सौरपुराणम् Saurapuranam

Book Detail:

• Title: सौरपुराण
• Author: S. N. Khandelwal
• Publisher: N/A
• ISBN: 9789382443186
• Edition: 2021
• Publishing Year: 2021
• Pages: 508
• Weight: 625 grams
• Binding: Hard Cover
• Packing: Hard Cover
• Dimensions: 14 cm x 22 cm x 4 cm

About the Book
The Saur Purana is an Upapurana under the Brahma Purana and is known for its focus on the glory of Lord Shiva. This Purana is structured into 69 chapters and contains 3,899 verses. It is sometimes referred to as the Aditya Purana, reflecting its solar connections and the central role of the Sun God, Surya. Despite its emphasis on Surya, the Purana is primarily dedicated to Shiva's greatness.

This text offers a detailed description of the methods and practices associated with worshipping Lord Shiva, especially those advocated by the Pasupata sect. The Saur Purana is considered a precursor to the Mahayeshwar Yoga and presents a range of activities, including Vedic rituals, daily worship practices, and paths to liberation (Mukti) through Shiva devotion.

Content Overview
Key features of this Purana include:

• Shiva's Glory: The Purana extensively highlights the divine qualities and significance of Lord Shiva.
• Role of Surya: While Lord Surya plays a guiding role, the text is centered on promoting Shiva's worship.
• Shiva and Krishna Unity: The Saur Purana reflects a unique syncretic view of the relationship between Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, highlighting mutual reverence and devotion.
• Ritual Practices: The Purana describes various rituals, both obligatory and voluntary, focusing on worship methods in the context of Shiva devotion and the path to liberation.
• Historical Context: Scholars speculate that the Saur Purana might have been written to counter the growing influence of Shiva critics, with a particular focus on the Pasupata sect's teachings.
• Intertextual Connections: Many verses from the Saur Purana find similarities with the Manu Smriti, especially in chapters related to rituals and law.

Significance of the Saur Purana
This Purana plays a crucial role in understanding the religious practices associated with Lord Shiva, particularly within the context of the Pasupata tradition. It also provides valuable insights into the philosophical debates and theological discussions of its time, especially in terms of the unity of different forms of worship and divine reverence between Shiva and Krishna.

Target Audience
This book is ideal for scholars of Hinduism, students of Purāṇic literature, and spiritual seekers interested in the practices of the Pasupata sect and the worship of Lord Shiva. Those interested in understanding the syncretic views of early Hinduism, particularly the integration of different deities like Shiva and Krishna, will also find this text valuable.