*** Varaha Purana ***

Varaha Purana describes in detail about the Varaha incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu, and narrates about the rescue of the Prithvi (goddess earth).In spite of its Vaisnavatic character it contains legends related to Shiva and Durga. A large portion of this work tells the legends of Naciketas in which the descriptions of hell and heaven form the main theme.

*** Padma Purana ***

Padma Purana contains five parts- Srishtikhand, Bhumikhand, Swargkhand, Patalkhand and Uttarkhand.

Srishtikhand contains an explanation of metaphysical knowledge in a dialogue style between Bheeshma and the sage Pulastya. It contains a description of Pushkar Tirth. Surprisingly, this part ridicules the worship of the planets (Grahas).

Bhumikhand has a description of the earth, besides the tales of the kings like Prithu, Nahush, Yayati, Prabhriti and the sages like Shiva Varma, suvrata and Chyvan. For its description of the earth and archaic matter, this part is often regarded as the geography and the history of a period.

Swargakhand describes the sequence of creation first and then the glory of the holy places as well as the geographical expansion of India along with her mountains, rivers and the people.

In the Patalkhand, Sutaji narrates the tales related to the life and plays of Lord Rama in an assembly of the sages. This part also contains a description about the life and plays of Lord Krishna.

Uttarkhand contains a discussion about the metaphysical knowledge of religion presented in a dialogue style between Lord Shiva and Parvati. This part also contains thousand names of Lord Vishnu and one hundred names of Lord Rama.

*** Garuda Purana ***

This particular Puran is named after Garuda because he was the one who first narrated these tales to sage Kashyap. Kashyap subsequently narrated them to sage Vyas.
In This Puran Sage Shaunak asked Sutji that Who is the creator of this world? Who nurtures it and who annihilates it in the end? How can one realize the supreme Almighty? How many incarnations the Almighty has taken till now? Please enlighten u.Then Sutji revealed to him the contents of Garuda Puran, which contains the divine tales of Lord Vishnu, incarnations of lord Vishnu, His omnipotent nature, his blessings to bird garuda, Navgraha Mantras, etc.

*** SRIMAD BHAGAVATA PURANA ***

Srimada Bhagavata Purana is a puranic text of Hindu literature with its primary focus on devotion to the incarnations of Vishnu, particularly Krishna.It is a chronicle of the various Avataras of Lord Vishnu .There are ten Avataras of Vishnu. The aim of every Avatara is to save the world from some great danger, to destroy the wicked and protect the virtuous.

The Sanskrit text comprises twelve skandas (cantos or books) and 13,216 verses by one count.
The Bhāgavata is widely recognized as the most well known and influential of the Puranas^. It is unique in Indian religious literature for its emphasis on the practice of bhakti, compared to the more theoretical bhakti of the Bhagavad Gita; for its redefining of dharma; and for the extent of its description of God in a human form.

*** NARADIYA PURANA ***

Naradiya Purana Attributed to Sage Narada. Naradiya Purana is one among the 18 Puranas and has around 25,000 verses.ther than this, this Purana embodies abridgment of everything. Narada narrates to Sanatkumara the dharmas of Brhatkalpa.

Naradiya Purana has been divided into two parts:

The first part contains four chapters, which include dialogue between Suta and Shaunak, origin of the universe, salvation, birth of Shukadev, rituals, provisions and the results of the various fasts. The second part contains tales related to Lord Vishnu, depiction and significance of pilgrimage centers and performing pilgrimage.

It also describes places such as Jagannath,Dwaraka and Badrinath.

*** VISHNU PURAN ***

The most important of all the eighteen Puranas, the Vishnu Purana is known as the Puranratna, which means the gems of Puranas.The main text of Vishnu Purana opens with the conversation between a sage and a disciple. The method of narration is in the form a conversation, where the sage Parasar teaches his disciple Maitereya. In the Vishnu Purana the reference of the Mauryas dynasty is found. Hence the scholars have surmised it to be composed in the first or second century AD.

