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{{Short description|Ancient Sanskrit scripture}}
{{italic title}}
[[File:Garuda Purana, Sanskrit, Devanagari.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|A page from a ''Garuda Purana'' manuscript (Sanskrit, Devanagari)]]
{{Hindu scriptures}}
{{Vaishnavism}}
The '''''Garuda Purana''''' is one of 18 ''Mahāpurāṇ'' of texts in [[Hinduism]]. It is a part of [[Vaishnavism]] literature corpus,{{Sfn| Leadbeater|1927|p=xi}} primarily centering around Hindu god Vishnu.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908}} Composed in Sanskrit and also available in various languages like Gujarati <ref>{{cite book|last=Gretil|first=H. H.|author-link= Gretil |title= garuDapurANa |url= https://pdffile.co.in/garuda-purana/ |year=2020|publisher= Sanskrit Documents Organisation |page=i}}</ref> and English. The earliest version of the text may have been composed in the first millennium BCE,{{Sfn|K P Gietz|1992|p=871, item 5003}} but it was likely expanded and changed over a long period of time.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|pp=91–92 with note 4}}{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}}

The Garuda Purana text is known in many versions, contains 15000+ verses.{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}}{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=175–178}} Its chapters encyclopedically deal with a highly diverse collection of topics.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=78–79}} The text contains [[cosmology]], [[mythology]], relationship between gods, ethics, good versus evil, various schools of Hindu philosophies, the theory of [[Yoga]], the theory of "heaven and hell" with "karma and rebirth", ancestral rites and [[soteriology]], rivers and geography, types of minerals and stones, testing methods for gems for their quality, listing of plants and herbs,<ref name=psensarma201>{{cite journal| author=Sensarma P| title=Plant names - Sanskrit and Latin | journal=Anc Sci Life | year= 1992 | volume= 12 | issue= 1-2 | pages= 201–220 | pmid=22556589 | pmc=3336616}}</ref> various diseases and their symptoms, various medicines, aphrodisiacs, prophylactics, [[Hindu calendar]] and its basis, astronomy, moon, planets, astrology, architecture, building home, essential features of a [[Hindu temple]], rites of passage, charity and gift making, economy, thrift, duties of a king, politics, state officials and their roles and how to appoint them, genre of literature, rules of grammar, and other topics.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908}}<ref name=rchazrasmp69>Rajendra Chandra Hazra (1938), [https://www.jstor.org/stable/41688386 Some Minor Puranas], Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 69–79</ref>{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pages=175–178}} The final chapters discuss how to practice Yoga (Samkhya and Advaita types), personal development and the benefits of self-knowledge.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908}}

The [[Padma Purana]] categorizes the Purana, along with itself, [[Bhagavata Purana]] and [[Vishnu Purana]], as a [[Sattva]] Purana (a purana which represents goodness and purity).<ref>{{cite book|last=Wilson|first=H. H.|author-link=Horace Hayman Wilson|title=The Vishnu Purana: A system of Hindu mythology and tradition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DgMxAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR12|year=1840|publisher=Oriental Translation Fund|page=xii}}</ref> The text, like all Mahapuranas, is attributed to sage [[Vyasa|Veda Vyāsa]] in the Hindu tradition.<ref name="Overing2003p209">{{cite book|author=Jonathan Parry|editor=Joanna Overing|title=Reason and Morality|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0sRpm8xxCm4C|year=2003|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1135800468|pages=209–210}}</ref>

==History==
It was composed in according to Pintchman estimates that the text was composed sometime in the first millennium of the common era, but it was likely compiled and changed over a long period of time.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|pp=91–92 with note 4}} Gietz et al. place the first version of the text only between the fourth century CE and the eleventh century.{{Sfn|K P Gietz|1992|p=871, item 5003}}

