बृहद्धर्मपुराणम् Brihaddharmapuranam

Book Detail:

• Title: बृहद्धर्मपुराण
• Author: S. N. Khandelwal
• ISBN: 9788170804345
• Edition: 2023
• Publishing Year: 2023
• Pages: 461
• Weight: 620 grams
• Binding: Papercover
• Packing: Paperback

About the Book
The Brihad Dharma Purana is a highly revered Upapurana, written by Maharishi Vedavyasa, which deals with spiritual and philosophical matters akin to the main Puranas. It is considered one of the most significant Upapuranas, providing profound insights into the ethical, spiritual, and societal laws of life.

This book explores the teachings and stories contained within the Brihad Dharma Purana, particularly its unusual narrative regarding King Vena and the origin of the Sankar caste, which is not found in other Puranas. The book includes some additional chapters not found in standard editions, like the Krishna Leela and the Sankar caste discourse, offering a more complete understanding of the text.

S. N. Khandelwal's translation attempts to preserve the essence of the original Purana, focusing on its deeper spiritual teachings, and emphasizes the need for the reader to connect with the text's core message rather than its historical and linguistic details.

Content Overview
Key aspects discussed in the book include:

• Moral and Ethical Teachings: Insights into societal organization, spiritual practices, and ethical codes.
• King Vena and the Sankar Caste: An exploration of the origins of the Sankar caste and the consequences of King Vena’s actions in introducing the Sankar caste system.
• Spiritual Teachings: The importance of devotion, social responsibility, and moral conduct, as outlined in the Brihad Dharma Purana.
• Philosophical Principles: Reflections on cosmic order, the relationship between individuals and the divine, and the pursuit of righteousness (Dharma).

Significance of the Brihad Dharma Purana
The Brihad Dharma Purana is notable not only for its insights into ancient Hindu social structures and ethics but also for its unique narrative elements. The inclusion of the discussion on the Sankar caste’s origins adds a distinctive flavor to this Upapurana, making it a key text for anyone interested in Hindu history, social structure, and religious teachings.

Target Audience
This book is ideal for scholars, students of Hinduism, and spiritual seekers interested in ancient Indian scriptures, particularly those focused on understanding the core principles of Dharma. It is also useful for those studying the Purāṇic texts and their historical and spiritual significance.