मत्स्यपुराणम् Matsyapuranaam

Book Detail:

• Title: महापुराण
• Author: एस एन खण्डेलवाल
• Edition: 2023
• Publishing Year: 2023
• Pages: 1660
• Weight: 2595 grams
• Binding: Hardcover
• Packing: 2 Volumes

About the Book
The Mahāpurāṇa is a profound and comprehensive work on the major ancient texts of Hinduism, encompassing a blend of classical and folk elements of Indian literature. The book discusses the philosophical and mythological foundations of the Purāṇas, highlighting their significance in understanding the universe, human character, and the spiritual path.

The Mahāpurāṇa presents an overview of the eighteen major Purāṇas, which are crucial in Hinduism for their teachings on cosmology, mythology, and ethics. These include well-known texts like the Vishnu Purāṇa, Shiva Purāṇa, Garuda Purāṇa, and Brahmāṇda Purāṇa. The book explores their structural features, including topics such as creation (Sarga), destruction (Pratisarga), royal lineages (Vamsa), and cosmic cycles (Manvantara), providing insights into how these elements reflect the spiritual and moral teachings of Hinduism.

The Mahāpurāṇa also addresses the significant role of the Matṣya Purāṇa (Fish Purāṇa), discussing its status among the Purāṇas, its teachings, and its influence on later texts. It emphasizes the key characteristics of the Purāṇas—their philosophical, religious, and ethical teachings—and how these texts reflect the harmony and integration of various religious beliefs, including Vaishnavism and Shaivism.

The book also explores the various categorizations of the Purāṇas based on their content and approach—dividing them into three main categories: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. Each category is associated with different aspects of divinity and philosophical outlook. Sattvic Purāṇas, for instance, emphasize devotion to Vishnu, while Tamasic Purāṇas focus on Shiva's destructive aspects.

Content Overview
Key topics covered in the Mahāpurāṇa include:

• Cosmological Concepts: The creation, destruction, and preservation of the universe, focusing on the roles of Vishnu, Shiva, and other deities in maintaining cosmic order.
• Philosophical Teachings: Insights into Hindu metaphysics, cosmology, and ethics, explaining concepts like Karma, Moksha (liberation), and the roles of deities.
• The Three Gunas (Qualities): The classification of the Purāṇas into Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic based on their content and focus, and their impact on human understanding.
• Deity Worship: The importance of worshipping Vishnu, Shiva, and other gods, and the significance of different forms of devotion and rituals.
• Mythological Stories: Narratives of the avatars of Vishnu (such as Matṣya, Kurma, Varaha, and others), the legends of Shiva, and the interconnectedness of these stories in shaping the spiritual and cultural framework of Hinduism.

Importance of the Mahāpurāṇa
The Mahāpurāṇa is a critical text for understanding the broad scope of Hindu mythology and philosophy. It offers a detailed examination of the Purāṇic literature, exploring its impact on both devotional practices and the philosophical foundations of Hinduism. The text also reflects the syncretism in Hindu thought, particularly in its discussions of the intersections between Vaishnavism and Shaivism, and the adaptability of these traditions across time.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars of Hinduism and Indian literature, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural, ethical, and spiritual values enshrined in the Purāṇas.

Significance in Publishing
The Mahāpurāṇa by S. N. Khandelwal is a contemporary scholarly work that serves to elucidate the significance of the major Purāṇas. Its comprehensive nature makes it an essential addition to any library or personal collection for those interested in exploring the classical texts of Hinduism and their relevance in modern times.