Leadbeater states that the text is likely from about 900 CE, given that it includes chapters on [[Yoga]] and [[Tantra]] techniques that likely developed later.{{Sfn| Leadbeater|1927|pp=xi, 102}} Other scholars suggest that the earliest core of the text may be from the first centuries of the common era, and additional chapters were added thereafter through the sixth century or later.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|p=177}}

The version of Garuda Purana that survives into the modern era, states Dalal, is likely from 800 to 1000 CE with sections added in the 2nd-millennium.{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}} Pintchman suggests 850 to 1000 CE.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|p=81}} Chaudhuri and Banerjee, as well as Hazra, on the other hand, state it cannot be from before about the tenth or eleventh century CE.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|p=177}}

The text exists in many versions, with varying numbers of chapters, and considerably different content.{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}}{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=175–178}}<ref name="Overing2003p209"/> Some Garuda Purana manuscripts have been known by the title of ''Sauparna Purana'' (mentioned in Bhagavata Purana section 12.13), ''Tarksya Purana'' (the Persian scholar Al-Biruni who visited India mentions this name), and ''Vainateya Purana'' (mentioned in Vayu Purana section 2.42 and 104.8).{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=175–178}}

In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, a text called ''Garudapuranasaroddhara'' was published, then translated by Ernest Wood and SV Subrahmanyam.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=177–178}}{{Sfn|Wood|1911}} This, states [[Ludo Rocher]], created major confusion because it was mistaken for Garuda Purana, when it is not, a misidentification first discovered by [[Albrecht Weber]].{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=177–178}} ''Garuda-purana-saroddhara'' actually is the original [[bhasya]] work of Naunidhirama, that cites a section of now non-existent version of Garuda Purana as well as other Indian texts.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=177–178}} The earliest translation of one version of Garuda Purana, by Manmatha Nath Dutt, was published in the early twentieth century.{{Sfn|Dutt|19008}}

==Structure==
[[File:Vishnu and Lakshmi on Garuda. Delhi National Museum 01-06.jpg|thumb|The text revolves around Vishnu, as recited by Garuda. Above: Vishnu and Lakshmi on Garuda (Delhi National Museum).]]
The Garuda Purana is a [[Vaishnava]] Purana and has, according to the tradition, 19,000 shlokas (verses).{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}} However, the manuscripts that have survived into the modern era have preserved about eight thousand verses.{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}} These are divided into two parts, a ''Purva Khanda'' (early section) and an ''Uttara Khanda'' (later section). The ''Purva Khanda'' contains about 229 chapters, but in some versions of the text this section has between 240–243 chapters.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=175–178}} The ''Uttara Khanda'' varies between 34 and 49 chapters.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=175–178}} The ''Uttara Khanda'' is more often known as ''Pretakhanda'' or ''Pretakalpa''.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|p=177}}

The Garuda Purana was likely fashioned after the [[Agni Purana]], the other major medieval India encyclopedia that has survived.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=175–178}} The text's structure is idiosyncratic, in that it is a medley, and does not follow the theoretical structure expected in a historic Puranic genre of Indian literature.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=175–178}} It is presented as information learned from Vishnu by Garuda (the man-bird vehicle of Vishnu), and then narrated by Garuda to sage Kashyapa, which then spread in the mythical forest of Naimisha reaching sage Vyasa.{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}}

==Contents: Purvakhanda==
The largest section (90%) of the text is ''Purva Khanda'' that discusses a wide range of topics associated with life and living. The remaining is ''Pretakhanda'', which deals primarily with rituals associated with death and cremation.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=175–178}}

===Cosmology===
The cosmology presented in Garuda Purana revolves around Vishnu and Lakshmi, and it is their union that created the universe.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|pp=81–83}} Vishnu is the unchanging reality called [[Brahman]], while Lakshmi is the changing reality called [[Maya (illusion)|Maya]].{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|pp=81–83}} The goddess is the material cause of the universe, the god acts to begin the process.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|pp=81–83}}

