The Vishnu Purana - Contents - Books I - VI

[Anne Terri]

CONTENTS

BOOK I.

CHAP. I.--Invocation. Maitreya inquires of his teacher, Paráara, the origin and nature of the universe. Pará?ara performs a rite to destroy the demons: reproved by Vaishtha, he desists: Pulastya appears, and bestows upon him divine knowledge: he repeats the Vishnu Purána. Vishnu the origin, existence, and end of all things.--P. 1.

CHAP. II.--Prayer of Pará?ara to Vishn?u. Successive narration of the Vishn?u Purán?a. Explanation of Vásudeva: his existence before creation: his first manifestations. Description of Pradhána, or the chief principle of things. Cosmogony. Of Prákrita, or material creation; of time; of the active cause. Development of effects; Mahat; Ahankára; Tanmátras; elements; objects of sense; senses; of the mundane egg. Vishn?u the same as Brahmá the creator; Vishn?u the preserver; Rudra the destroyer.--P. 5.

CHAP. III.--Measure of time. Moments or Kásht?hás, &c.; day and night, fortnight, month, year, divine year: Yugas, or ages: Maháyuga, or great age: day of Brahmá: periods of the Manus: a Manwantara: night of Brahmá, and destruction of the world: a year of Brahmá: his life: a Kalpa: a Parárddha: the past, or Pádma Kalpa: the present, or Váráha.--P. 21.
CHAP. IV.--Náráyana's appearance, in the beginning of the Kalpa, as the Varáha or boar: Prithiví (Earth) addresses him: he raises the world from beneath the waters: hymned by Sanandana and the Yogis. The earth floats on the ocean: divided into seven zones. The lower spheres of the universe restored. Creation renewed.--P. 27.

CHAP. V.--Vishnu as Brahmá creates the world. General characteristics of creation. Brahmá meditates, and gives origin to immovable things, animals, gods, men. Specific creation of nine kinds; Mahat, Tanmátra, Aindríya, inanimate objects, animals, gods, men, Anugraha, and Kaumára. More particular account of creation. Origin of different orders of beings from Brahmá's body under different conditions;

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and of the Vedas from his mouths. All things created again as they existed in a former Kalpa.--P. 34.

CHAP. VI.--Origin of the four castes: their primitive state. Progress of society. Different kinds of grain. Efficacy of sacrifice. Duties of men: regions. assigned them after death.--P. 44.

CHAP. VII.--Creation continued. Production of the mind-born sons of Brahmá; of the Prajápatis; of Sanandana and others; of Rudra and the eleven Rudras; of the Manu Swáyambhuva, and his wife atarúpá; of their children, The daughters of Daksha, and their marriage to Dharma and others. The progeny of Dharma and Adharma. The perpetual succession of worlds, and different modes of mundane dissolution.--P. 49.

CHAP. VIII.--Origin of Rudra: his becoming eight Rudras: their wives and children. The posterity of Bhrigu. Account of ?rí in conjunction with Vishn?u. (Sacrifice of Daksha.)--P. 58.

CHAP. IX.--Legend of Lakshmí. Durvásas gives a garland to Indra: he treats it disrespectfully, and is cursed by the Muni. The power of the gods impaired: they are oppressed by the Dánavas, and have recourse to Vishn?u. The churning of the ocean. Praises of rí.--P. 70.

CHAP. X.--The descendants of the daughters of Daksha married to the Rishis.--P. 82.

CHAP. XI.--Legend of Dhruva, the son of Uttánapáda: he is unkindly treated by his father's second wife: applies to his mother: her advice: he resolves to engage in religious exercises: sees the seven Rishis, who recommend him to propitiate Vishnu.--P.86.

CHAP. XII.--Dhruva commences a course of religious austerities. Unsuccessful attempts of Indra and his ministers to distract Dhruva's attention: they appeal to Vishnu, who allays their fears, and appears to Dhruva. Dhruva praises Vishn?u, and is raised to the skies as the pole-star.--P. 90.

CHAP. XIII.--Posterity of Dhruva. Legend of Ven?a: his impiety: he is put to death by the Rishis. Anarchy ensues. The production of Nisháda and Prithu: the latter the first king. The origin of Súta and Mágadha: they enumerate the duties of kings. Prithu compels Earth to acknowledge his authority: he levels it: introduces cultivation: erects cities. Earth called after bins Prithiví: typified as a cow.--P. 98.

