Brihaddharma Purana : बृहद्धर्म पुराण

The Brihaddharma Purana (बृहद्धर्म पुराण) is a significant yet lesser-known text within the genre of Puranic literature in Hinduism. This Purana, written in Sanskrit, is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on dharma (righteousness), ethical conduct, and devotional practices. The Brihaddharma Purana enriches the tapestry of Hindu religious and cultural traditions with its unique blend of mythology, theology, and moral teachings.

Historical and Cultural Background

Authorship and Dating:

  • The exact authorship and dating of the Brihaddharma Purana are unclear, similar to many other Puranas. It is believed to have been composed between the 9th and 14th centuries CE, reflecting the collective efforts of various sages and scholars over time.
  • The text has been transmitted through oral traditions and later compiled into written form, maintaining the rich tradition of Hindu religious literature.

Purpose and Context:

  • The Brihaddharma Purana, like other Puranas, aims to make the philosophical and ritualistic teachings of the Vedas accessible to a broader audience. It integrates mythology, legends, and practical advice for ethical and religious living.

Structure and Content

Organization:

  • The Brihaddharma Purana is traditionally divided into three Khandas (sections or books): Purva Khanda (First Section), Madhyama Khanda (Middle Section), and Uttara Khanda (Final Section). Each section covers various aspects of Hindu mythology, theology, and ethical teachings.

Key Themes and Topics:

  1. Purva Khanda (First Section):
    • Creation and Cosmology: Describes the creation of the universe, the various cosmic cycles, and the genealogies of gods, sages, and kings. It elaborates on the roles of different deities in the creation and maintenance of the cosmos.
    • Legends and Myths: Contains stories and legends about various deities, including Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the Goddess (Devi). These narratives illustrate moral and ethical teachings through mythological examples.
  2. Madhyama Khanda (Middle Section):
    • Dharma and Ethical Conduct: Emphasizes the importance of dharma, or righteous conduct. It provides guidelines for ethical behavior, social duties, and religious practices, highlighting the significance of living in harmony with dharma.
    • Rites and Rituals: Details the various rites and rituals to be performed in daily life, including instructions for worship, festivals, and life events such as marriages and funerals.
  3. Uttara Khanda (Final Section):
      • Devotional Practices (Bhakti): Focuses on the importance of devotion (bhakti) to God, particularly Vishnu and Shiva. It extols the virtues of devotional worship and the transformative power of divine grace. It also has Nava Graha Stava, which means the stotras for each of the nine planets. It is a very powerful stava, yet easy to recite and I have explained its significance in this video:

    • Philosophical Discourses: Contains philosophical discussions on topics such as the nature of Brahman (the ultimate reality), the concept of maya (illusion), and the paths to liberation (moksha).

Philosophical and Ethical Teachings

Dharma (Righteousness):

  • The Brihaddharma Purana emphasizes the centrality of dharma in Hindu life. It teaches that adherence to dharma ensures social harmony, individual well-being, and spiritual progress.

Bhakti (Devotion):

  • Devotion to God, particularly Vishnu and Shiva, is highlighted as a key path to spiritual liberation. The text celebrates the power of bhakti in overcoming obstacles and attaining divine grace.

Cosmic Order:

  • The Purana elaborates on the concept of cosmic order and the roles of various deities in maintaining this order. It teaches that living in accordance with dharma upholds this cosmic balance.

Karma and Reincarnation:

  • The principles of karma (action and its consequences) and reincarnation are integral to the Brihaddharma Purana. It explains how one’s actions influence future lives and stresses the importance of performing righteous deeds.

Influence and Legacy

Religious Practices:

  • The Brihaddharma Purana has influenced Hindu religious practices, particularly in the areas of ethical living and devotional worship. Its detailed instructions for rituals and moral conduct continue to guide devotees.

Cultural Significance:

  • As part of the broader Puranic tradition, the Brihaddharma Purana contributes to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Hinduism. Its narratives and teachings are integral to understanding Hindu mythology and theology.

Literary Contribution:

  • The text enriches the literary corpus of Hinduism, offering stories, hymns, and theological discourses that have been referenced and retold in various other works and traditions.

Conclusion

The Brihaddharma Purana is a multifaceted text that blends mythology, cosmology, ethics, and devotional teachings. It offers valuable insights into Hindu beliefs and practices, emphasizing the importance of dharma, devotion, and the maintenance of cosmic order. Through its extensive narratives and spiritual guidance, the Brihaddharma Purana continues to inspire and guide devotees and scholars alike. As a key component of Puranic literature, it remains an essential source of Hindu wisdom and cultural heritage.

Hindi Translation

Only one Hindi Translation is available in PDF format. It comes from Chowkhamba and has been edited by S N Khandelwal, who has edited many other Puranas from Chowkhamba.

Brihad Dharma Purana Annotated By S N Khandelwal, Choukhamba Sanskrit Series

         321 MB:

Nava Graha Stava from Brihad Dharma Purana

         7 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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