The text of Vishnu Purana is compiled into six parts:

1) The first part narrates the creation of the universe, ending and the churning of the sea.
2) The second part contains a geographical description of the earth when it divided into seven islands, after the churning of sea.
3) The third part describes the origin of Buddhism.
4) The fourth part contains a description about the inhabitants of the earth from the beginning of its creation.
5) The fifth part is entirely devoted to the life and plays of Lord Krishna.
6) The sixth part contains the description of religion in Kali Yuga. Thus the Vishnu Purana in its three parts demonstrates the Universe, from its creation till its destruction.

The first part with which the Vishnu Purana deals with is the description of the creation of the universe, birth of the gods and the demons, pralaya, churning of the sea, tales of the devotee Dhruva, killing of Hiranyakashipu, etc.

The second part contains the description of mythological description of Priyavrata`s sons and the Bharata dynasty. It also has a geographical description of Jambu dvipa, Bharata varsa, Shatdweep, Patal (the Hades), the sun and the planets, chariot of the sun, origin of the Ganges, etc.

The third part of Vishnu Purana is an important segment since it deals with the human existence in the God create world. This contains a detailed description of Manvantara, Kalpa, Veda Vyasa, religion, the caste system, etc. It also has a description of the origin of Buddhism. The origin of the class and caste according to the profession was first described with the detailed description in the third part of Vishnu Purana.

The fourth part describes the genealogies of kings and dynasties in the earth. This describes the origin of Brahman and Daksha, birth of Pururava, marriage of Balarama with Revati, birth of Iksvaku, the Kukutstha dynasty, tale of Yuvanashva and Saubhari, Sarpvinasha mantra, Narayana dynasty, birth of Sagar, Ashwamedha by Sagar, and flowing of the Ganges through the penance of Bhagiratha. Also the birth of Lord Rama, yagya of Vishwamitra, birth of Sita, tales of the Chandra dynasty, the abduction of Tara, origin of Agnitrayo, birth of Dhanvantri and his clan, wars with the demons, clan of Nahush, tale of Yayati, Yadu dynasty and birth of Kartveerya Arjun.

The fifth year deals with the life and birth of Lord Krishna. Along with it the fifth part describes the genealogies of Kings. The fifth part also has a detailed description with a thorough introduction of the Kali Yug. There are tales of Krishna`s birth, marriage of Krishna with Jambvanti and Satyabhama, salvation of Shishupaal, overpopulation of Yaduvanshis, birth of Kama and his discovery by Adhirath, Janamejaya dynasty and origin of Bharat, clans of the Jahnu and Pandu, clan of Parikshit and royal dynasties of the future, future generations of the Iksvaku dynasty, Brihad dynasty, Pradyot dynasty, kingdom of Nand, advent of Kali yuga and description of the royal dynasties of Kali yuga.

In the fifth part there is also found descriptions of the marriage of Vasudev and Devaki, incarnation of Lord Vishnu to kill Kansa, arrival of Yagmaya in Yashoda`s womb and of the Lord Krishna in Devaki`s womb, birth of Lord Krishna, carrying of Krishna to Gokul, dialogue of Mahamaya with Kansa, acquiring of defensive stance by Kansa, releasing of Vasudev and Devaki, killing of Putana, killing of Shakat, naming of Krishna and Balarama, humiliation of Kaliya, killing of Dhenukasura, killing of Pralamb, description of festival devoted to Indra, worshipping of Govardhana, arrival of Indra, killing of Arishtakasura, arrival of Narad in Kansa`s court, killing of Keshi, arrival of Akrur in Vrindavana, arrival of Lord Krishna in Mathura, Lord Krishna`s mercy on Kubja, arrival of Lord Krishna in coliseum and killing of Kansa.

