear, but it is believed to have been written in the early medieval period. The oral tradition might be much older dating back to Vedic period.
    • The text is divided into four parts (Khandas): Brahma Khanda, Prakriti Khanda, Ganesha Khanda, and Krishna Janma Khanda. Some scholars also talk about an appendix which is Kashi Rahasya Khand.
  2. Content and Themes:
    • Brahma Khanda: This section focuses on the creation of the universe by Brahma and includes various cosmological and metaphysical discussions.
    • Prakriti Khanda: It elaborates on the nature of Prakriti (the divine feminine principle), featuring extensive stories about the goddess Radha and her relationship with Krishna.
    • Ganesha Khanda: This part is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, detailing his birth, various legends, and his importance in Hindu worship.
    • Krishna Janma Khanda: The most celebrated section, it narrates the life and pastimes of Lord Krishna, including his childhood, youth, and divine exploits in Vrindavan and Mathura.
  3. Key Narratives and Teachings:
    • Creation and Cosmology: Descriptions of the creation of the universe, the roles of various deities, and the interplay between the material and spiritual realms.
    • Glories of Radha and Krishna: Stories highlighting the divine love between Radha and Krishna, their transcendental pastimes, and their significance in Vaishnavism.
    • Moral and Ethical Lessons: Through various stories and parables, the text imparts moral and ethical teachings, emphasizing devotion (bhakti) and righteous living.
    • Devotional Practices: Guidelines and rituals for worshipping Krishna and Radha, and the importance of devotion in attaining spiritual liberation.

Significance and Influence

  1. Vaishnavism Tradition: The Brahma Vaivarta Purana is particularly revered in Vaishnavism, as it emphasizes the worship of Krishna and Radha, presenting them as the highest divine couple.
  2. Cultural Impact: The narratives and themes of the text have influenced various cultural expressions, including literature, music, dance, and art, particularly those celebrating the love of Radha and Krishna.
  3. Devotional Literature: The Purana has contributed to the rich tradition of devotional literature, inspiring countless poets, saints, and devotees in their expressions of love and devotion towards Krishna and Radha.

Notable Features

  1. Radha-Krishna Focus: Unlike many other Puranas that primarily focus on the exploits of different gods, this Purana uniquely centres around the divine love story of Radha and Krishna.
  2. Detailed Mythology: The text offers comprehensive and detailed accounts of myths and legends, providing a rich source of narrative material for religious and cultural purposes.
  3. Philosophical Insights: Interwoven with stories, the Purana presents philosophical discourses on the nature of reality, the soul, and the ultimate goal of life, blending theology with mythology.

Legacy

  1. Religious Practice: The teachings and stories of the Brahma Vaivarta Purana continue to play a significant role in Hindu religious practice, especially in the context of Radha and Krishna worship.
  2. Spiritual Inspiration: The text serves as a source of spiritual inspiration for devotees, guiding them in their devotional practices and helping them deepen their love and understanding of the divine.
  3. Cultural Heritage: It remains an important part of India’s cultural and religious heritage, reflecting the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and devotion.

The Brahma Vaivarta Purana, with its emphasis on the divine pastimes of Radha and Krishna, remains a cherished scripture, offering profound insights and inspiring devotion across generations.

There are three major Hindi Translations of Brahma Vaivarta Puran:

  1. Gita press – It is sanskshipt (summarized and shortened). Also, it doesn’t contain Sanskrit verses. It has only Hindi Translation.
  2. Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Tr by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. It comes in two volumes.
  3. Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Tr by Tarinish Jha. It comes in three volumes, but so far, only the first volume is available in PDF format.  I am uploading the complete edition of all the three parts for the first time.

Guru Mandal Granth Mala has also published Brahma Vaivart Purana in three volumes. Radha Krishna More has edited them. The first volume contains Brahm, Prakriti, and Ganesh Khand. The second volume contains Krishna Janm Khand, and the third one is an appendix that talks about Kashi Rahasya. Though the books are in Sanskrit, their preface is very detailed and written in Hindi. Therefore, I am sharing the book as well.

Also, quite a few people have done extensive research on this excellent Puran. One of them is the study of herbs in this Puran. I am sharing some of those theses as well.