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CHAP. XIV.--Descendants of Prithu. Legend of the Prachetasas: they are desired by their father to multiply mankind, by worshipping Vishn?u: they plunge into the sea, and meditate on and praise him: he appears, and grants their wishes.--P. 106.

CHAP. XV.--The world overrun with trees: they are destroyed by the Prachetasas. Soma pacifies them, and gives them Márishá to wife: her story: the daughter of the nymph Pramlochá. Legend of Kan?d?u. Márishá's former history. Daksha the son of the Prachetasas: his different characters: his sons: his daughters: their marriages and progeny: allusion to Prahláda, his descendant.--P. 110.

CHAP. XVI.--Inquiries of Maitreya respecting the history of Prahláda.--P. 125.
CHAP. XVII.--Legend of Prahláda. Hiran?yaka?ipu the sovereign of the universe: the gods dispersed, or in servitude to him: Prahláda, his son, remains devoted to Vishn?u: questioned by his father, he praises Vishn?u: Hiran?yaka?ipu orders him to be put to death, but in vain: his repeated deliverance: he teaches his companions to adore Vishn?u.--P. 126.

CHAP. XVIII.--Hiran?yakaipu's reiterated attempts to destroy his son: their being always frustrated.--P. 134.

CHAP. XIX.--Dialogue between Prahláda and his father: he is cast from the top of the palace unhurt: baffles the incantations of Samvara: he is thrown fettered into the sea: he praises Vishn?u.--P. 137.

CHAP. XX.--Vishn?u appears to Prahláda. Hiran?yaka?ipu relents, and is reconciled to his son: he is put to death by Vishn?u as the Nrisinha. Prahláda becomes king of the Daityas: his posterity: fruit of hearing his story.--P. 143

CHAP. XXI.--Families of the Daityas. Descendants of Kayapa by Danu. Children of Kayapa by his other wives. Birth of the Márutas, the sons of Diti.--P. 147.

CHAP. XXII.--Dominion over different provinces of creation assigned to different beings. Universality of Vishn?u. Four varieties of spiritual contemplation. Two conditions of spirit. The perceptible attributes of Vishnu types of his imperceptible properties. Vishnu every thing. Merit of hearing the first book of the Vishnu Purána.--P. 153.

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BOOK II.

CHAP. I.--Descendants of Priyavrata, the eldest son of Swáyambhuva Manu: his ten sons: three adopt a religious life; the others become kings of the seven Dwípas, or isles, of the earth. Agnídhra, king of Jambu-dwípa, divides it into nine portions, which he distributes amongst his sons. Nábhi, king of the south, succeeded by Rishabha; and he by Bharata: India named after him Bhárata: his descendants reign during the Swáyambhuva Manwantara.--P. 161.
CHAP. II.--Description of the earth. The seven Dwípas and seven seas. Jambu-dwípa. Mount Meru: its extent and boundaries. Extent of Ilávrita. Groves, lakes, and branches of Meru. Cities of the gods. Rivers. The forms of Vishn?u worshipped in different Varshas.--P. 166.

CHAP. III.--Description of Bharata-varsha: extent: chief mountains: nine divisions: principal rivers and mountains of Bhárata proper: principal nations: superiority over other Varshas, especially as the seat of religious acts. (Topographical lists).--P. 174.
CHAP. IV.--Account of kings, divisions, mountains, rivers, and inhabitants of the other Dwípas, viz. Plaksha, ?álmala, Ku?a, Krauncha, ?áka, and Pushkara: of the oceans separating them: of the tides: of the confines of the earth: the Lokáloka mountain. Extent of the whole.--P. 197.
CHAP. V.--Of the seven regions of Pátála, below the earth. Nárada's praises of Pátála. Account of the serpent ?esha. First teacher of astronomy and astrology.--P. 204.

CHAP. VI.--Of the different hells, or divisions of Naraka, below Pátála: the crimes punished in them respectively: efficacy of expiation: meditation on Vishn?u the most effective expiation.--P. 207.

CHAP. VII.--Extent and situation of the seven spheres, viz. earth, sky, planets, Mahar-loka, Jana-loka, Tapo-loka, and Satya-loka. Of the egg of Brahmá, and its elementary envelopes. Of the influence of the energy of Vishnu.--P. 212.