Later in the concluding section of the fifth part of Vishnu Purana includes the coronation of Ugrasena, bringing of Sudhama in Mathura, defeat of Jarasandha, birth of Kalayavan, killing of Kaiayavan, Vrindavana tour by Balarama, attainment of Varuni by Balarama, abduction of Rukmani, abduction of Pradyumna, getting of Pradyumna by Mayavati, killing of Shambar by Pradyumna, killing of Rukmini by Balarama, attainment of 16,000 queens by Lord Krishna, abduction of Parijat, fight with Indra, begging for pardon by Indra, migration to Dwarka, bow battle, telling of dream by Usha, abduction of Aniruddha, fight with Lord Shiva, amputation of Bana by Lord Krishna, killing of Kashiraj Paundraka, putting of Varanasi on flames, abduction of Lakshmana, presentation of Samb before the sages as an expecting mother, origin of pestle, destruction of Yaduvansha, ascendance of Lord Krishna to heaven, beginning of Kali yuga, preaching of Arjun by Vyasa, coronation of Parikshit.

The sixth part deals entirely with the kali Yuga. A deviation from the path of Divinity, which lead the human beings to the way of destruction This contains description of religion in Kali yuga, description of the importance of Kali yuga, Shudra and womenfolk by Vyasa, description of Kalpa, description of a day of Brahma, position of Brahma in Pralaya, natural disasters, different kinds of sorrow, torturing in hell, awakening of Brahma, preaching of yoga, tale of Keshidhwaja, killing of the religion and the cow, holding of counsel by Khandikya, self-knowledge, ridicule of body-spiritualism, queries of yoga, Brahmagyana (Vedas), concepts of tangible-intangible appearances of God, salvation of Khandikya and Keshidhwaja, excellence of Vishnu Purana, virtues of Lord Vishnu`s names and results of hearing Lord`s name. The ultimate note of the Vishnu Purana is that the forfeiture in the feet of Lord Vishnu will lead a man to get rid of all mortal bondages and sufferings. As a result the man will attain salvation. The Vishnu Purana thereby touches the keynote of the entire Puranas.

The best among the Puranas are the Srimad Bhagavata and the Vishnu Purana. The most popular is the Srimad Bhagavata Purana. Next comes Vishnu Purana. A portion of the Markandeya Purana is well known to all Hindus as Chandi, or Devimahatmya. Worship of God as the Divine Mother is its theme. Chandi is read widely by the Hindus on sacred days and Navaratri (Durga Puja) days.

Beginners in the spiritual path are puzzled when they go through Siva Purana and Vishnu Purana. In Siva Purana, Lord Siva is highly eulogised and an inferior position is given to Lord Vishnu. Sometimes Vishnu is belittled. In Vishnu Purana, Lord Hari is highly eulogised and an inferior status is given to Lord Siva. Sometimes Lord Siva is belittled. This is only to increase the faith of the devotees in their particular Ishta-Devata. Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu are one.

6 Sattvic Puranas - Praising Vishnu are :

1) Vishnu Purana
2) Naradiya Purana
3) Srimad Bhagavata Purana
4) Garuda (Suparna) Purana
5) Padma Purana
6) Varaha Purana

== Sashtras and Puranas ==

The Dharma Sashtras are the books that are expressly called Smritis.

The three great law-givers are:

1) Manu, who wrote the Manu Smriti or Manava Dharma-Sastra,

2) Yagnavalkya, who wrote the Yagnavalkya Smriti which is next in importance to Manu’s Smriti and

3) Parasara, who wrote the Parasara Smriti.

These are the three great law-givers and their Dharma-Sastras are still studied today to gather guidelines for social conduct.

In all, there are 18 Dharma Sashtras. The other 15 are those of Vishnu, Daksha, Samvarta, Vyasa, Harita, Satatapa, Vasishtha, Yama, Apastamba, Gautama, Devata, Sankhya-Likhita, Usana, Atri and Saunaka.

The Puranas and the Great Epics are expressly Itihases, historical works, but they also come under the broad range of the Smritis.

The Puranas are akin to the historical epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. There are five characteristics to the Puranas: history, cosmology: a combination of astrology and astronomy with symbolic illustrations chalking out philosophic concepts, creation after the original being came into existence, genealogy of Kings and Manvantaras – the period of Manu’s rule for 71 celestial yugas.

According to legend, Ved Vyasa is reputed to be the compiler of the Puranas in each age. In this Kaliyuga he is Krishna Dvaipayana.