The cosmogenesis in Garuda Purana, like other Puranas, weaves the [[Samkhya]] theory of two realities, the [[Purusha]] (spirit) and [[Prakriti]] (matter), the masculine and feminine presented as interdependent, each playing a different but essential role to create the observed universe.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|pp=81–83, 88–89}} Goddess Lakshmi is the creative power of Prakriti, cosmic seed and the source of creation.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|pp=81–83, 88–89}} God Vishnu is the substance of Purusha, the soul and the constant.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|pp=81–83, 88–89}} The masculine and the feminine are presented by the Garuda Purana, states Pintchman, as an inseparable aspect of the same divine, metaphysical truth [[Brahman]].{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|p=81}}

The Garuda Purana, states Madan, elaborates the repeatedly found theme in Hindu religious thought that the living body is a microcosm of the universe, governed by the same laws and made out of the same substances.{{Sfn|Madan|1988|pp=356–357}} All the gods are inside the human body, what is outside the body is present within it as well.{{Sfn|Madan|1988|pp=356–357}} Body and cosmos, states Madan, are equated in this theme.{{Sfn|Madan|1988|pp=356–357}} Vishnu is presented by the text as the supreme soul within the body.<ref>{{cite book|author=Shrikala Warrier|title=Kamandalu: The Seven Sacred Rivers of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qNhiCAAAQBAJ|year=2014|publisher=Mayur University|isbn=978-0-9535679-7-3|page=260}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=T. A. Gopinatha Rao| title=Elements of Hindu iconography| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MJD-KresBwIC |year=1993| publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0878-2|pages=129–131, 235}}</ref>

===Worship of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shiva, Surya, Ganesha, Durga and others===
The text describes Vishnu, Vaishnava festivals and [[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] (worship), and offers ''Mahatmya''—a pilgrimage tour guide{{Sfn|Ariel Glucklich|2008|p=146, '''Quote:''' The earliest promotional works aimed at tourists from that era were called ''mahatmyas''}} to Vishnu-related sacred places.{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}}{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=23–26, 33–34, 67–76, 102–105, 209–224}} However, the Garuda Purana also includes significant sections with reverence for [[Shaiva]], [[Shaktism|Shakti]] and [[Smarta Tradition|Smarta]] traditions, including the [[Panchayatana puja]] of Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, Surya (Sun) and Ganesha.{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}}{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=47–50, 58–64, 90–98}}

Features of a temple
[[File:64 grid Manduka design Hindu Temple Floor Plan Vastu Purusa Mandala Ancient Architecture.svg|thumb|220px|The Garuda Purana describes a 8x8 (64) grid Hindu Temple Floor Plan in chapter 47 of Purvakhanda.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}}]]
The Garuda Purana includes chapters on the architecture and design of a temple.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}}{{Sfn| Kramrisch|1976|pp=42, 132–134, 189, 237–241 of Volume 1}} It recommends that a plot of ground should be divided into 64 squares, with the four innermost squares forming the ''Chatuskon'' (adytum).{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}} The core of the temple, states the text, should be reachable through 12 entrances, and the walls of the temple raised touching the 48 of the squares.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}} The height of the temple plinth should be based on the length of the platform, the vault in the inner sanctum should be co-extensive with adytum's length with the indents therein set at a third and a fifth ratio of the inner vault's chord.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}} The arc should be half the height of pinnacle, and the text describes various ratios of the temple's exterior to the adytum, those within adytum and then that of the floor plan to the Vimana (spire).{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}}{{Sfn| Kramrisch|1976|pp=42, 132–134, 189, 237–241 of Volume 1}}

The second design details presented in the Garuda Purana is for a 16 square grid, with four inner squares (''pada'') for the adytum.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}} The text thereafter presents the various ratios for the temple design.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}} The dimensions of the carvings and images on the walls, edifices, pillars and the [[murti]] are recommended by the text to be certain harmonic proportions of the layout (length of a ''pada''), the adytum and the spire.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}}{{Sfn| Kramrisch|1976|pp=42, 132–134, 189, 237–241 of Volume 1}}

