Padmapurana Part 04

This document is Part 4 of the Padmapurana, a significant Jain text, authored by Mahadev Chimnaji Apte and published by Anand Ashram. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/010655/1. The content is marked for Jain Education International Private and Personal Use Only.

The document begins with an invocation to Brahmastra and then states that it is the fourth part, a continuation of the sixth section, of the Padmapurana. It credits Shri Rao Saheb Mandali, also known as Vishwanath Narayan, for diligently compiling and revising the text with critical annotations. The publication date is noted as 1816 of the Salivahana Shaka era, corresponding to 1894 CE. It also mentions that all rights are reserved according to the prevailing governance, and the price of the complete work is twenty-four Rupees.

The table of contents for the final sixth section (Uttarakhanda) is extensive and covers a wide range of narratives, philosophical discussions, and religious observances. Key themes and stories include:

• Dialogues: Conversations between Narada and Mabhesura, Narada and Bhagavat, and Narada and various other deities.
• Mythological Narratives:
  • The origin and exploits of Jalandhara, including his birth from the ocean and his marriage to Vrinda.
  • The battle between Jalandhara and Indra, Vishnu, and Shiva.
  • The story of Vrinda's devotion and her transformation.
  • The consequences of Lord Indra's arrogance and his interaction with Shankara.
  • The divine cycle of creation, including the story of Kirtimukha.
  • The birth and deeds of various deities and heroes.
• Religious Observances and Teachings:
  • Extensive details on the significance and rituals of Ekadashi (the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight), covering numerous variations like Utpanna Ekadashi, Jaya Ekadashi, Vijaya Ekadashi, Nirjala Ekadashi, and many more throughout the Hindu calendar months.
  • The glories of Ganga and other sacred rivers like Yamuna, Ganga, Prayaga, and Kashi.
  • The significance of Tulasi (holy basil).
  • Discussions on the merits of various donations such as annadana (food donation), vastradana (clothes donation), bhumidana (land donation), and others.
  • The importance of fasting, vows, and pilgrimages.
  • Teachings on dharma, karma, and the path to salvation.
  • Descriptions of various heavens and hells.
  • The concept of Vishnu devotion (Vaishnavism) and its practices.
  • The importance of remembering Lord Vishnu and chanting his names.
  • The significance of specific festivals and rituals, including the Pavitraropana ceremony and the Deepavali (festival of lights).
  • The merits of visiting holy places like Haridwar, Prayaga, Kashi, Gaya, and the significance of the river Ganga.
  • The spiritual importance of various months, particularly Kartika and Magha.
  • Discussions on the nature of the soul, Brahman, and the path to liberation.
  • The virtues of devotion, knowledge, detachment, and righteous conduct.
  • The text also seems to cover various mythological stories and teachings related to other deities like Shiva, Brahma, and various ascetics and sages.

The table of contents is exceptionally detailed, indicating a comprehensive coverage of Jain philosophy and practices within the context of this Purana. It suggests that the text aims to guide individuals towards spiritual understanding and liberation through righteous living, devotion, and adherence to religious observances. The sheer volume of topics suggests a rich and multifaceted spiritual repository.