The Puranas: Timeless Tales from Ancient India
Have you ever thought about how ancient India kept its history alive? Instead of relying dates and kings, they did it through captivating stories. The Puranas, which translates to “ancient tales”, serve as the vibrant memory, Passed down through generations, these narratives reveal how the Universe was created, how Gods manifest in different eras, and how the divine intertwines with our everyday lives.
There are eighteen key Puranas, each dedicated to a major deity - Vishnu, Shiva or Devi - and together, they make a rich tapestry of creation, preservation and renewal. These aren’t just myths; they reflect the essence of Indian civilization, encapsulating philosophy, cosmology, music, art and moral values in narrative form. But why are they still significant today? Because the Puranas remind us that stories are vessels of wisdom, that even as times change, the themes of devotion, compassion and wonder remain our most enduring languages.
Among the manuscripts showcased here are the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Kurma Purana and the Gita Govinda Vyakhya, to name a few. The Bhagavata Purana honors the life of Krishna. Both divine and human, playful yet profound , whose stories of love and faith sparked the Bhakti movement, influencing art, music and temple worship throughout India. The Gita Govinda Vyakhya, a commentary on Jayadeva’s lyrical masterpiece from the 12th century, continues this legacy by delving into the deep love between Krishna and Radha, symbolizing the soul’s yearning for the divine.