Temples, asserts the text, exist in many thematic forms.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}} These include the ''Bairaja'' (rectangle themed), ''Puspakaksa'' (quadrilateral themed), ''Kailasha'' (circular themed), ''Malikahvaya'' (segments of sphere themed) and the Tripistapam (octagon themed).{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}} These five themes, claims Garuda Purana, have created 45 different styles of temples, from the Meru style to Shrivatsa style. Each thematic form of temple architecture permits nine styles of temples, and the Purana lists all 45 styles.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}} The inner edifice of a temple is best in five shapes, in these various styles of temples, and the edifice can be triangle, lotus-shaped, crescent, rectangular and octagonal, asserts the text.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}} The text thereafter describes the design guidelines for the ''Mandapa'' and the ''Garbha Griha''.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=113–117}}{{Sfn| Kramrisch|1976|pp=42, 132–134, 189, 237–241 of Volume 1}}{{Sfn| Kramrisch|1976|pp=340–344, 412, 423–424 with footnotes of Volume 2}}

The temple design, states Jonathan Parry, follows the homology at the foundation of Hindu thought, that the cosmos and body are harmonious correspondence of each other, the temple is a model and reminder of this cosmic homology.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Maurice Bloch|author2=Jonathan Parry|title=Death and the Regeneration of Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y8LLCgAAQBAJ|year=1982|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1316582299|page=76}}</ref>

=== Gemology===
{{Quote box
|quote = '''Gems: how to buy them?'''
<poem>
First the shape, color, defects or excellences of a gem should be carefully tested and then its price should be ascertained in consultation with a gem expert who has studied all the books dealing with the precious stones.
</poem>
|source = —''Garuda Purana'', Purvakhanda, Chapter 68 (Translator: MN Dutt){{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=181}}
|width = 30%
|bgcolor=#FFE0BB
|align = right
}}
The Garuda Purana describes 14 gems, their varieties and how to test their quality.<ref name=rchazrasmp69/>{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=180–205}} The gems discussed include [[ruby]], [[pearl]], yellow [[sapphire]], [[hessonite]], [[emerald]], [[diamond]], [[chrysoberyl|cats eye]], [[Blue Sapphire]], [[coral]], red [[garnet]], [[jade]], colorless [[quartz]], and [[heliotrope (mineral)|bloodstone]]. The technical discussion of gems in the text is woven with its theories on the mythical creation of each gem, astrological significance and talisman benefits.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=180–205}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans - 2nd Edition |author=Richard S. Brown |publisher=Hrisikesh Ltd |pages=61, 64 |year=2008 |isbn= 978-974-8102-29-0}}</ref>

The text describes the characteristics of the gems, how to clean and make jewelry from them, cautioning that gem experts should be consulted before buying them.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=181, 190–191}} For pearl, for example, it describes using ''Jamvera'' fruit juice (contains lime) mixed with boiled rice starch in order to clean and soften pearls, then pierced to make holes for jewelry.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=181, 190–191}} A sequential ''Vitanapatti'' method of cleaning, states the text, wherein the pearls are cleaned with hot water, wine and milk gives the best results.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=181, 190–191}} A pearl, asserts the text, should be examined by friction test which it describes.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=181, 190–191}} Similar procedures and tests are described for emerald, jade, diamonds and all 14 gems the text includes.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=180–205}}

=== Laws of virtue===
Chapter 93 of the Garuda Purvakhanda presents sage Yajnavalkya's theory on laws of virtue. The text asserts that knowledge is condensed in the [[Vedas]], in texts of different schools of philosophy such as [[Nyaya]] and [[Mimamsa]], the [[Shastra]]s on Dharma, on making money and temporal sciences written by 14 holy sages.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=260–262}} Thereafter, through Yajnavalkya, the text presents its laws of virtue. The first one, it lists, is charity ([[Dāna]]), which it defines as follows,