More practically, since the Puranas were written for ordinary people the sages who wrote them avoided high philosophic thoughts and ideals and transplanted them with allegorical allusions that went down well with the people.Thus, the Puranas are a great and interesting potpourri of myths and legends involving the lives of Gods, Goddesses, kings, sages and others. Through these simple tales the sages have illustrated the eternal principles of religion to the common people.

In all there are 18 Puranas together with an equal number of Upa-Puranas or subsidiary Puranas. The 18 Puranas can be subdivided into

6 Rajasic Puranas praising Brahma,

6 Sattvic Puranas praising Vishnu and

6 Tamasic Puranas praising Shiva.

----------------Gita Saar -----------------

Gita is the divine voice of the God. One can be spiritually benefited by mediating and contemplating on the Gita. One's all doubts are removed and by following it, one can attain Him. This Celestial Song was sung by Lord Krishna (The eight incarnation of Lord Vishnu).

"Whatever happened, it happened for good.
Whatever is happening, is happening for good.
Whatever that will happen, it will be for good.
What have you lost for which you cry?
What did you bring with you, which you have lost?
What did you produce, which has destroyed?
You did not bring anything when you were born.
Whatever you have, you have received from Him.
Whatever you will give, you will give to Him.

You came empty handed and

you will go the same way.

Whatever is yours today was somebody else’s yesterday and will be somebody else’s tomorrow.

Change is the law of the universe."

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is also called Gītopaniṣad, implying its having the status of an Upanishad, i.e. a Vedantic scripture.It is considered as one of the most important philosophical classics of the world.
The content of the Gita is the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna taking place on the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra War.

Hindu Scriptures

Four main Hindu Scriptures are:

1. Rig Veda
2. Yajur Veda
3. Sam Veda
4. Atharva Veda

Others are:

Agama, Aranyaka
Bhagvad Geeta, Brahmana, Brahma Sutras
Devi Mahatmya, Devi Bhagvata, Divya Prabandha
Gheranda Samhita, Geeta (Bhagvad Geeta)
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Itihaas
Jataka
Kamba Ramayana
Mahabhartha
Manu Smriti
Purana
Ramayana
Saharsnama
Shiv Samhita
Smriti
Sutra
Shikhapatri
Bhagvata Purana
Sutra
Tantras
Tevaram
Tirumantiram
Upanishad
Veda
Vachanamrut
Yoga Sutra

We Will Discuss the highlighted scriptures in brief in our next coming segments...

The Most Powerful Incarnation of Vishnu is - Krishna , Where God Strongly admitted the underlying statement..

"I am the conscience in the heart of all creatures
I am their beginning, their being, their end
I am the mind of the senses,
I am the radiant sun among lights
I am the song in sacred lore,
I am the king of deities
I am the priest of great seers…"

This is how Lord Krishna describes God in the Bhagavad Gita which is one of the most important Hindu scriptures.

The content of the Gita is the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna taking place on the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra War. Responding to Arjuna's confusion and moral dilemma, Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and prince and elaborates on different Yogic and Vedantic philosophies, with examples and analogies. This has led to the Gita often being described as a concise guide to Hindu Theology and also as a practical, self-contained guide to life.

Kalki - Tenth Avtar which is yet to appear on earth

The tenth Avatar, Kalki, ("Eternity", or "time", or "The Destroyer of foulness"), is yet to appear on the earth which will be final Maha Avtar of Lord Vishnu ,And it is expected to appear at the end of Kali Yuga, the time period in which we currently exist, which will end in the year 428899 CE.God will appear in the form of horse

Buddha - The Ninth Avtar of Lord Vishnu

The ninth avatar, Mahavira Buddha, appeared in the Kalyuga, to teach the lesson of following a middle path in life. ''Buddha'' means 'the enlightened one'. He taught that all sorrow comes from attachments and desires, so it's better to curb all attachments in order to remain happy.

