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Essay name: Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas

Author: Kum. Geeta P. Kurandwad
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit

The essay studies the Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas by exploring the significance of the ten principal incarnations of Lord Vishnu as depicted in various ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. The research also investigates the social, political, philosophical, and religious impact.

Chapter 4 - Significance of Vaishnava Myths

Page:

87 (of 234)


External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Warning! Page nr. 87 has not been proofread.

229
Brahma arrives at Hiranyakasipu's dwelling and grants the
boon. Hiranyakasipu sets about his usual work; he disturbed all
righteous activities and defeat all the gods.
Then Viṣṇu assumes in Nṛsimhāvatāra, described in majestic
and terrifying imagery.
The Kurma purāṇa myth begins in the traditional manner but
offer some unique additions that brilliantly help to elucidate the basic
conflicts of myth the meaning of Prahlāda's role and in a kind of
epilogue, an insight into the nature of Nrsimha. Here the Hari assumes
the Nrsimha form through yogic meditation. Arriving at the demon
city, the Nṛsimha dramatically eulipses his predecessor. He assumed
like the fire at the time of pralaya. Prahlāda is despatched to do battle
with the enemy but quickly defeated. Watching the battle progress
from the sidelines Prahlāda seas the man lion escape the pāśupata
weapon, unharmed and, in a flash of insight, he know that He is
Lord Nārāyaṇa. Unlike his earlier recognisation of paras, this brings
knowledge, an instantaneous conversion and an out pouring of
bhakti. Futilely trying to sway his father from further battle, Prahlāda
watches as the Nṛsimha tears Hiranyakasipu to pieces his claws. His
brothers suffer a puzzling fate. The other son's headed by Anuhrada
and thousands of demons were led to the valley of death by Nṛsimha.
The full meaning of this act is difficult to discern. The same
episode occurs in Matsya purāṇa and in Garuḍa purāṇa.
The Linga purāṇa myth begins with a description of Prahlāda
as a Viṣṇu bhakta. After repeated efforts on Hiraṇyakaśipu's part

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