What is Garuda Purana?
- Garuda Purana is a text that belongs to the genre of Hindu religious scriptures known as the Puranas. It is named after Garuda, the divine bird who is the mount of Lord Vishnu. The Garuda Purana contains a wide range of knowledge and teachings related to various aspects of life including philosophy, ethics, cosmology, geography, astrology, medicine, and funeral rites.
- The Garuda Purana is divided into three parts or sections, called khandas. The first section is called the Preta Kanda, and it deals with the rituals and practices related to death and the afterlife. This section describes the journey of the soul after death, and the various stages that it goes through before reaching its final destination.
- The second section is called the Brahma Kanda, and it deals with the creation and the nature of the universe. It describes the different levels of existence and the hierarchy of beings that inhabit them. It also contains a wealth of information on yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices.
- The third section is called the Vishnu Kanda, and it deals with the life and teachings of Lord Vishnu. This section contains stories and legends related to the various avatars of Lord Vishnu, including Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.
- The Garuda Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas, and it is considered to be an important text in Hinduism. It is believed to have been composed between the 8th and 10th centuries CE, although it is possible that some parts of it may be much older. The text has been translated into many Indian languages and has been widely read and studied throughout the centuries.