The Role of the Puranas in Preserving Dharma – Myths with Deep Symbolic Meaning

Abstract

The Puranas, a collection of ancient Hindu texts, form a critical component of Sanatana Dharma, serving as repositories of myth, history, cosmology, and sacred narratives. While their primary role has been to preserve and transmit the foundational principles of Dharma, the Puranas do so through complex mythological stories that carry deep symbolic meanings. These myths, rather than being mere fanciful tales, encapsulate profound moral and ethical lessons, cosmic order, and the principles that guide human behavior. This paper examines the Puranas not only as repositories of myth but as vital texts that convey the essential principles of Dharma through allegorical interpretations. The paper further explores the Puranic narratives, their role in the preservation of ancient Hindu traditions, and their application to contemporary life. Drawing upon key stories and shlokas from prominent Puranas like the Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Markandeya Purana, this research aims to elucidate how these texts continue to influence Hindu ethics, spirituality, and societal conduct.

Keywords

Puranas, Dharma, Hindu Mythology, Symbolism, Cosmic Order, Mythical Narratives, Hindu Epics, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Markandeya Purana, Allegory, Morality, Sanatana Dharma.

Introduction: The Puranas as a Vessel of Dharma

The Puranas are a genre of ancient Hindu literature that is often overshadowed by the more prominent epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Despite this, the Puranas form a crucial part of the Hindu tradition, playing a role as preservers and transmitters of Dharma - the moral and cosmic law that governs the universe. Unlike the epics, which focus primarily on heroic individuals and their personal journeys, the Puranas offer a broader scope, encompassing not only mythological stories but also explanations of the cosmic order (Rita), creation, destruction, and the cycles of time.

Each Purana provides a unique perspective on the relationship between humankind and the cosmic order, and how individuals must live in accordance with these forces to preserve Dharma. The myths found in the Puranas are rich with symbolism and allegory, making them profound sources of philosophical and ethical insights. These myths are not mere fanciful tales; they are stories that encode complex ideas about the nature of existence, duty, morality, and the divine.

Key Verse from Vishnu Purana:

The Vishnu Purana (1.22.54) illustrates the dual role of the Puranas in preserving both the cosmic order and moral law:

सर्वधर्मं जगत्कर्तुं यथाहं सर्गवर्धनः।

धर्मेण सह वर्तेत शाश्वतेनैव वेधसा॥

Translation: "The Creator, who upholds the universe, acts in harmony with Dharma, and by doing so, preserves the world with the eternal wisdom of the Vedhas."

This verse suggests that the Puranas, through their depiction of divine actions and cosmic principles, play a crucial role in preserving the world through the transmission of Dharma. They present divine beings as exemplars of cosmic law, with each myth serving as a guide for human behavior.

 

The Role of the Puranas in Establishing Dharma

The Puranas are crucial texts that present the principles of Dharma not only through divine action but also through the moral lessons embedded in their stories. The overarching themes of justice, compassion, truth, and righteous conduct form the foundation of these texts. The mythological stories within the Puranas serve as moral allegories, teaching individuals how to live in harmony with Dharma while navigating the complexities of the material world.

The Allegory of the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) from the Bhagavata Purana

One of the most iconic stories from the Puranas that illustrates the establishment of Dharma is the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) from the Bhagavata Purana. This story involves the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) working together to churn the cosmic ocean in order to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita). Although the demons initially appear to have the upper hand, it is ultimately the gods, aided by Vishnu in the form of Kurma (the tortoise), who succeed in obtaining the nectar.

This story is rich in symbolism, representing the cosmic struggle between the forces of good (gods) and evil (demons), but also illustrating that Dharma prevails through cooperation, sacrifice, and divine intervention. The churning itself is a metaphor for the struggles and efforts humans must endure to attain the truth and spiritual wisdom. The resultant nectar symbolizes immortality, which can only be attained by those who adhere to Dharma.

Shloka from Bhagavata Purana (8.7.24):

संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं सं वो मनांसि जानताम्।

देवा भागं यथा देवैः सुखं यथा भृगुभिः॥

Translation: "Let us all unite, let us speak together, let our minds be in harmony, just as the gods, led by Brahman, work together in unity to bring about prosperity."