Krishna - The Eight Avatar of Lord Vishnu

The eighth avatar, Krishna, along with his brother Balarama, appeared in the Dwaparyuga to kill the demon king, Kansa. Lord Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Krishna told the epic poem Bhagavad Gita to the warrior Arjuna ,in which he acclaimed : ''Whenever Dharma, or the situation of law and order, is endangered on this world, I incarnate onto this world to re establish Dharma, law and order, and to protect the Sadhus or saints and to destroy the evil elements of the society.They portray him in various perspectives: a god-child, a prankster, a model lover, a divine hero and the Supreme Being.

Rama - Vishnu's Seventh Avatar

The seventh avatar, Rama, the prince and king of Ayodhaya, appeared in the Tretayuga, to rescue Sita with his loyal servant Hanuman and his brother, Lakshmana, and killed the demon Ravana. Lord Rama became one of the most popular gods in the Hindu religion. Rama's life and journey is one of perfect adherence to Dharma despite harsh tests of life and time. He is pictured as the ideal man and the perfect human.

Parashurama - The sixth Avtar of Lord Vishnu

Parashuram,sixth avtar of Vishnu was a Brahmin who belongs to the Treta Yuga.Parashu means axe, hence his name literally means Rama-of-the-axe. He received an axe after undertaking a terrible penance to please Shiva , from whom he learned the methods of warfare and other skills
When the Kings of the earth became autocratic and started to harm ordinary people and sages in the forest, Vishnu took the Avatar of Parasurama and destroyed all the princes who were harassing the people.

Vamana - Lord Vishnu's Fifth Avatar

Vamana the Dwarf - Subdued king Bali, a powerful demon.In order to destroy Bali, king of demons, Vishnu took the form of a midget, Vamana. He appeared during a huge yajna or sacrifice being conducted by the king when the latter was arrogantly distributing gifts to all who asked it to show his power and wealth. Vamana asked for just three feet of land, measured by own small feet. With the first foot Vamana, exploding in size changing from the midget into the immense god Vishnu, covered the earth. With the second he covered the heavens. When there was no place for the third foot to land, Bali, to show his humility before the god Vishnu, offered his head for Vishnu’s third foot. Vishnu third foot pushed him down into the nether regions but Bali's act of humility before Vishnu was glorified throughout the ages.

Narsimha - Fourth Avatar of Lord Vishnu

Narsimha, was taken in the Satyuga (last age) to kill a tyrant demon king.In this avtar lord turned half man and half animal,having a human-like torso and a lower body, but with a lion-like face and claws. Narsimha is the only avatar which was Hybrid in form being half human and half animal.

Varaha - Lord Vishnu's Third Avtar

At the end of the last deluge in the last Kalpa or age, Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth) sank to the bottom of the ocean. Vishnu, taking the form of a large boar, Varaha, dived into the ocean and carried the goddess out of the ocean supported by his two tusks and his massive snout.

Kurma was the Second Avtar of Lord Vishnu

Vishnu’s second avatar was Kurma the tortoise sent to help the Devas (heavenly beings or lesser gods). Obtain the nectar of immortality which the Asuras (demons) also sought. The Devas and Asuras churned the ocean to get this nectar, using a giant snake, Vasuki, as the churning rope and Mount Mandara as the churning rod. To prevent the mountain from sinking into the ocean, Vishnu as a giant tortoise supported the mountain under water until ht nectar of immorality emerged which Vishnu gave to the Devas alone.

What is Avatar ??

The avatars appear in order to balance the effect of good and evil upon the earth. It is believed that nine avatars have already descended, three in non human form, one in hybrid form and five in human form. Of the ten universally recognized avatars, nine have already appeared whereas the tenth is yet to appear. These ten avatars are also known by the name of Dasha Avatar of Vishnu.

All the Avatars are mortal form of Lord Vishnu, who himself is eternal, consistent and undeniable.

Matsya Avtara - First Avtar of Lord Vishnu

At the end of Sat Yuga, Lord Vishnu took this avtar.When a flood destroyed the world and the four Vedas (the holy books delivered from the mouth of the Supreme-God) remained drowned in the waters. It was necessary to get hold of them to instruct Brahma about the work of creation. Vishnu was therefore appointed to bring up the Vedas from the deep. He took the form of a fish (matsya), descended into the waters and brought up these sacred books.