CHAP. VIII.--Description of the sun: his chariot; its two axles: his horses. The cities of the regents of the cardinal points. The sun's course: nature of his rays: his path along the ecliptic. Length of day and night. Divisions of time: equinoxes and solstices, months, years, the cyclical Yuga, or age of five years. Northern and southern declinations. Saints on the Lokáloka mountain. Celestial paths of the

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[paragraph continues] Pitris, gods, Vishn?u. Origin of Gangá, and separation, on the top of Meru, into four great rivers.--P. 217.
CHAP. IX.--Planetary system, under the type of a iumára, or porpoise. The earth nourished by the sun. Of rain whilst the sun shines. Of rain from clouds. Rain the support of vegetation, and thence of animal life. Náráyan?a the support of all beings.--P. 230.

CHAP. X.--Names of the twelve Ádityas. Names of the Rishis, Gandharbas, Apsarasas, Yakshas, Uragas, and Rákshasas, who attend the chariot of the sun in each month of the year. Their respective functions.--P. 233.

CHAP. XI.--The sun distinct from, and supreme over, the attendants on his car: identical with the three Vedas and with Vishn?u: his functions.--P. 235.
CHAP. XII.--Description of the moon: his chariot, horses, and course: fed by the sun: drained periodically of ambrosia by the progenitors and gods. The chariots and horses of the planets: kept in their orbits by aerial chains attached to Dhruva. Typical members of the planetary porpoise. Vásudeva alone real.--P. 238.

CHAP. XIII.--Legend of Bharata. Bharata abdicates his throne, and becomes an ascetic: cherishes a fawn, and becomes so much attached to it as to neglect his devotions: he dies: his successive births: works in the fields, and is pressed as a palankin-bearer for the Rájá of Sauvíra: rebuked for his awkwardness: his reply: dialogue between him and the king.--P. 243.
CHAP. XIV.--Dialogue continued. Bharata expounds the nature of existence, the end of life, and the identification of individual with universal spirit.--P. 251.

CHAP. XV.--Bharata relates the story of Ribhu and Nidágha. The latter, the pupil of the former, becomes a prince, and is visited by his preceptor, who explains to him the principles of unity, and departs.--P. 254.

CHAP. XVI.--Ribhu returns to his disciple, and perfects him in divine knowledge. The same recommended to the Rájá by Bharata, who thereupon obtains final liberation. Consequences of hearing this legend.--P. 257

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BOOK III.

CHAP. I.--Account of the several Manus and Manwantaras. Swárochisha the second Manu: the divinities, the Indra, the seven Rishis of his period, and his sons. Similar details of Auttami, Támasa, Raivata, Chákshusha, and Vaivaswata. The forms of Vishn?u, as the preserver, in each Manwantara. The meaning of Vishn?u.---P. 259.

CHAP. II.--Of the seven future Manus and Manwantaras. Story of Sanjná and Chháyá, wives of the sun. Sávarn?i, son of Chháyá, the eighth Manu. His successors, with the divinities, &c. of their respective periods. Appearance of Vishn?u in each of the four Yugas.--P. 266.

CHAP. III.--Division of the Veda into four portions, by a Vyása, in every Dwápara age. List of the twenty-eight Vyásas of the present Manwantara. Meaning of the word Brahma.--P. 272.
CHAP. IV.--Division of the Veda, in the last Dwápara age, by the Vyása Krishn?a Dwaipáyana. Paila made reader of the Rich; Vai?ampáyana of the Yajush; Jaimini of the Sáman; and Sumantu of the Atharvan. Súta appointed to teach the historical poems. Origin of the four parts of the Veda. Sanhitás of the Rig-veda.--P. 275.

CHAP. V.--Divisions of the Yajur-veda. Story of Yájnawalkya: forced to give up what he has learned: picked up by others, forming the Taittiríya-yajush. Yájnawalkya worships the sun, who communicates to him the Vájasaneyí-yajush.--P. 279.

CHAP. VI.--Divisions of the Sáma-veda: of the Atharva-veda. Four Paurán?ik Sanhitás. Names of the eighteen Purán?as. Branches of knowledge. Classes of Rishis.--P. 282.
CHAP. VII.--By what means men are exempted from the authority of Yama, as narrated by Bhíshma to Nakula. Dialogue between Yama and one of his attendants. Worshippers of Vishn?u not subject to Yama. How they are to be known.--P. 286.

