Word

Padma Purana

Sanskrit

पद्म पुराण

IAST

padma purāṇa

In General

Padma Puran extols the supremacy of Lord Vishnu. The stories and other descriptions with sublime spirituality in Padma Puran were narrated to Lord Brahma by Lord Vishnu himself. Brahma told these to his mansapurtras Maharshi Marichi and Maharshi Pulastya in another occasion. They retold this stories to other Rishies and thus Vyasa came to know about it.

The beginning of the Puran is like Pulastya telling the stories to Bheeshma. Padma Puran is divided into five Khand containing 55,000 Shlokas. The last chapter: Uttarkhand, in the form of a dialogue between Siva and Parvathi is a treatise on metaphysics. This Purana is named as Padma Purana as it has emerged from the Padma (lotus flower) that in turn emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Veda Vyaas, had edited the work like all other 18 Puranas and the Sage Romaharshana published this to the Rishis doing Yagna in Nimisharanya.

Padma Purana explains the creation of universe as per Samkhya terminology. Brahma, however, is given more prominence here in comparison to other Puranas. It elaborates the shradha and Vratas at length. The importance of each chapter of Bhagavad Gita is told in this Purana by moral stories.

Purana

Contents of Padma Puran

Srishtikhand

Dialogue between Bheeshma and Pulastya. Beging of creation. Lord Brahmas life sapan and chronological order of Eras. Four prominent casts. Manifestation of Godess Laxmi. Sati Gives up her life. Origin of Gods, Demons and Sarpa. description of Pushkar Tirth. The origin of Maruth Ganas. King Prithu and the Surya Dynasty. Bashkali, the Demon King. Sri Ram Kills Shambuk. Manifestation of Ganesh and Kartikeya. An ideal Brahmin and the significance of Gayatri Mantra. Brahmins livelihood. Narottam-the Brahmin. The significance of Rudraksha, Amala, Tulasi. The importance of Suryas worship.

Bhumikhand

Different type of Sin and Virtue. Description of the earth. The tales of the kings like Prithu, Nahush. , Yayati propagate Vaishnava Dharma. Yayathi marries Ashrubindumati. Kunjal the enlightened parrot. Kunjal narrate about his previous birth. King Prabhriti. The sages Shiva Varma, Suvrata and Chyvan. geography and the history of a period. Story of Suneetha.

Swargakhand

The sequence of creation of cosmos. the glory of the holy places as well as the geographical expansion of Bharat Varsha along with her mountains, rivers and the people.Jambudvipa. River Narmada . the glory and importance of Teerth (pilgrimage) places; Yamunaa Snaan,Amarkantak, Kasipuri, Kapardishwar and Gaya. Dharm (duties) of a Brahmchaaree, a Brahmchaaree disciple, a graduate and a Grihasth; general etiquettes, Vaanprasth Aashram and Sanyaas Aashram.the embodiment of Sri Hari. Sheshnag narrates the tale of Sri Ramas return from Lanka.

Patalkhand

The Asura Ravana and the life of Lord Rama. Vaatsaayan Muni tells Raamaashwamedh Kathaa - from Raam's coming back from Lankaa. Journey to Ayodhyaa. Agastya advises Sri Rama to perform Aswamedha yaga. The horse let loose. Lava fasten the Horse. Lav Vanquishes the whole army. Lav become unconscious. Sita return to Ayodhya. Uttar Kaand of Vaalmeeki Raamaayan and many other events. Krishn's story. importance of Vaishaakh Maas etc also.

Uttarkhand

Dialogue between Lord Shiva and Parvati Importance of Badaree Naath; history of Gangaa's coming on Prithvi; importance of Tulasee, Shaaligraam, Prayaag Teerth, various kinds of Daan (charities); about Shani Dev; various Vrat; Ekaadashee of all months; worship of Yam Raaj and Dwaadashee Vrat; Vishnu Sahastranaam; story of devotee Pundareek; various flowers to use in worship of Vishnu; Shankhaasur Vadh, Kaartik and Maagh Vrat; Narasinh Chaturdashee; importance of Geetaa; Bhaagvat Kathaa; importance of Maagh Snaan (bath); importance of Vishnu; Avataar stories - Matsya, Koorm, Narasinh, Vaaman, Parashuraam, Six chapters from this part constitute "Bhagavatha Mahatmyam" which is considered to be the proper beginning of Srimad Bhagavatham, another of the Maha Puranas. Qualities of a vaishnav. Indraprastha. Vaikunth- the abode of Vishnu. Sri Ram’s birth. Sri Ram Grows up. Sri Rams Vanavas. Sri Rams Coronation. Sri Krishna killing of Kamsa. Jarasandh. Abduction of Rukmini. Sri Krishna’s queens. Aniruddha marries Usha. The decline of Yadu Dynasty. Vishnu . This part also contains thousand names of Lord Vishnu and one hundred names of Lord Rama. Vishnu the Almighty God.