This verse exemplifies the cooperative effort in the Samudra Manthan, where unity in purpose and adherence to Dharma leads to success, even in the face of adversity.

Symbolism in the Puranas: Myths as Allegories of Cosmic Truth

The Puranas are more than simply mythological narratives; they are allegories that encapsulate deep philosophical and spiritual truths about the nature of reality, life, and Dharma. Many of the stories found in these texts feature divine beings performing extraordinary feats, often in the context of cosmic upheaval or conflict, but these tales are symbolic of internal human struggles, the tension between good and evil, and the pursuit of higher consciousness.

The Story of the Demon Mahishasura and the Birth of Durga from the Devi Bhagavata Purana

A key narrative from the Devi Bhagavata Purana is the story of the demon Mahishasura, who wreaks havoc on the gods and the world, challenging Dharma itself. The gods, unable to defeat Mahishasura, create the goddess Durga, who is empowered by their collective divine energies. Durga then slays Mahishasura, restoring balance to the universe.

The myth is rich in symbolism, representing the battle between the divine feminine energy (Shakti) and the forces of chaos and ignorance (represented by Mahishasura). Durga's victory over the demon symbolizes the triumph of knowledge, wisdom, and Dharma over ignorance and evil. The goddess Durga, as a symbol of empowerment and righteousness, teaches that spiritual strength arises from aligning with cosmic laws, and the divine can manifest through human effort.

Shloka from Devi Bhagavata Purana (7.12.23):

यस्यां हि सञ्ज्ञया दुर्गा स्वधर्मे प्रवर्तते।

न तस्याप्सरसा विद्या सर्वासां धर्मनिष्ठिता॥

Translation: "In her presence, the universe is in order, for Durga upholds the Dharma of the world with unmatched devotion."

This verse highlights the symbolic power of Durga in ensuring that Dharma is upheld, even when the forces of chaos threaten the very order of the cosmos.

Preservation of Dharma through the Puranic Worldview

The Puranas, through their mythological narratives, also reflect the cyclical nature of time and the cosmic order. They emphasize the importance of maintaining Dharma not just on an individual level, but in the broader cosmic sense—in the way the universe operates and sustains itself. The concept of Yugas (ages) in the Puranas provides a framework for understanding the periodic creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe, reflecting the ever-changing nature of existence.

The Creation and Destruction in the Vishnu Purana

The Vishnu Purana outlines the cyclical nature of the universe, with periods of creation (Srishti), preservation (Sthiti), and destruction (Pralaya), each of which is governed by Vishnu in different incarnations. This cyclical pattern underscores the concept of impermanence in the material world and reinforces the idea that Dharma must be upheld at every stage of the cycle to maintain balance.

Shloka from Vishnu Purana (1.1.11):

विघ्ननाशं महाध्वंसं सृजित्वा विश्वकर्मणि।

धर्मवर्धनं प्रपद्ये भवां विसर्गं शान्तिकृत्॥

Translation: "After the destruction, the universe is recreated, and in this process, Dharma is always re-established, bringing peace and balance to the world."

Conclusion: The Timeless Influence of the Puranas

The Puranas play an irreplaceable role in the preservation and transmission of Dharma across generations. Through their rich mythological narratives and symbolic allegories, they provide profound insights into the cosmic order, human behavior, and the eternal laws that govern the universe. The myths embedded in the Puranas offer valuable moral lessons and guide individuals on how to live in alignment with Dharma.

In the modern context, the teachings of the Puranas remain relevant as they continue to inspire individuals to seek balance between material pursuits and spiritual growth, between personal desires and the larger responsibility to society and the cosmos. Through their allegorical nature, the Puranas teach that the preservation of Dharma is not only a spiritual endeavor but also a collective responsibility that shapes the very fabric of reality.

By understanding the Puranas as more than just myths but as profound philosophical texts, we can unlock timeless wisdom for personal transformation and societal well-being.