CHAP. VIII.--How Vishn?u is to be worshipped, as related by Aurva to Sagara. Duties of the four castes, severally and in common: also in time of distress.--P. 290.

CHAP. IX.--Duties of the religious student, householder, hermit, and mendicant P. 294.

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CHAP. X.--Ceremonies to be observed at the birth and naming of a child. Of marrying, or leading a religious life. Choice of a wife. Different modes of marrying--P. 297.

CHAP. XI.--Of the Sadácháras, or perpetual obligations of a householder. Daily purifications, ablutions, libations, and oblations: hospitality: obsequial rites: ceremonies to be observed at meals, at morning and evening worship, and on going to rest--P. 300.

CHAP. XII.--Miscellaneous obligations--purificatory, ceremonial, and moral.--P. 310.

CHAP. XIII.--Of ?ráddhas, or rites in honour of ancestors, to be performed on occasions of rejoicing. Obsequial ceremonies. Of the Ekoddisht?a or monthly ?ráddha, and the Sapin?d?ana or annual one. By whom to be performed.--P. 314.
CHAP. XIV.--Of occasional ?ráddhas, or obsequial ceremonies: when most efficacious, and at what places.--P. 320.

CHAP. XV.--What Brahmans are to be entertained at ?ráddhas. Different prayers to be recited. Offerings of food to be presented to deceased ancestors.--P. 325.

CHAP. XVI.--Things proper to be offered as food to deceased ancestors: prohibited things. Circumstances vitiating a ?ráddha: how to be avoided. Song of the Pitris, or progenitors, heard by Ikshwáku.--P. 332.

CHAP. XVII.--Of heretics, or those who reject the authority of the Vedas: their origin, as described by Va?isht?ha to Bhíshma: the gods, defeated by the Daityas, praise Vishn?u: an illusory being, or Buddha, produced from his body.--P. 334.

CHAP. XVIII.--Buddha goes to the earth, and teaches the Daityas to contemn the Vedas: his sceptical doctrines: his prohibition of animal sacrifices. Meaning of the term Bauddha. Jainas and Bauddhas; their tenets. The Daityas lose their power, and are overcome by the gods. Meaning of the term Nagna. Consequences of neglect of duty. Story of ?atadhanu and his wife ?aivyá. Communion with heretics to be shunned.--P. 340.

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BOOK IV.

CHAP. I.--Dynasties of kings. Origin of the solar dynasty from Brahmá. Sons of the Manu Vaivaswata. Transformations of Ilá or Sudyumna. Descendants of the sons of Vaivaswat: those of Nedisht?a. Greatness of Márutta. Kings of Vai?álí. Descendants of ?aryáti. Legend of Raivata: iris daughter Revatí married to Balaráma.--P. 347.

CHAP. II.--Dispersion of Revata's descendants: those of Dhrisht?a: those of Nábhága. Birth of Ikshwáku, the son of Vaivaswata: his sons. Line of Vikukshi. Legend of Kakutstha; of Dhundhumára; of Yuvaná?wa; of Mándhátri: his daughters married to Saubhari.--P. 358.

CHAP. III.--Saubhari and his wives adopt an ascetic life. Descendants of Mándhátri. Legend of Narmadá and Purukutsa. Legend of Tri?anku. Báhu driven from his kingdom by the Haihayas and Tálajanghas. Birth of Sagara: he conquers the barbarians, imposes upon them distinguishing usages, and excludes them from offerings to fire, and the study of the Vedas.--P. 369.

CHAP. IV.--The progeny of Sagara: their wickedness: he performs an A?wamedha: the horse stolen by Kapila: found by Sagara's sons, who are all destroyed by the sage: the horse recovered by An?umat: his descendants. Legend of Mitrasaha or Kalmáshapáda, the son of Sudása. Legend of Khat?wánga. Birth of Ráma and the other sons of Da?aratha. Epitome of the history of Ráma: his descendants, and those of his brothers. Line of Ku?a. Vrihadbala, the last, killed in the great war.--P. 377.

CHAP. V.--Kings of Mithilá. Legend of Nimi, the son of Ikshwáku. Birth of Janaka. Sacrifice of Síradhwaja. Origin of Sítá. Descendants of Ku?adhwaja. Krita the last of the Maithila princes.--P. 388.

