Skanda Purana

Skanda Purana In English

Skanda Purana is one of the most extensive and revered texts among the eighteen Mahapuranas (major Puranas) of Hinduism. Named after Skanda, the Hindu god of war also known as Kartikeya or Murugan, this Purana is a monumental work that encapsulates a vast array of spiritual, mythological, and historical narratives. It is a treasure trove of religious teachings, pilgrimage guides, cosmology, and philosophical insights, making it an essential scripture for devotees and scholars alike.

Origins and Historical Context of Skanda Purana

The Skanda Purana, like other Puranas, is traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa, the legendary compiler of the Vedas and the Mahabharata. However, its composition is believed to have evolved over centuries, with contributions from various authors and regional traditions. Scholars estimate that the text was compiled between the 6th and 12th centuries CE, though some portions may date back earlier. Its fluid nature reflects the oral tradition of ancient India, where stories and teachings were passed down and adapted over generations.

The Purana is dedicated to Skanda, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who is celebrated as a divine warrior and protector. While Skanda is the central figure, the text also glorifies Shiva, Vishnu, and other deities, showcasing the syncretic nature of Hindu theology.

Structure and Size of Skanda Purana

The Skanda Purana is the largest of the Mahapuranas in terms of sheer volume. It is said to contain approximately 81,000 verses (shlokas), though the exact number varies across different manuscripts due to its extensive recensions. The text is traditionally divided into seven khandas (sections), each focusing on different themes and narratives. However, some versions organize it into six khandas or even as a collection of independent samhitas (sub-texts). The seven-khanda structure is the most widely recognized and includes:

1. Maheshwara Khanda – Focuses on the glory of Lord Shiva and includes stories of his divine exploits.
2. Vishnu Khanda – Highlights the greatness of Lord Vishnu and his avatars, such as Rama and Krishna.
3. Brahma Khanda – Explores the cosmology and creation myths associated with Lord Brahma.
4. Kashi Khanda – A detailed guide to the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi), its temples, and spiritual significance.
5. Avanti Khanda – Describes the sacred sites of the Avanti region, including Ujjain and the Mahakaleshwar temple.
6. Nagara Khanda – Discusses various cities and their religious importance.
7. Prabhasa Khanda – Centers on the Prabhasa Tirtha (Somnath) and other pilgrimage sites.

In addition to these khandas, some editions include subsections like the Kedara Khanda or Reva Khanda, which emphasize specific regional traditions and sacred geographies.

Maheshwara Khanda of Skanda Purana

The Maheshwara Khanda, as the first of its seven khandas, sets the tone for the Purana’s Shaivite focus, emphasizing the supremacy of Lord Shiva, his divine family, and his cosmic roles. This section is particularly revered for its narratives about Shiva’s marriage to Parvati, the birth of Skanda, and various devotional stories.

The Maheshwara Khanda is subdivided into several sub-sections or sub-khandas, each focusing on specific themes or pilgrimage sites. According to traditional sources, the primary sub-khandas include:

1. Kedara Khanda: Focuses on the Kedarnath temple and its spiritual significance, including legends associated with Lord Shiva and the Pandavas.
2. Kaumarika Khanda: Centers on the stories of Skanda (Kartikeya), including his birth, battles, and divine exploits.
3. Arunachala Mahatmya (Poorvardha and Uttarardha): Glorifies the Arunachala hill in Tiruvannamalai, South India, as a manifestation of Shiva, detailing its spiritual importance and associated rituals.

The total number of verses in the Maheshwara Khanda varies across editions, but it contributes significantly to the Purana’s 81,000 verses.

The Maheshwara Khanda is rich in devotional content. Some of the prominent stories and themes include:

1. Birth and Exploits of Skanda

The Maheshwara Khanda narrates the divine birth of Skanda, born to Shiva and Parvati to defeat the demon Tarakasura. The Kaumarika Khanda elaborates on how Skanda, blessed by the gods, leads the divine army to victory, restoring dharma. This story underscores Skanda’s role as a warrior god and protector. The narrative also includes the circumstances leading to his birth, such as the divine union of Shiva and Parvati, and the role of Agni and Ganga in carrying Skanda’s divine essence.