Brahma Vaivarta Purana | ब्रह्मवैवर्त पुराण

लेखक :Veda Vyasa | वेदव्यासः
Book Languageहिंदी | Hindi
पुस्तक का साइज़ :
  1. Gita press – Sanskhipt (76MB)
  2. Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Tr by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. Vol 1 (24 MB), Vol 2(25 MB)
  3. Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Tr by Tarinish Jha. Vol 1(25 MB), Vol 2 (108 MB) and Vol3 (26 MB) 
  4. Brahma Vaivarta Purana in 3 volumes by Gurumandal Granth Mala with Hindi Introduction. Vol 1(404 MB), Vol 2(480 MB), Vol 3(243 MB)
कुल पृष्ठ :
  1. Gita press – sankshipt – 814 pages
  2. Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Tr by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. Vol 1(501), Vol 2(510)
  3. Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Tr by Tarinish Jha. Vol 1(908 pages), Vol 2 (567 pages) and Vol3(518 pages)
  4. Brahma Vaivarta Purana in 3 volumes by Gurumandal Granth Mala with Hindi Introduction. Vol 1(678 pages), Vol 2(872 pages), Vol 3(504 pages)
श्रेणी :धार्मिक / Religious, साहित्य / Literature, हिंदू – Hinduism

Brahma Vaivart Puran (Sankshipt) – Gitapress Gorakhpur, Digital Edition

Brahma Vaivarta Puran Gitapress Sankshipt                          

Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Tr by Ram Sharma Acharya

Vol 1                                  

Vol 2                                 

 

Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Translated by Tarinish Jha – Complete Edition, All Three Parts

It comes in three volumes:

  1. Vol 1 – Poorv Bhaag. It contains Brahm, Ganpati and Prakriti Khand
  2. Vol 2 – Uttar Bhaag – Shri Krishn Janm Khand Poorvardh
  3. Vol 3 – Uttar Bhaag – Shri Krishn Janm Khand Uttarardh

Vol 1 – 25 MB                 

Vol 2 – 108 MB                 

Vol 3 – 26 MB                   

Brahma Vaivarta Puran, By Guru Mandal Granth Mala – Ed by Radha Krishna Mor

Vol 1 – 404 MB                 

Vol 2 – 480 MB                 

Vol 3 – 243 MB                   

Also, Kashi Kedar Mahatmyam, translated into Hindi by Vijayanand Tripathi, is available. It is unclear to me whether it is part of the Brahma Vaivart Puran because the third part of the above Brahm Vaivarta Purana, published by Guru Mandal Granth Mala, talks about an appendix, Kashi Rahasya. Scholars are encouraged to share their insights on this topic.  I am sharing the book here.

Kashi Kedar Mahatmyam by Vijayanand Tripathi – Achyut Granthmala, Kashi

Vol 1 – 334 MB                 

Finally, it would be worth mentioning that some sects of Hinduism give more weightage to Vedas and less weightage to Purana. Thus, it should not be a surprise that Dr Bhavani Lal Bhariya has written a book on criticism of Brahma Vaivarta Purana. While it might not be of any interest to devotees, it might be useful for research scholars.

Brahm Vaivart Puran ki Alochana – Dr Bhavani Lal Bhariya                                          

Research Papers and Thesis on Brahma Vaivart Purana

These papers have mostly been taken from the Shodhganga website, which is a reservoir of theses on various subjects. Research scholars and knowledge seekers are encouraged to check the Shodhganga website for more research papers on Brahma Vaivart Puran.

 

Brahm Vaivart Puran – Ek Darshanik Adhyayan – Vinay Kumar (AU) (2002) – Thesis

22 MB                 

Brahm Vaivart Puran Ka Darshnik Anushilan – Bhavna Shrivastav, Guide – Hareram Tripathi, 323p (2002) – Thesis

63 MB                 

Brahm Vaivart Puran Ka Darshanik Anusheelan – Maroofur Rehman (AMU) (2004) – Thesis

7 MB                 

Brahm Vaivart Puran Ka Samajik Evm Sanskritik Adhyayan – Urmila Giri, 418p (2002) – Thesis

17 MB                 

Brahm Vaivart Puran Ka Sanskritik Adhyayan – Shailesh Mishra, Guide – Krishna Dutt Mishra (2010) – Thesis

43 MB                 

Brahm Vaivart Puran Ke Prakriti Tattva Ka Niroopan (Nari Prakriti Ka Uccadarsh) – Lalita Shukla, 441p (2009) – Thesis