CHAP. VI.--Kings of the lunar dynasty. Origin of Soma or the moon: he carries off Tárá, the wife of Vrihaspati: war between the gods and Asuras in consequence: appeased by Brahmá. Birth of Budha: married to Ilá, daughter of Vaivaswata. Legend of his son Purúravas, and the nymph Urva?í: the former institutes offerings with fire: ascends to the sphere of the Gandharbas,--P. 392.

CHAP. VII.--Sons of Purúravas. Descendants of Amávasu. Indra born as Gádhi. Legend of Richíka and Satyavatí. Birth of Jamadagni and Vi?wámitra. Para?uráma

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the son of the former. (Legend of Para?uráma.) Sunah?ephas and others the sons of Vi?wámitra, forming the Kau?ika race.--P. 398.

CHAP. VIII.--Sons of Áyus. Line of Kshatravriddha, or kings of Ká?í. Former birth of Dhanwantari. Various names of Pratarddana. Greatness of Alarka.--P. 406.

CHAP. IX.--Descendants of Raji, son of Áyus: Indra resigns his throne to him: claimed after his death by his sons, who apostatize from the religion of the Vedas, and are destroyed by Indra. Descendants of Pratíkshatra, son of Kshatravriddha.--P. 411.

CHAP. X.--The sons of Nahusha. The sons of Yayáti: he is cursed by ?ukra: wishes his sons to exchange their vigour for his infirmities. Puru alone consents. Yayáti restores him his youth: divides the earth amongst his sons, under the supremacy of Puru.--P. 413.
CHAP. XI.--The Yádava race, or descendants of Yadu. Kárttavírya obtains a boon from Dattátreya: takes Rávan?a prisoner: is killed by Para?uráma: his descendants.--P. 416.

CHAP. XIII.--Descendants of Krosht?ri. Jyámagha's connubial affection for his wife ?aivyá: their descendants kings of Vidarbha and Chedi.--P. 420.

CHAP. XIII.--Sons of Satwata. Bhoja princes of Mrittikávatí. Súrya the friend of Satrájit: appears to him in a bodily form: gives him the Syamantaka gem: its brilliance and marvellous properties. Satrájit gives it to Prasena, who is killed by a lion: the lion killed by the bear Jámbavat. Krishn?a suspected of killing Prasena, goes to look for him in the forests: traces the bear to his cave: fights with him for the jewel: the contest prolonged: supposed by his companions to be slain: he overthrows Jámbavat, and marries his daughter Jámbavatí: returns with her and the jewel to Dwáraká: restores the jewel to Satrájit, and marries his daughter Satyabhámá. Satrájit murdered by ?atadhanwan: avenged by Krishn?a. Quarrel between Krishn?a and Balaráma. Akrúra possessed of the jewel: leaves Dwáraká. Public calamities. Meeting of the Yádavas. Story of Akrúra's birth: he is invited to return: accused by Krishn?a of having the Syamantaka jewel: produces it in full assembly: it remains in his charge: Krishn?a acquitted of having purloined it.--P. 424

CHAP. XIV.--Descendants of ?ini, of Anamitra, of ?waphalka and Chitraka, of Andhaka. The children of Devaka and Ugrasena. The descendants of Bhajamána.

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[paragraph continues] Children of ?úra: his son Vásudeva: his daughter Pritha married to Pán?d?u: her children, Yudhisht?hira and his brothers; also Karn?a by Áditya. The sons of Pán?d?u by Mádrí. Husbands and children of ?úra's other daughters. Previous births of ?i?upála.--P. 435.

CHAP. XV.--Explanation of the reason why ?i?upála in his previous births as Hiran?yaka?ipu and Rávan?a was not identified with Vishn?u on being slain by him, and was so identified when killed as ?i?upála. The wives of Vásudeva: his children: Balaráma and Krishn?a his sons by Devakí: born apparently of Rohin?í and Yasodá. The wives and children of Krishn?a. Multitude of the descendants of Yadu.--P. 438.

CHAP. XVI.--Descendants of Turvasu.--P. 442.

CHAP. XVII.--Descendants of Druhyu.--P. 443.

CHAP. XVIII.--Descendants of Anu. Countries and towns named after some of them, as Anga, Banga, and others.--P. 444.