2. Shiva and Parvati’s Marriage

A significant portion of the Maheshwara Khanda details the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati, a pivotal event in Hindu mythology. The story describes Parvati’s penance to win Shiva’s love, the intervention of Kama (the god of love), and the eventual union that symbolizes the balance of masculine and feminine energies. This narrative is both a romantic and spiritual allegory, emphasizing devotion and divine harmony.

3. Pilgrimage and Tirthas

The Maheshwara Khanda includes detailed descriptions of sacred sites, particularly in the Kedara Khanda and Arunachala Mahatmya. Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is extolled as a place where devotees can attain moksha through worship. The Arunachala hill is described as Shiva himself, with circumambulation (giri pradakshina) highlighted as a potent spiritual practice. These sections serve as travel guides for pilgrims, detailing rituals, legends, and spiritual merits of visiting these sites.

4. Other Legends

• Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan): The Maheshwara Khanda recounts this cosmic event, where gods and demons collaborate to churn the ocean for nectar (amrita), yielding both divine treasures and poison, which Shiva consumes to protect the universe.
• Sati and Shiva: The tragic story of Sati’s self-immolation and Shiva’s grief, leading to the establishment of Shakti Peethas, is briefly touched upon, connecting to the broader Shaivite tradition.
• Sage Lomasa’s Story: In the Kaumarika Khanda, Sage Lomasa, a Shudra by birth, attains divine grace through his devotion to Shiva, illustrating the Purana’s emphasis on bhakti transcending social barriers.

Vishnu Khanda of the Skanda Purana

The Vishnu Khanda is a significant section of the Skanda Purana, particularly in the seven-khanda structure, and is notable for its emphasis on Vaishnavism, the tradition of worshipping Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity. The Vishnu Khanda, also referred to as the Vaishnava Khanda, is the second book of the Skanda Purana in the seven-khanda division. According to scholarly sources, it comprises nine sections and a total of 221 chapters, making it one of the most extensive sections of the Purana. The khanda is organized to focus on the glorification of Lord Vishnu, his incarnations, and the sacred pilgrimage sites associated with him.

The Skanda Purana exists in numerous recensions, and no single authoritative version dominates. Different regions of India have preserved their own manuscripts, often emphasizing local traditions. This variability has led to debates among scholars about its original form, but it also underscores the text’s adaptability and widespread appeal. Printed editions, such as those by the Venkateshwar Press and Nag Publishers, attempt to consolidate these variations, though discrepancies remain.

The nine sections of the Vishnu Khanda include:

1. Venkatachala Mahatmya: Focuses on the sacred hill of Tirumala (Venkatachala) and the worship of Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu.
2. Purushottama Kshetra Mahatmya: Describes the glories of Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath.
3. Badarikasrama Mahatmya: Highlights the pilgrimage site of Badrinath in the Himalayas, a key Vaishnava tirtha.
4. Karttikasvami Mahatmya: Discusses the significance of Kartikeya (Skanda) in relation to Vishnu worship, bridging Shaivite and Vaishnava themes.
5. Margasahayesvara Mahatmya: Details the sanctity of specific Shaiva-Vaishnava pilgrimage sites.
6. Varaha Kshetra Mahatmya: Centers on the Varaha incarnation of Vishnu and associated tirthas.
7. Yamunotpatti: Narrates the origin of the Yamuna River, considered sacred in Vaishnavism.
8. Vasudeva Mahatmya: Glorifies Lord Krishna, a central figure in Vaishnavism.
9. Samba Purana: Focuses on Samba, the son of Krishna, and his devotion to the Sun God, with connections to Vishnu worship.

