The Brahma Vaivarta Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas of Hinduism. It is a Vaishnavism text that focuses on the divine love story of Radha and Krishna, the supreme manifestations of Brahman, the ultimate reality. ¹²
The Purana also contains many other stories and teachings that reveal the nature of the universe, the role of the gods and goddesses, and the ethical and spiritual values of Hinduism. In this blog post, we will explore some of the main teachings of this fascinating text.
The Metamorphosis of Brahman
The title of the Purana means “the metamorphosis of Brahman”. It implies that Brahman, the source of everything, transforms itself into various forms and phenomena for its own delight. ¹³
The Purana begins with a conversation between Narada and Savarni Manu, in which Narada narrates the story of Rathantara, a sage who witnessed the creation and dissolution of the universe. Rathantara saw how Brahman first manifested as Krishna, who then created Radha from his own body as his eternal consort. Together, they created countless universes and entered into them as Vishnu and Lakshmi. ²
The Purana also describes how Krishna creates other gods and goddesses from his own body, such as Brahma, Shiva, Ganesha, Durga, Saraswati, and Savitri. All these deities are considered to be incarnations or aspects of Krishna and Radha, who are the supreme controllers and enjoyers of everything. ¹²
The Love Story of Radha and Krishna
The main theme of the Purana is the love story of Radha and Krishna, who are the embodiments of the highest bliss and beauty. The Puranas narrates their pastimes in various places, such as Vrindavana, Mathura, Dvaraka, and Goloka. It also describes their separation and reunion, their trials and tribulations, and their devotion and surrender to each other. ¹²
The Purana portrays Radha and Krishna as ideal lovers, who are always immersed in each other’s sweetness and charm. Their love is pure, selfless, unconditional, and transcendental. It is the source of all happiness and the goal of all souls. ¹²
The Purana also teaches how to attain the love of Radha and Krishna by following their instructions and examples. It emphasizes the importance of bhakti, or loving devotion, as the supreme path to liberation. It also prescribes various practices, such as chanting their names, meditating on their forms, listening to their stories, worshipping their images, serving their devotees, and celebrating their festivals. ²
The Role of Devi
The Purana also gives a prominent role to Devi, or the goddess, who is the manifestation of Prakriti, or nature. Devi is the power and energy of Brahman, who creates, sustains, and destroys the universe. She is also the mother of all living beings, who nourishes, protects, and guides them. ¹²
The Purana identifies Devi with various goddesses, such as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Savitri. They are all considered to be incarnations or aspects of Radha, who is the supreme goddess and the consort of Krishna. They are also worshipped as the presiding deities of different aspects of life, such as power, wealth, knowledge, and destiny. ¹²
The Purana also glorifies the feminine aspect of god through Radha and Devi. It asserts that all women are manifestations of the divine female, who are co-creators of the universe. It also teaches that any insult to a woman is an insult to Radha and Devi, who are the sources of all auspiciousness and grace. ¹²
The Ethical and Spiritual Values
The Purana also imparts various ethical and spiritual values that are essential for human welfare and happiness. It teaches the principles of dharma, or righteousness, karma, or action and reaction, and moksha, or liberation. It also explains the laws of nature, the cycle of birth and death, and the destiny of the soul. ²
The Purana also gives various guidelines and rules for different stages and aspects of life, such as castes, stages, duties, gifts, vows, rituals, festivals, pilgrimages, and so on. It also warns against the consequences of transgressing the dharma and violating the moral order. It also describes the various types of narakas, or hells, where the sinners suffer for their misdeeds. ¹²
The Purana also inspires the seekers to strive for the highest goal of life, which is to attain the love of Radha and Krishna. It assures them that by following the path of bhakti, they can overcome all obstacles and difficulties, and achieve supreme bliss and peace. It also promises them that by the grace of Radha and Krishna, they can attain their eternal abode in Goloka, where they can enjoy their company forever. ²⁴
Conclusion
The Brahma Vaivarta Purana is a treasure trove of wisdom and devotion. It reveals the secrets of the creation and the creator, the love and the lover, and the life and the liberation. It is a guide for all those who want to know the truth and experience the joy of existence. It is a gift for all those who want to love and be loved by Radha and Krishna. ²
Works Cited:
(1) Brahma Vaivarta Purana – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma_Vaivarta_Purana
(2) Brahma Vaivarta Purana, complete book with Sanskrit and English …. https://www.isvara.org/archive/brahma-vaivarta-purana-complete-book-with-sanskrit-and-english-translation/
(3) Brahma Vaivarta Purana – Radha. https://www.radha.name/digital-books/sastras-acharyas-and-swamis/puranas/puranas/brahma-vaivarta-purana