CHAP. XIX.--Descendants of Puru. Birth of Bharata, the son of Dushyanta: his sons killed: adopts Bharadwája or Vitatha. Hastin, founder of Hastinapur. Sons of Ajámíd?ha, and the races derived from them, as Pánchálas, &c. Kripa and Kripí found by ?ántanu. Descendants of Riksha, the son of Ajámíd?ha. Kurukshetra named from Kuru. Jarásandha and others, kings of Magadhá.--P. 447.

CHAP. XX.--Descendants of Kuru. Devápi abdicates the throne: assumed by Sántanu: he is confirmed by the Brahmans: Bhíshma his son by Gangá: his other sons. Birth of Dhritarásht?ra, Pán?d?u, and Vidura. The hundred sons of Dhritarásht?ra. The five sons of Pán?d?u: married to Draupadí: their posterity. Paríkshit, the grandson of Arjuna, the reigning king.--P. 457.

CHAP. XXI.--Future kings. Descendants of Paríkshit, ending with Kshemaka.--P. 461.

CHAP. XXII.--Future kings of the family of Ikshwáku, ending with Sumitra.--P. 463.

CHAP. XXIII.--Future kings of Magadhá, descendants of Vrihadratha.--P. 465.

CHAP. XXIV.--Future kings of Magadhá. Five princes of the line of Pradyota. Ten

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[paragraph continues] ?ai?unágas. Nine Nandas. Ten Mauryas. Ten ?ungas. Four Kan?was. Thirty Ándhrabhrityas. Kings of various tribes and castes, and periods of their rule. Ascendancy of barbarians. Different races in different regions. Period of universal iniquity and decay. Coming of Vishn?u as Kalki. Destruction of the wicked, and restoration of the practices of the Vedas. End of the Kálí, and return of the Krita, age. Duration of the Kálí. Verses chanted by Earth, and communicated by Asita to Jamaka. End of the fourth book.--P. 466.

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BOOK V.
CHAP. I.--The death of Kansa announced. Earth, oppressed by the Daityas, applies to the gods. They accompany her to Vishn?u, who promises to give her relief. Kansa imprisons Vásudeva and Devakí. Vishn?u's instructions to Yoganidrá.--P. 491.

CHAP. II.--The conception of Devakí: her appearance: she is praised by the gods.--P. 500.

CHAP. III.--Birth of Krishn?a: conveyed by Vásudeva to Mathurá, and exchanged with the new-born daughter of Ya?odá. Kansa attempts to destroy the latter, who becomes Yoganidrá..--P. 502.

CHAP. IV.--Kansa addresses his friends, announces their danger, and orders male children to be put to death.--P. 504.

CHAP. V.--Nanda returns with the infants Krishn?a and Balaráma to Gokula. Pútaná killed by the former. Prayers of Nanda and Ya?odá.--P. 506.

CHAP. VI.--Krisn?a overturns a waggon: casts down two trees. The Gopas depart to Vrindávana. Sports of the boys. Description of the season of the rains.--P. 508.

CHAP. VII. Krishn?a combats the serpent Kálíya: alarm of his parents and companions: he overcomes the serpent, and is propitiated by him: commands him to depart from the Yamuná river to the ocean.--P. 512.

CHAP. VIII.--The demon Dhenuka destroyed by Ráma.--P. 517.

CHAP. IX.--Sports of the boys in the forest. Pralamba the Asura comes amongst them: is destroyed by Ráma, at the command of Krishn?a.--P. 518.

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CHAP. X.--Description of autumn. Krishn?a dissuades Nanda from worshipping Indra: recommends him and the Gopas to worship cattle and the mountains.--P. 522.

CHAP. XI.--Indra, offended by the loss of his offerings, causes heavy rains to deluge Gokula. Krishn?a holds up the mountain Govarddhana to shelter the cowherds and their cattle.--P. 526,

CHAP. XII.--Indra comes to Gokula: praises Krishn?a, and makes him prince over the cattle. Krishn?a promises to befriend Arjuna.--P. 528.

CHAP. XIII.--Krishn?a praised by the cowherds: his sports with the Gopís: their imitation and love of him. The Rása dance.--P. 531.

CHAP. XIV,--Krishn?a kills the demon Arisht?a, in the form of a bull.--P. 536.