Brahma Khanda of Skanda Purana

The Brahma Khanda is one of the seven major sections of the Skanda Purana and is further divided into subsections. According to scholarly sources, it consists of three main subsections and a total of 114 chapters:

1. Setu Mahatmya (Glory of Rameswaram)
2. Dharmaranya Khanda (Narrative of the Sacred Forest)
3. Brahmottara Khanda (Later Section on Brahma)

1. Setu Mahatmya

The Setu Mahatmya section glorifies the sacred site of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations in Hinduism. It narrates the story of Lord Rama’s construction of the Rama Setu (bridge) to Lanka to rescue Sita, as described in the Ramayana.

2. Dharmaranya Khanda

The Dharmaranya Khanda focuses on the sacred forest of Dharmaranya, a mythological site associated with righteousness and spiritual merit. This section is rich in narratives about dharma (virtuous living) and includes:

• Legends of Sages and Deities: Stories of ancient sages, their penances, and divine encounters in the Dharmaranya forest are prominent. These narratives often highlight the interplay between human effort and divine grace.
• Moral Teachings: The section underscores the importance of adhering to dharma, performing rituals, and seeking liberation through devotion to Shiva.
• Geographical and Spiritual Context: While Dharmaranya may not correspond to a specific modern location, it is portrayed as a sacred space where spiritual practices yield profound results.

3. Brahmottara Khanda

The Brahmottara Khanda (Later Section on Brahma) is the concluding subsection and delves into broader cosmological and theological themes, often linked to Lord Brahma, the creator god. It includes:

• Cosmogony and Creation: Narratives about the creation of the universe, the role of Brahma, and the interplay of the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) are explored. These align with the Puranic tradition of discussing sarga (primary creation).
• Shaivite Emphasis: Despite its name, the Brahmottara Khanda emphasizes Shiva’s supremacy, portraying Brahma and Vishnu as subordinate to Shiva, consistent with the Skanda Purana’s Shaivite orientation.
• Pilgrimage and Rituals: The section continues the focus on tirthas, detailing additional sacred sites, their legends, and the rituals associated with them.

Kashi Khanda of Skanda Purana

The Kashi Khanda is a comprehensive guide to the sacred geography, mythology, and rituals associated with Kashi. It is traditionally believed to be a narration by Lord Skanda to Sage Agastya, recounting the greatness of Kashi as revealed by Lord Shiva himself. The text is set in the mythological context of the Satya Yuga, though it was compiled and narrated by Sage Vyasa in the Dvapara Yuga.

Key Chapters and Stories of the Kashi Khanda

• Vindhya’s Arrogance (Chapters 1–5): The narrative begins with the Vindhya Mountain’s attempt to outshine Mount Meru, leading to the intervention of Sage Agastya, who leaves Kashi to resolve the issue. This sets the stage for Agastya’s longing to return to Kashi and his eventual meeting with Skanda.
• Agastya’s Pilgrimage (Chapters 5–6): Agastya visits Kolhapur, worships Mahalakshmi, and learns that he will return to Kashi in a future incarnation as Vyasa. He then meets Skanda at Sri Shail, who begins narrating the Kashi Khanda.
• Shivasharman’s Story (Chapters 7–24): This extended narrative highlights the spiritual rewards of devotion to Shiva in Kashi, emphasizing the city’s role as a liberator of souls.
• Description of Tirthas and Temples (Various Chapters): The text provides detailed accounts of Kashi’s sacred sites, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, and other tirthas, along with their spiritual significance.
• The 56 Vinayakas (Chapter 58): The Khanda describes the spatial and religious significance of 56 forms of Ganesha in Kashi, arranged in a seven-layered spiral that symbolizes the cosmic order. Pilgrims are instructed to worship Dhundiraja Ganesha at the end of the journey to complete the sacred circuit.
• Phalashruti (Chapter 100): The concluding chapter outlines the spiritual benefits of reading, hearing, or distributing the Kashi Khanda, promising prosperity, longevity, and liberation.