34 MB                 

Brahm Vaivart Puran Ki Adhyatmik Chetna – Ek Anusheelan – Mrinalini, 387p (2009) – Thesis

16 MB                 

Brahm Vaivart Puran Me Varnit Aushadhiyan-Vanaspatiyan – (2011) – Mini Thesis

4 MB                 

 

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Author:Veda Vyasa
About the author:

Veda Vyasa, also known as Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, is one of the most revered sages in Hindu tradition and is traditionally credited with composing and compiling a vast body of Vedic and epic literature. He is considered the author of the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the Brahma Sutras, and is also recognized for his role in categorizing the Vedas. Vyasa is a central figure in Indian literary and spiritual history, and his works form the foundation of Hindu philosophy and religious practice.

Life and Background

Birth and Early Life:

  • Veda Vyasa was born to sage Parashara and Satyavati. His birth is surrounded by miraculous and divine events, as Parashara was a great sage, and Satyavati was the daughter of a fisherman who later became a queen. Vyasa is also known as Krishna Dvaipayana because of his dark complexion and because he was born on an island (dvip) in the river Yamuna.

Names and Titles:

  • Vyasa means “compiler” or “arranger,” reflecting his work in organizing the Vedas and other scriptures. He is also referred to as Badarayana, which is derived from his association with the Badari ashram.

Major Contributions

The Vedas:

  • Vyasa is traditionally credited with categorizing the Vedas into four parts: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. He organized the Vedas to preserve the vast oral traditions and make them more accessible.

Mahabharata:

  • The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of ancient India, is attributed to Vyasa. It is an extensive narrative that includes the story of the Kurukshetra War, the Bhagavad Gita, and numerous philosophical and devotional teachings. The Mahabharata is a cornerstone of Hindu literature and spirituality.

Puranas:

  • Vyasa is also credited with composing the eighteen major Puranas, which are comprehensive texts covering mythology, cosmology, genealogy, and religious practices. These texts include the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, and many others, each dedicated to different aspects of the divine and various deities.

Brahma Sutras:

  • The Brahma Sutras, also known as the Vedanta Sutras, are attributed to Vyasa. These aphoristic texts systematize the teachings of the Upanishads and form the foundation of Vedanta philosophy.

Key Themes in Vyasa’s Works

Dharma:

  • A central theme in Vyasa’s works is the concept of dharma, or righteous duty. The Mahabharata, in particular, explores the complexities of dharma through the actions and decisions of its characters, emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical living.

Bhakti:

  • Devotion (bhakti) is a significant aspect of the Puranas, especially the Bhagavata Purana, which focuses on the life and teachings of Krishna. Vyasa’s works highlight the path of devotion as a means to attain spiritual liberation.

Philosophy and Metaphysics:

  • The Brahma Sutras and the philosophical discourses in the Mahabharata and Puranas delve into profound metaphysical questions about the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate principle (Brahman). These texts offer insights into the nature of existence and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

Influence and Legacy

Cultural Impact:

  • Vyasa’s contributions have profoundly influenced Indian culture, religion, and philosophy. His works are integral to Hindu rituals, festivals, and daily practices. The Mahabharata and the Puranas have inspired countless works of art, literature, theater, and dance.

Spiritual Guidance:

  • Vyasa’s texts continue to be a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration for millions of Hindus. The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata, is particularly revered for its teachings on duty, devotion, and the nature of reality.

Scholarly Significance:

  • The works attributed to Vyasa are studied extensively by scholars of religion, philosophy, and literature. His systematic organization of the Vedas and his authorship of key philosophical texts have made him a central figure in the academic study of Hinduism.

Global Influence:

  • Vyasa’s teachings and narratives have transcended cultural boundaries, influencing spiritual seekers and scholars worldwide. The Bhagavad Gita, in particular, has been translated into numerous languages and is studied globally for its universal philosophical and spiritual insights.

Conclusion

Veda Vyasa’s contributions to Hindu literature and philosophy are unparalleled. As the author of the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the Brahma Sutras, and as the compiler of the Vedas, Vyasa has left an indelible mark on the spiritual and intellectual heritage of India. His works continue to inspire and guide people across the world, reflecting the timeless wisdom and profound insights of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.

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