Is Purana Mythology?
“Mythology” typically refers to collections of stories about gods, heroes, and supernatural beings, often emphasizing fantastical events and symbolic explanations for natural phenomena. These are generally understood as fictional narratives.
While the Puranas also feature stories of deities and mythical beings, they are far more comprehensive. They encompass cosmology, genealogy, philosophy, spirituality, and social ethics.
Therefore, reducing the Puranas to mere “mythology” ignores their extensive philosophical and ethical depth, where mythical elements serve to convey profound truths about existence.
Interpretation of Pauranic stories:
It is important to note that the understanding and interpretation of Puranas can vary among different schools of thought within Hinduism. Some may view them as literal accounts, while others may interpret them symbolically or allegorically.
One truth: The “truth” presented in Puranas is not necessarily a single, absolute truth. Different Puranas may offer varying perspectives and interpretations of the same concepts, reflecting the diversity of experience and the multifaceted nature of reality. These variations should be seen as different facets of the same underlying truth, rather than contradictory or conflicting accounts. Few examples are given in subsequent paragraphs.
Bhagavata-purana (Puranjana): As mentioned, the story of Puranjana utilizes the metaphor of a city to represent the human body. The city’s fortifications symbolize the various defences of the mind against external temptations and internal desires. The enemies attacking the city represent the vices and distractions that hinder spiritual progress. This allegorical narrative provides a powerful framework for understanding the internal struggles faced by individuals on the path to self-realization.
Brahmanda-purana (Sri Lalitha): This Purana includes the “Lalitha Sahasranama,” a thousand-name hymn dedicated to the goddess Lalitha. This hymn is not merely a poetic recitation; it is a profound spiritual practice that invokes the divine qualities of the goddess and cultivates devotion within the practitioner. Each name in the Sahasranama carries deep symbolic meaning and evokes specific aspects of the divine.
Garuda-purana (Journey of the Soul): This Purana provides detailed descriptions of the afterlife, including the various realms that the soul may inhabit after death based on its karma. These descriptions are not to be taken literally, but rather as symbolic representations of the different states of consciousness that the soul may experience. The Garuda Purana emphasizes the importance of ethical living and spiritual practices in ensuring a positive afterlife.
Deeper insight: These examples demonstrate how Puranas utilize narratives to convey profound philosophical, spiritual, and metaphysical truths in a manner that is both engaging and insightful. By studying these texts, readers can gain deeper insights into the human condition, the nature of reality, and the path to spiritual liberation.
Common thread:
While each Purana may have its own unique focus, character, and style, they do share several common elements that bind them together as a distinct category of Vedic literature.
Vedic tribe is happy to bring you these five essential & common elements of puranas and show how they are different from mythology:
1. Sarga (creation)
2. Pratisarga (annihilation)
3. Vamsa (lineage)
4. Manvantara (the reign of Manus) and
5. Vamsanucarita (stories of the kings and sages)
In the next article, we will discuss “Sarga”.
Our intention is to invoke curiosity in you to enable you to study Puranas, appreciate their rich tapestry and adopt their teachings in your day-to-day life.
All the best.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