Avatars of Vishnu in the Bhagavata Purana

Twenty-two avatars of Vishnu are listed numerically in the first Canto of the Bhagavata Purana as follows:^[5]

1. Catursana [SB 1.3.6] (The Four Sons of Brahma)
2. Varaha [SB 1.3.7] (The boar)
3. Narada [SB 1.3.8] (The Traveling Sage)
4. Nara-Narayana [SB 1.3.9] (The Twins)
5. Kapila [SB 1.3.10] (The Philosopher)
6. Dattatreya [SB 1.3.11] (Combined Avatar of The Trimurti)
7. Yajna [SB 1.3.12] (Vishnu temporarily taking the role of Indra)
8. Rishabha [SB 1.3.13] (Father of King Bharata and Bahubali)
9. Prithu [SB 1.3.14] (King who made earth Beautiful and Attractive)
10. Matsya [SB 1.3.15] (The Fish)
11. Kurma [SB 1.3.16] (The Tortoise)
12. Dhanvantari [SB 1.3.17] (Father of Ayurveda)
13. Mohini [SB 1.3.17] (Beautiful/Charming Woman)
14. Narasimha [SB 1.3.18] (The Man-Lion)
15. Vamana [SB 1.3.19] (The Dwarf)
16. Parasurama [SB 1.3.20] (The Rama with an Axe)
17. Vyasa [SB 1.3.21] (Compiler of the Vedas)
18. Rama [SB 1.3.22] (The King of Ayodhya)
19. Balarama [SB 1.3.23] (Krishna's Elder Brother)
20. Krishna [SB 1.3.23] (The Cowherd also Svayam Bhagavan)
21. Buddha [SB 1.3.24] (The Enlightened)
22. Kalki [SB 1.3.25] (The Destroyer)

Besides these, another four avatars are described later on in the text as follows:

1. Prshnigarbha [SB 10.3.41] (Born to Prshni)
   
2. Hayagriva [SB 2.7.11] (The Horse)
   
3. Hamsa [SB 11.13.19] (The Swan)
4. Golden avatra [SB 11.5.32] (Avatara in Kali-yuga for propagating hari-namasankirtan)

Dasavatara: Ten Avatars of Vishnu in the Garuda Purana

The ten most famous descents of Vishnu are collectively known as the "Dasavatara" ("dasa" in Sanskrit means ten). This list is included in the Garuda Purana (1.86.10"11) and denotes those avatars most prominent in terms of their influence on human society.^[3]

The first four are said to have appeared in the Satya Yuga (the first of the four Yugas or ages in the time cycle described within Hinduism). The next three avatars appeared in the Treta Yuga, the eighth descent in the Dwapara Yuga and the ninth in the Kali Yuga. The tenth is predicted to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga in some 427,000 years time.^[4]

1. Matsya, the fish, appeared in the Satya Yuga.
2. Kurma, the tortoise, appeared in the Satya Yuga.
3. Varaha, the boar, appeared in the Satya Yuga.
4. Narasimha, the half-man/half-lion appeared in the Satya Yuga.
5. Vamana, the dwarf, appeared in the Treta Yuga.
6. Parashurama, Rama with the axe, appeared in the Treta Yuga.
7. Rama, Ramachandra, the prince and king of Ayodhya, appeared in the Treta Yuga.
8. Krishna (meaning "dark coloured" or "all attractive") appeared in the Dwapara Yuga along with his brother Balarama. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Balarama is said to have appeared in the Dwapara Yuga (along with Krishna) as a descent of Ananta Shesha. He is also counted as an avatar of Vishnu by the majority of Vaishnava movements and is included as the ninth Dasavatara in some versions of the list which contain no reference to Buddha.
9. Gautama Buddha (meaning "the enlightened one") appeared in the Kali Yuga (specifically as Siddhartha Gautama).
10. Kalki ("Eternity", or "time", or "The Destroyer of foulness"), who is expected to appear at the end of Kali Yuga, the time period in which we currently exist, which will end in the year 428899 CE.^{[citation needed]}

Vishnu Purana - Gem of Puranas (Hindu Sacred relegious Book)

The Vishnu Purana is a religious Hindu text and one of eighteen Puranas. It is considered one of the most important Puranas and has been given the name Puranaratna (gem of Puranas). It Contains approximately 23,000 shlokas.

