Preface

P ADMA P URANA

Namasye Sarva Lokaanaam Vishwasya Jagathpatim,

Loka krullokattva jneyoga maasthaya yogavit,

Asrujasatsarva bhutaanishtha varaani charaanicha,

Tamamjim Vishwa karmaanaam chitpatim Loka saakshinam,

(My salutations to Sacchinaananda Parameswara who is the Supreme Scripter of Srishti Rupa, the Pro-active Visualizer and Designer of the Universe and the Creator of ‘Chaarachara’ Lokas).

At the behest of Maharshi Veda Vyas, his illustrious disciple Lomaharsha addressed the holy gathering of Rishis headed by Suta Maha Muni at ‘Naimisharanya’ to portray the Padma Purana comprising Five Khandas (Branches) viz. Srishti Khanda, Bhumi Khanda, Swarga Khanda, Patala Khanda and Uttara Khanda. As Padma (Lotus) got sprouted from Bhagavan Vishnu’s navel, Brahma surfaced. Bhagavan Vishnu narrated the Contents of the Purana to Brahma Deva and the latter conveyed the details to Maharshi Marichi; Brahma also passed it on to Sage Pulastya and Bhishma of Pandavas learnt it from Pulastya at Gangadwar (Haridwar) and that was how the posterity came to learn of the Padma Purana down the ages.