{{Quote|
A gift, made at a proper time and place, to a deserving person, in a true spirit of compassionate sympathy, carries the merit of all sorts of pious acts.
|Garuda Purana|Chapter 93{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=261}}}}

The text similarly discusses the following virtues—right conduct, ''[[Temperance (virtue)#Hinduism|damah]]'' (self-restraint), ''[[ahimsa]]'' (non-killing, non-violence in actions, words and thoughts), studying the [[Veda]]s, and performing [[Sanskara (rite of passage)|rites of passage]].{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=261–265}}<ref name=sternbachp315/> The text presents different set of diet and rites of passage rules based on the [[varna (Hinduism)|varna]] (social class) of a person.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=261–265}} The [[Brahmin]], for example, is advised to forgo killing animals and eating meat, while it is suggested to undertake [[Upanayana]] (holy thread ceremony) at the youngest age. No dietary rules are advised for [[Shudra]], nor is the thread ceremony discussed.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=261–265}}<ref name=sternbachp315/> These chapters on laws of virtue, in one version of the Garuda Purana, are borrowed and a duplicate of nearly 500 verses found in the [[Yajnavalkya Smriti]].<ref name=sternbachp315>Ludwik Sternbach (1966), A New Abridged Version of the Bṛhaspati-saṁhitā of the Garuḋa Purāṇa, Journal: Puranam, Volume 8, pp. 315–431</ref><ref>{{cite journal|publisher=Asiatic Society of Bombay| journal=Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society| title=The Parasariya Dharma Sastra| volume= XXII| author= S Vithal| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8W0oAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA342|year=1908| page=342}}</ref> The various versions of Garuda Purana show significant variations.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|pp=175–178}}<ref name="Overing2003p209"/><ref name=sternbachp315/>

The Garuda Purana asserts that the highest and most imperative religious duty is to introspect into one's own soul, seeking self-communion.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=261}}

=== Nityaachaar===
The chapter 108 and thereafter, present Garuda Purana's theories on ''Nityaachaar'' (नित्याचार, ethics and right conduct) towards others.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=315–352}}<ref name=sternbachp315/>

{{Quote|
Quit the country where you can find neither friends nor pleasures, nor in which there is any knowledge to be gained.
|Garuda Purana|Chapter 109{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=320}}}}

{{Quote box
|quote = '''Ethics'''
<poem>
Little by little a man should acquire learning.
Little by little a mountain should be climbed.
Little by little desires should be gratified.
</poem>
|source = —''Garuda Purana'', Purvakhanda, Chapter 109 (Translator: MN Dutt){{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=323}}
|bgcolor=#FFE0BB
|align = left
}}
Save money for times of distress, asserts Garuda Purana, but be willing to give it up all to save your wife.<ref name=sternbachp315/> It is prudent to sacrifice oneself to save a family, and it is prudent to sacrifice one family to save a village.<ref name=sternbachp315/> It is prudent to save a country if left with a choice to save the country or a village.<ref name=sternbachp315/>{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=319}} Yet, in verses that follow, it says a man should renounce that country whose inhabitants champion prejudice, and forgo the friend who he discovers to be deceitful.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=319}}

The text cautions against application of knowledge which is wedded to meanness, against pursuit of physical beauty without ennobling mind, and against making friends with those who abandon their dear ones in adversity.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=319}} It is the nature of all living beings to pursue one's own self-interest.<ref name=sternbachp315/>{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=319}} Yet, do not acquire wealth through vicious means or by bowing down to your enemies.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=320}}

Men of excellence live with honest means, are true to their wives, pass their time in intellectual pursuits and are hospitable to newcomers.<ref name=sternbachp315/>{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=319}} Eternal are the rewards when one weds one's knowledge with noble nature, deep is the friendship roused by connection of the soul.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=326}} The discussion on ethics is mixed in other chapters.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=336–345, '''Quote:''' Nobody is nobody's friend. Nobody is nobody's enemy. Friendship and enmity is bounded by a distinct chain of cause and effect (self-interest). – Chapter 114}}