The book starts with detailed stories of creation and introduces the concept of four yugas.The tale of Rudra, an elaborate story of the Samudra Manthana, or the churning of the ocean, the Story of Dhruva, an ardent devotee of Vishnu, and stories of ancient kings Vena and Prithu are also discussed in the first section. Tales of Prithu's descendants, the Prachetas, the famous story of Hiranyakashipu and Prahlada, some topological details of the known world with mentions of lands, tribes, mountains and rivers, concepts of the universe, and the stories of the many births of Jadabharata are the major topics discussed in the next book. The third section discusses the stories of Manvantara (cycles of creation and destruction), the sages Vyasa and Yajnavalkya, Surya (the sun god),Yama (the god of the dead), devotees Shatadhanu and Shaivya, the four classes (varnas) and the four stages of life(ashramas) and details of many rituals. The fourth section gives a detailed account of all the famous Kings from the solar and lunar dynasties of ancient India, and also lists the names of kings who 'would appear' in the age of Kali. The second list contains the name of historical kings of Magadha, including kings from the Shishunaga, Nanda and Maurya dynasties. The next section deals in details the different events in the life of Lord Krishna, starting from his birth, through his childhood and up to his death and the prominent destruction of the Yadava clan. The sixth and last section mainly discusses the impending age of Kali, the concepts of universal destruction that would eventually follow and explains the importance of the Puranas in general.

Man who with devotion and faith recites this hymn (consisting of the thousand names of Vasudeva) succeeds in acquiring felicity of soul, forgiveness of disposition, Prosperity, intelligence, memory, and fame. Neither wrath, nor jealousy, nor cupidity, nor evil understanding ever appears in those men of righteousness who are devoted to that foremost of beings. The firmament with the sun, moon and stars, the welkin, the points of the compass, the earth and the ocean, are all held and supported by the prowess of the high-souled Vasudeva. The whole mobile and immobile universe with the deities, Asuras, and Gandharvas, Yakshas, Uragas and Rakshasas, is under the sway of Krishna."

Vishnu sahastranama is the essence of the Mahabharata. Bhishma Pitaamaha considered chanting of the Vishnu sahastranama the best and easiest of all dharmas, or the means to attain relief from all bondage

Man who with devotion and perseverance and heart wholly turned towards him, recites these thousand names of Vishnu every day, after having purified himself, succeeds in acquiring great fame, a position of eminence among his kinsmen, enduring prosperity, and lastly, that which is of the highest benefit to him (viz., emancipation Moksha itself). Such a man never meets with fear at any time, and acquires great prowess and energy. Disease never afflicts him; splendour of complexion, strength, beauty, and accomplishments become his. The sick become hale, the afflicted become freed from their afflictions; the frightened become freed from fear, and he that is plunged in calamity becomes freed from calamity."

The man who hymns the praises of that foremost of Beings by reciting His thousand names with devotion succeeds in quickly crossing all difficulties. That mortal who takes refuge in Vasudeva and who becomes devoted to Him, becomes freed of all sins and attains to eternal Brahman. They who are devoted to Vasudeva/Vishnu have never to encounter any evil. They become freed from the fear of birth, death, decrepitude, and disease."

Bhism Pitaamaha told Yudhisthira about the Glory of God

The Vishnu Sahasranaama was composed by Sri Veda Vyaasa, the author of the Puraanas.

Prince Yudhisthira, the eldest of the pandavas, at the end of the war approached Bheeshma Pitaamaha, when the mighty grandsire of the Kuru family was lying on the bed of arrows, unconquered and in conquerable, awaiting the scared hour of his departure to the feet of the lord. Yudhishthira, the righteous, asked six questions, Bheeshma, the constant devotee of Krishna, the gigantic Man of Action, calmly answered them all. This is how we find the “Thousand Names of Lord Vishnu” introduced in the immortal classic of the Hindus, the Mahaabaarata.