Avanti Khanda of Skanda Purana

The Avanti Khanda (also referred to as Āvantyakhaṇḍa) is a comprehensive section of the Skanda Purana, comprising 387 chapters divided into three main subsections:

1. Avanti Kshetra Mahatmya: This section glorifies the spiritual significance of the Avanti region, particularly the city of Ujjain, which is considered one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism. It details the sanctity of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located in Ujjain. The narrative includes stories of the divine importance of the region, its temples, and the spiritual merit of visiting these sacred sites.
2. 84 Linga Mahatmya: This subsection describes the glory of 84 sacred Shiva Lingas in the Avanti region. Each Linga is associated with specific legends, rituals, and spiritual benefits. This section emphasizes the worship of Lord Shiva and the significance of these Lingas as focal points for devotion and pilgrimage.
3. Reva Khanda Mahatmya: The Reva Khanda (also spelled Rewa Khanda) is the most extensive subsection and focuses on the Narmada River (also called Reva), one of the holiest rivers in India. It provides a detailed description of the river’s origin, its spiritual significance, and the numerous pilgrimage sites (tirthas) along its banks. This section also includes narratives about other sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, and others, alongside stories of various tirthas such as Siddhadhara Tirtha, Dashashwamedha Tirtha, Valmikeshwar Tirtha, Ganesh Tirtha, Rameshwar Tirtha, Saubhagya Tirtha, Gaya Tirtha, Nag Tirtha, Gangeshwar Tirtha, and Prayageshwar Tirtha.

Nagara Khanda of Skanda Purana

The Nagara Khanda is organized as follows:

• Single Section: Unlike some other khandas that are divided into multiple parts, the Nagara Khanda consists of one primary section known as the Tirthamāhātmya (the glorification of pilgrimage sites).
• Chapter Count: It comprises 279 chapters, making it one of the more extensive khandas in terms of chapter count.
• Content Focus: The khanda is a detailed guide to the sacred sites within the Hāṭakeśvara-kṣetra, particularly emphasizing the spiritual and historical importance of Vadnagar, often referred to as Camatkārapura in the text. It includes narratives, legends, and descriptions of rituals associated with the region’s temples, rivers, and other sacred landmarks.

The Nagara Khanda centers on the Hāṭakeśvara-kṣetra, a sacred region associated with Vadnagar, a historic town in Gujarat. Vadnagar is known by various names in the Purana, with Camatkārapura being a prominent one, reflecting its spiritual and cultural significance. Archaeological evidence, as noted by Dr. R.N. Mehta (former head of the Department of Archaeology, M.S. University, Baroda), suggests that human habitation in the Vadnagar area dates back to the 1st century BCE, indicating a long history of cultural and religious activity.

The Hāṭakeśvara-kṣetra is celebrated for its association with Lord Shiva, particularly through the Hāṭakeśvara Linga, a revered Shiva linga that is a focal point of worship in the region. The khanda describes the topography, temples, and sacred sites of this area, providing a detailed pilgrimage guide for devotees.

Prabhasa Khanda of Skanda Purana

The Prabhasa Khanda is organized into four distinct subsections, each focusing on specific aspects of the Prabhasa region and its associated mythology and pilgrimage sites:

1. Prabhasa Kshetra Mahatmya (365 chapters): This is the largest subsection, detailing the spiritual and mythological significance of the Prabhasa Kshetra. It includes narratives about Lord Shiva, the Somnath Linga, and the sacred geography of the region.
2. Vastrapatha Kshetra Mahatmya (19 chapters): This section focuses on the Vastrapatha region, describing its tirthas and associated legends.
3. Arvuda Khanda (63 chapters): This part highlights the Arbuda (Mount Abu) region, its sacred sites, and related stories.
4. Dwarka Mahatmya (44 chapters): This subsection centers on Dwarka, the sacred city associated with Lord Krishna, detailing its tirthas and mythological significance.

The total of 491 chapters makes the Prabhasa Khanda one of the most extensive sections of the Skanda Purana, reflecting its comprehensive coverage of pilgrimage sites, rituals, and narratives.