CHAP. XV.--Kansa informed by Nárada of the existence of Krishn?a and Balaráma: he sends Ke?in to destroy them, and Akúra to bring them to Mathurá.--P. 537.

CHAP. XVI.--Ke?in, in the form of a horse, slain by Krishn?a: he is praised by Nárada.--P. 539.

CHAP. XVII.--Akrúra's meditation on Krishn?a: his arrival at Gokula: his delight at seeing Krishn?a and his brother.--P. 541.

CHAP. XVIII.--Grief of the Gopís on the departure of Krishn?a and Balaráma with Akrúra: their leaving Gokula. Akrúra bathes in the Yamuná; beholds the divine forms of the two youths, and praises Vishn?u.--P. 544.

CHAP. XIX.--Akrúra conveys Krishn?a and Ráma near to Mathurá, and leaves them: they enter the town. Insolence of Kansa's washerman: Krishn?a kills him. Civility of a flower-seller: Krishn?a gives him his benediction.--P. 548.

CHAP. XX.--Krishn?a and Balaráma meet Kubja; she is made straight by the former: they proceed to the palace. Krishn?a breaks a bow intended for a trial of arms. Kansa's orders to his servants. Public games. Krishn?a and his brother enter the arena: the former wrestles with Chán?úra, the latter with Musht?ika, the king's wrestlers; who are both killed. Krishn?a attacks and slays Kansa: he and Balaráma do homage to Vásudeva and Devakí: the former praises Krishn?a.--P. 550.

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CHAP. XXI.--Krishn?a encourages his parents; places Ugrasena on the throne; becomes the pupil of Sándipaní, whose son he recovers from the sea: he kills the marine demon Panchajana, and makes a horn of his shell.--P. 560.

CHAP. XXII.--Jarásandha besieges Mathurá; is defeated, but repeatedly renews the attack.--P. 563.
CHAP. XXIII.--Birth of Kálayavana: he advances against Mathurá. Krishn?a builds Dwáraká, and sends thither the Yádava tribe: he leads Kálayavana into the cave of Muchukunda: the latter awakes, consumes the Yavana king, and praises Krishn?a.--P. 565.

CHAP. XXIV.--Muchukunda goes to perform penance. Krishn?a takes the army and treasures of Kálayavana, and repairs with them to Dwáraká. Balaráma visits Vraja: inquiries of its inhabitants after Krishn?a.--P. 569.
CHAP. XXV.--Balaráma finds wine in the hollow of a tree; becomes inebriated; commands the Yamuná to come to him, and on her refusal drags her out of her course: Lakshmí gives him ornaments and a dress: he returns to Dwáraká, and marries Revatí.--P. 571.

CHAP. XXVI.--Krishn?a carries off Rukminí: the princes who come to rescue her repulsed by Balaráma. Rukmin overthrown, but spared by Krishn?a, founds Bhojakat?a. Pradyumna born of Rukminí.--P. 573.

CHAP. XXVII.--Pradyumna stolen by Sambara; thrown into the sea, and swallowed by a fish; found by Máyádeví: he kills Sambara, marries Máyádeví, and returns with her to Dwáraká. Joy of Rukminí and Krishn?a.--P. 575

CHAP. XXVIII.--Wives of Krishn?a. Pradyumna has Aniruddha: nuptials of the latter. Balaráma beat at dice, becomes incensed, and slays Rukmin and others.--P. 578.

CHAP. XXIX.--Indra comes to Dwáraká, and reports to Krishn?a the tyranny of Naraka. Krishn?a goes to his city, and puts him to death. Earth gives the earrings of Adití to Krishn?a, and praises him. He liberates the princesses made captive by Naraka, sends them to Dwáraká, and goes to Swarga with Satyabhámá.--P. 581.

CHAP. XXX.--Krishn?a restores her earrings to Adití, and is praised by her: he visits

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the gardens of Indra, and at the desire of Satyabhámá carries off the Párijáta tree. ?achí excites Indra to its rescue. Conflict between the gods and Krishn?a, who defeats them. Satyabhámá derides them. They praise Krishn?a.--P. 584.

CHAP. XXXI.--Krishn?a, with Indra's consent, takes the Párijáta tree to Dwáraká; marries the princesses rescued from Naraka.--P. 589.

CHAP. XXXII.--Children of Krishn?a. Ushá, the daughter of Bán?a, sees Aniruddha in a dream, and becomes enamoured of him.--P. 591.

