What is the significance of Garuda Purana in Hindu scriptures?
By Intimate Viewpoint
Introduction
The Garuda Purana is one of the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas of Hinduism and holds a unique position among sacred texts due to its profound discussions on life, death, the afterlife, karma, dharma, rebirth, and salvation (moksha). It is presented in the form of a dialogue between Lord Vishnu and his divine mount Garuda, the king of birds. The Purana primarily deals with metaphysical knowledge, ethical living, funeral rites, and the journey of the soul after death.
Traditionally, the Garuda Purana is recited or read during the Antyeshti (funeral rituals) and the Shraddha period, making it deeply associated with death and the afterlife.
Authorship and Period
Like most ancient Hindu scriptures, the Garuda Purana is traditionally attributed to Maharishi Vedavyasa, the legendary sage who compiled the Vedas and the Puranas. Scholars believe that the text was composed and expanded over several centuries, roughly between 500 BCE and 1000 CE, with later interpolations added over time.
Structure and Composition
The Garuda Purana is traditionally divided into two major sections:
1. Purva Khanda (First Section)
This section focuses on:
Creation of the universe (cosmology)
Genealogies of gods and sages
Geography of the earth and celestial realms
Moral and ethical duties of humans
Importance of devotion to Lord Vishnu
2. Uttara Khanda / Preta Khanda (Second Section)
This is the most well-known part of the Garuda Purana and deals extensively with:
Death and post-death rituals
Journey of the soul after death
Punishments and rewards based on karma
Description of hells (Naraka) and heavens (Svarga)
Liberation of the soul (moksha)
The Purana contains approximately 18,000 verses, though different manuscripts vary in length.
Dialogue Between Lord Vishnu and Garuda
The Garuda Purana is framed as a sacred conversation where Garuda, curious about the mysteries of existence, asks Lord Vishnu questions regarding:
The nature of life and death
The fate of the soul after leaving the body
Consequences of sins and virtues
Ways to attain liberation
Lord Vishnu answers these questions in great detail, making the text both instructional and philosophical.
Concept of Death and the Afterlife
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Garuda Purana is its detailed account of what happens after death.
Journey of the Soul
After death, the soul becomes a Preta (spirit).
It travels through Yamaloka, the realm of Lord Yama, the god of death.
The soul’s journey lasts for 13 days, during which funeral rites and Shraddha rituals performed by relatives help ease its passage.
Role of Karma
The soul is judged based on its karma (actions) performed during life.
Good deeds lead to higher realms or rebirth in favorable conditions.
Sinful actions result in suffering in various hells.
Description of Naraka (Hells)
The Garuda Purana vividly describes 28 major hells, each meant for specific sins such as:
Lying and deceit
Theft and corruption
Violence and cruelty
Disrespecting parents, teachers, and elders
Adultery and immoral conduct
Exploitation of the poor and helpless
These descriptions are symbolic, intended to instill moral discipline and ethical behavior in society.
Funeral Rites and Shraddha
The Purana emphasizes the importance of:
Antyeshti (last rites)
Pind Daan
Shraddha ceremonies
It explains that proper rituals performed by family members:
Provide peace to the departed soul
Help the soul move from the preta state to the ancestral realm (Pitrloka)
Reduce suffering caused by negative karma
Philosophy of Karma and Rebirth
The Garuda Purana strongly reinforces the doctrine of karma and samsara (cycle of birth and death):
Every action has consequences.
Human birth is rare and precious.
One must live a life of righteousness (dharma) to achieve spiritual progress.
Path to Moksha (Liberation)
The ultimate goal described in the Garuda Purana is moksha, freedom from rebirth. The Purana outlines several paths to liberation:
Bhakti (devotion) to Lord Vishnu
Jnana (knowledge) of the self and the Supreme
Dharma (righteous living)
Detachment from material desires
Chanting Vishnu’s names, reading sacred texts, and maintaining purity of mind and conduct are emphasized.
Scientific and Practical Knowledge
Interestingly, the Garuda Purana also contains sections on:
Ayurveda and medicine
Astrology and astronomy
Gemology
Architecture
Ethics and governance
This shows that the Purana is not only spiritual but also encyclopedic in nature.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Regarded as a Vaishnava Purana
Widely read during mourning periods
Influences Hindu views on death, ethics, and salvation
Acts as a moral guide for society
Symbolism of Garuda
Garuda symbolizes:
Strength and speed
Devotion and loyalty
Victory of good over evil
The soul’s aspiration to rise above ignorance
As Vishnu’s vehicle, Garuda represents the power of faith and service.
Conclusion
The Garuda Purana is a profound spiritual text that offers deep insights into the mystery of life and death, ethical living, and the eternal journey of the soul. Rather than promoting fear, its vivid descriptions serve as moral instruction, encouraging individuals to live a righteous, compassionate, and spiritually aware life. By emphasizing karma, devotion, and knowledge, the Garuda Purana guides humanity toward ultimate liberation and eternal peace.
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