1) Who is the greatest Lord in the world ?

Pavitraanaam pavitram yo
Mangalaanaam cha mangalam

Daivatam devataanam cha
Bhootaanam yo avyayah pitaa.

He who is ("yo") the very sanctity ("pavitram") that sanctifies all sacred things ("pavitraanaam"); he who is most auspicious ("mangalam"); he who is the god ("devataa") of gods ("daivatam"); he who is the eternal ("avyayah") father ("pitaa") of all creatures ("bhootaanaam") is the one god – VISHNU.

2) Who is the one refuge for all?

Paramam yo mahat-tejah Paramam yo mahat-tapah
Paramam yo mahat-brahma Paramam yah paraayanam.

He who is the great ("mahat") effulgence ("tejah"); He who is the Great controller ("tapah"); He who is the Supreme All-Pervading Truth; ("brahma") he who is the Highest (Param) Goal (Ayanam)-the Lord Vishnu.

3) By glorifying whom can man reach the Auspiciousness ( peace and prosperity)?

Jagat-prabhum deva-devam Anantam purushottamam

Stuvan naama-sahasrena Purushah satatotthitah.

The supreme ("uttamam") Purusha, who is ever up and dong for the welfare of all, the Lord ("prabhum") of the world ("jagat") the endless ("anantam") – Sri Maha Vishnu.

4) By worshipping whom can a man reach auspiciousness (peace and prosperity)?

Tameva cha archayan nityam Bhaktyaa purusham avyayam

Stuvan naama-sahasrena Purushah satatthitah.

By meditating upon ("sthuvan naama"), by ("cha") worshipping ("archayan") and by prostrating at the same Purusha, man can reach true Auspiciousness.

5) What is, in thy opinion, the Greatest Dharma?

6) By ("kim") doing japa of what can “creatures” (jantu) go beyond ("mutchyate") the bonds ("bandhanaath") of samsara?

Anaadi-nidhanam vishnum
Sarvaloka-maheshvaram

Lokaadhyaksham stuvan nityam
Sarva-duhkha-atigo bhavet.

Both questions are answered here: - the greatest Dharma is the one Vishnu, who has neither a beginning (Aadi) nor an end (Nidhanam), the supreme Lord ("maheshwaram") of the world. All creatures can go beyond the bonds of samsar, “and he goes beyond all sorrows” who daily ("nityam") chants ("stuvan") the sahasranaamas and within glorifies “the knower of the world” (Lokaadhyaksha).

The supreme is described as that from which the whole world of names and forms had risen in the beginning of the creation, that in which the world continues to exit, that into which alone the world can merge back during the ‘Dissolution’ (Pralaya); this supreme is VISHNU.

After thus answering all questions, “His thousand Name”, said Bheeshma, “I shall now advise you. Please listen to them with all attention”. This is how the Sacred Hymn, called as “The thousand names of Lord Vishnu”, is introduced in the Mahaabhaarata.

Who is Hari ???

Hari who is famously known as Vishnu is a Creator of the Universe.Hari says he can transform himself to different roles in order to run this Universe..he becomes Creator at one time and at other moment of time he becomes Sustainer.

The Vishnu sahasranama as found in the Mahabharata is the most popular version of the 1000 names of Vishnu. Another version exists in the Padma Purana. Each name eulogizes one of His countless great attributes.

HARI OM TAT SAT

Hari Om Tat Sat (Sanskrit: हरी ओम् तत् सत्, Hari Aum Tat Sat)

• Om refers to the Supreme Infinite Spirit or Person. Om represents the Shabda Brahman.
• Tat refers to 'that', or 'all that is'.
• Sat refers to 'the absolute truth', that which is not evanescent or ephemeral, the underlying basis of everything, which is most fundamental and universal. ‘Sat’ is the one and only reality.

Hari Om Tat Sat (Sanskrit: हरी ओम् तत् सत्) means Lord Vishnu is (alone) the truth and the only truth.