CHAP. XXXIII.--Bán?a solicits ?iva for war: finds Aniruddha in the palace, and makes him prisoner. Krishn?a, Balaráma, and Pradyumna come to his rescue. ?iva and Skanda aid Bán?a: the former is disabled; the latter put to flight. Bán?a encounters Krishn?a, who cuts off all his arms, and is about to put him to death. ?iva intercedes, and Krishn?a spares his life. Vishn?u and ?iva are the same.--P. 593.

CHAP. XXXIV.--Paun?d?raka, a Vásudeva, assumes the insignia and style of Krishn?a, supported by the king of Kai. Krishn?a marches against, and destroys them. The son of the king sends a magical being against Krishn?a: destroyed by his discus, which also sets Benares on fire, and consumes it and its inhabitants.--P. 597.

CHAP. XXXV.--?ámba carries off the daughter of Duryodhana, but is taken prisoner. Balaráma comes to Hastinapur, and demands his liberation: it is refused: in his wrath he drags the city towards him, to throw it into the river. The Kuru chiefs give up ?ámba and his wife.--P. 601.

CHAP. XXXVI.--The Asura Dwivida, in the form of an ape, destroyed by Balaráma.-- P. 604.

CHAP. XXXVII.--Destruction of the Yádavas. ?ámba and others deceive and ridicule the Rishis. The former bears an iron pestle: it is broken, and thrown into the sea. The Yádavas go to Prabhása by desire of Krishn?a: they quarrel and fight, and all perish. The great serpent ?esha issues from the mouth of Ráma. Krishn?a is shot by a hunter, and again becomes one with universal spirit.--P. 606.
CHAP. XXXVIII.--Arjuna comes to Dwáraká, and burns the dead, and takes away the surviving inhabitants. Commencement of the Kálí age. Shepherds and thieves attack Arjuna, and carry off the women and wealth. Arjuna regrets the loss of his prowess to Vyása; who consoles him, and tells him the story of Asht?ávakra's cursing

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the Apsarasas. Arjuna and his brothers place Paríkshit on the throne, and go to the forests. End of the fifth book.--P. 613.

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BOOK VI.

CHAP. I.--Of the dissolution of the world: the four ages: the decline of all things, and deterioration of mankind, in the Kálí age.--P. 621.
CHAP. II.--Redeeming properties of the Kálí age. Devotion to Vishn?u sufficient to salvation in that age for all castes and persons.--P. 627.

CHAP. III.--Three different kinds of dissolution. Duration of a Parárddha. The Clepsydra, or vessel for measuring time. The dissolution that occurs at the end of a day of Brahmá.--P. 630.

CHAP. IV.--Continuation of the account of the first kind of dissolution. Of the second kind, or elemental dissolution; of all being resolved into primary spirit.--P. 634.

CHAP. V.--The third kind of dissolution, or final liberation from existence. Evils of worldly life. Sufferings in infancy, manhood, old age. Pains of hell. Imperfect felicity of heaven. Exemption from birth desirable by the wise. The nature of spirit or god. Meaning of the terms Bhagavat and Vásudeva.--P. 638.

CHAP. VI.--Means of attaining liberation. Anecdotes of Khán?d?ikya and Ke?idhwaja. The former instructs the latter how to atone for permitting the death of a cow. Ke?idhwaja offers him a requital, and he desires to be instructed in spiritual knowledge.--P. 645.

CHAP. VII.--Ke?idhwaja describes the nature of ignorance, and the benefits of the Yoga, or contemplative devotion. Of the novice and the adept in the performance of the Yoga. How it is performed. The first stage, proficiency in acts of restraint and moral duty: the second, particular mode of sitting: the third, Pránáyáma, modes of breathing: the fourth, Pratyáhára, restraint of thought: the fifth, apprehension of spirit: the sixth, retention of the idea. Meditation on the individual and universal forms of Vishn?u. Acquirement of knowledge. Final liberation,--P. 649.

CHAP. VIII.--Conclusion of the dialogue between Pará?ara and Maitreya. Recapitulation of the contents of the Vishn?u Purán?a: merit of hearing it: how handed down. Praises of Vishn?u. Concluding prayer.--P. 660.

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  'The Vishnu Purana', translated by Horace Hayman Wilson,
is public domain in the US because it was published prior to 1923.