===The good government===
Governance is part of the Neeti Shaastra section of the Garuda Purana, and this section influenced later Indian texts on politics and economy.<ref>{{cite book|author=Narayana (Transl: A Haskar)|title=Hitopadesa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1n-qUeM4SIUC|year=1998|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0144000791|page=xiv}}</ref>

The Purvakhanda, from chapter 111 onwards describes the characteristics of a good king and good government.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=328–347}} Dharma should guide the king, the rule should be based on truth and justice, and he must protect the country from foreign invaders.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=328}} Taxation should be bearable, never cause hardship on the merchants or taxpayers, and should be similar in style to one used by the florist who harvests a few flowers without uprooting the plants and while sustaining the future crops.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=328}} A good government advances order and prosperity for all.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=328}}

A stable king is one whose kingdom is prosperous, whose treasury is full, and who never chastises his ministers or servants.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=329–330}} He secures services from the qualified, honest and virtuous, rejects the incapable, wicked and malicious, states chapter 113.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=333–335}} A good government collects taxes like a bee collecting honey from all the flowers when ready and without draining any flower.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=333–335}}

===Dhanvantari Samhita and medicine===
Chapters 146 to 218 of the Garuda Purana's Purvakhanda present the Dhanvantari Samhita, its treatise on medicine.<ref name= susmitapande844>{{cite book|author=Susmita Pande (Editor: Vinod Chandra Srivastava)|title=History of Agriculture in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FvjZVwYVmNcC&pg=PA844|year=2008|publisher=Concept|isbn=978-81-8069-521-6|pages=844–845}}</ref>{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=422–676}} The opening verses assert that the text will now describe pathology, pathogeny and symptoms of all diseases studied by ancient sages, in terms of its causes, incubative stage, manifestation in full form, amelioration, location, diagnosis and treatment.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=422–423}}

Parts of the pathology and medicine-related chapters of Garuda Purana, states Ludo Rocher, are similar to ''Nidanasthana'' of Vagbhata's ''Astangahridaya'', and these two may be different manuscript recensions of the same underlying but now lost text.{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|p=177}} Other chapters of Garuda Purana, such as those on nutrition and diet to prevent diseases, states Susmita Pande, are similar to those found in the more ancient Hindu text [[Sushruta Samhita]].<ref name= susmitapande844/>

The text includes various lists of diseases, agricultural products, herbs, formulations with claims to medicinal value and such information.{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=422–676}}<ref name= susmitapande844/> In chapters 202 and 227 of the Purvakhanda, for example, Sanskrit names of over 450 plants and herbs are listed with claims to nutritional or medicinal value.<ref name=psensarma201/>{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=698–705}}

;Veterinary science
The chapter 226 of the text presents veterinary diseases of horses and their treatment.<ref name=psensarmajse83>P Sensarma (1989), Herbal Veterinary Medicines in an ancient Sanskrit Work - The Garuda Purana, Journal of Society of Ethnobotanists, Volumes 1–4, pages 83-88</ref> The verses describe various types of ulcers and cutaneous infections in horses, and 42 herbs for veterinary care formulations.<ref name=psensarmajse83/>{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=693–697}}

{{Quote box
|quote = '''[[Moksha]] is Oneness'''
<poem>
The Yogins, through Yoga,
realise their being with the supreme Brahman.
Realization of this is called Mukti.
</poem>
|source = —''Garuda Purana'', Purvakhanda, Chapter 235 (Abridged, Translator: MN Dutt){{Sfn|Dutt|1908|p=747}}
|bgcolor=#FFE0BB
|align = left
}}

===Yoga, Brahma Gita===
The last ten chapters of the Purvakhanda is dedicated to [[Yoga]], and is sometimes referred to as the Brahma Gita.{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}} This section is notable for references to Hindu deity [[Dattatreya]] as the Guru of Ashtang (eight limbed) Yoga.<ref>{{cite book|author=Antonio Rigopoulos |title=Dattatreya: The Immortal Guru, Yogin, and Avatara: A Study of the Transformative and Inclusive Character of a Multi-faceted Hindu Deity|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZM-BlvaqAf0C |year=1998| publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0791436967| page=33}}</ref>

The text describes a variety of Asanas (postures), then adds that the postures are means, not the goal.<ref name=bryantysp284>{{cite book|author1=Edwin Francis Bryant|author2=Patañjali|title=The Yoga sūtras of Patañjali|url=https://archive.org/details/yogastrasofpataj0000brya|url-access=registration|year=2009|publisher=North Point Press|isbn=978-0865477360|pages=[https://archive.org/details/yogastrasofpataj0000brya/page/284 284]–285, 314}}</ref> The goal of yoga is meditation, samadhi and self-knowledge.<ref name=bryantysp284/>

The Garuda Purana in chapter 229, states Ian Whicher, recommends using ''saguna'' Vishnu (with form like a [[murti]]) in the early stages of Yoga meditation to help concentration and draw in one's attention with the help of the gross form of the object. After this has been mastered, states the text, the meditation should shift from ''saguna'' to ''nirguna'', unto the subtle, abstract formless Vishnu within, with the help of a guru (teacher).<ref>{{cite book|author=Ian Whicher|title=The Integrity of the Yoga Darsana: A Reconsideration of Classical Yoga|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_Qo9K9hPvQgC|year=1998|publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0791438152|page=369}}</ref> These ideas of Garuda Purana were influential, and were cited by later texts such as in verse 3.3 of the 17th-century ''Arthabodhini''.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Gerald James Larson |author2=Karl H. Potter| title=The Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies: Yoga: India's philosophy of meditation| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p6pURGdBBmIC| year=2008| publisher=Motilal Banarsidass| isbn=978-8120833494| page=349}}</ref>

==Contents: Pretakhanda==
{{Quote
|quote = '''The Last Goodbye'''
<poem>
Go forth, go forth upon those ancient pathways,
By which your former fathers have departed.
Thou shalt behold god Varuna, and Yama,
both kings, in funeral offerings rejoicing.
Unite thou with the Fathers and with Yama,
with ''istapurta'' in the highest heaven.
Leaving behind all blemish homeward return,
United with thine own body, full of vigor.
</poem>
|source = ''[[Rigveda]] 10.14'', Yama Suktam (Abridged) (The cremation hymn in Garuda Purana{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=305–306}}) (Translator: Mariasusai Dhavamony)<ref>{{cite book|author=Mariasusai Dhavamony|title=Hindu Spirituality|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=58UZWWzqglMC&pg=PA208|year=1999|publisher=Gregorian University Press|isbn=978-8876528187|page=270}}</ref>
}}
The second section of the text, also known as ''Uttara Khanda'' and ''Pretakalpa'', includes chapters on funeral rites and life after death. This section was commented upon by Navanidhirama in his publication ''Garuda Purana Saroddhara'' and translated by Wood and Subramanyam in 1911.{{Sfn|Wood|1911}}

The text specifies the following for last rites:

{{Quote|
A dead child, who died before completing his second year, should be buried instead of being cremated, and no sort of Sraddha or Udaka-kriya is necessary. The friends or relatives of a child, dead after completing its second year of life, shall carry its corpse to the cremation ground and exhume it in fire by mentally reciting the Yama Suktam (Rigveda 10.14).
|Garuda Purana|{{Sfn|Dutt|1908|pp=305–306}}}}

The Pretakhanda is the second and minor part of Garuda Purana. It is, states Rocher, "entirely unsystematic work" presented with motley confusion and many repetitions in the Purana, dealing with "death, the dead and beyond".{{Sfn|Rocher|1986|p=178}} [[Monier Monier-Williams]] wrote in 1891, that portions of verses recited at cremation funerals are perhaps based on this relatively modern section of the Garuda Purana, but added that Hindu funeral practices do not always agree with guidance in the Garuda Purana.<ref>Monier Monier-Williams (1891), Brahmanism and Hinduism, 4th edition, Macmillan & Co, p. 288</ref> Three quite different versions of ''Pretakhanda'' of Garuda Purana are known, and the variation between the chapters, states Jonathan Parry, is enormous.<ref name="Overing2003p209"/>{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=145}}

==See also==
*[[Bhagavata Purana]]
*[[Ganesha Purana]]
*[[Skanda Purana]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book|first = Rosen|last= Dalal|year= 2014|title= Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide| publisher= Penguin|isbn= 978-8184752779| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC }}
*{{cite book|last=Dutt |first=Manmatha Nath| title= The Garuda Puranam| publisher= SRIL, Calcutta (archived by Harvard University Library) | year= 1908| url= https://archive.org/stream/garudapuranam00duttgoog#page/n4/mode/2up }}
*{{cite book|author=K P Gietz|display-authors=etal|title=Epic and Puranic Bibliography (Up to 1985) Annoted and with Indexes: Part I: A - R, Part II: S - Z, Indexes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kgpLBpUCufwC&pg=PA870|year= 1992|publisher=Otto Harrassowitz Verlag|isbn=978-3-447-03028-1}}
*{{cite book|author=Ariel Glucklich|title=The Strides of Vishnu : Hindu Culture in Historical Perspective: Hindu Culture in Historical Perspective|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KtLScrjrWiAC| year=2008| publisher=Oxford University Press| isbn=978-0-19-971825-2 }}
*{{cite book|first= Stella| last= Kramrisch| year= 1976| title= The Hindu Temple, Volume 1 & 2|isbn = 81-208-0223-3| publisher=Motilal Banarsidass}}
*{{cite book|first= Tracy |last= Pintchman |year= 2001 |title= Seeking Mahadevi: Constructing the Identities of the Hindu Great Goddess|publisher= State University of New York Press| isbn= 978-0791450086}}
*{{cite book|first= Charles Webster|last= Leadbeater|year= 1927|title= The Chakras|publisher= Theosophical Publishing House (Reprinted 1972, 1997)|isbn= 978-0-8356-0422-2|url-access= registration|url= https://archive.org/details/chakras00lead}}
*{{cite book|first=T. N.|last= Madan|title=Way of Life: King, Householder, Renouncer : Essays in Honour of Louis Dumont|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1_qMH9PY9fQC|year= 1988|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0527-9}}
*{{Cite book|first=Ludo |last=Rocher| year= 1986| author-link= Ludo Rocher| title= The Puranas| publisher= Otto Harrassowitz Verlag| isbn= 978-3447025225}}
*{{cite book|last=Wood|first=Ernest and SV Subrahmanyam|title=The Garuda Purana Saroddhara (of Navanidhirama)| publisher=SN Vasu (Reprinted by AMS Press, 1974) | year=1911| url= https://archive.org/stream/garuapurasroddh00subrgoog#page/n8/mode/2up | isbn= 0-404578098 }}

==External links==
*[https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-garuda-purana-dutt The Garuda Purana, full English translation by Dutt, 1908]
*[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/hindu2/2014/09/garuda-purana-pdf-english-hindi-sanskrit/ The Garuda Puran in English, Hindi and Sanskrit]
*[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/gpu/index.htm The Garuda Purana Saroddhara of Navanidhirama], Translated by Wood and Subrahmanyam, 1911, at [[sacred-texts.com]]

{{Puranas}}

[[Category:Puranas]]
[[Category:Sanskrit encyclopedias]]

Garuda Purana - Revision history

WikiDwarf at 07:41, 17 October 2022