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Vishnu Purana
LORD VISHNU AND THE CREATION
The Vishnu Purana is part of a series of eighteen sacred Hindu texts known collectively as the Puranas. It occupies a prominent position among the ancient Vaishnava Puranas which recount tales of creation and the many incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It describes the four classes of society, the four stages of life, and key astronomical concepts related to Hinduism.
Brimming with insight and told with clarity, this translation of the Vishnu Purana by Bibek Debroy presents readers with an opportunity to truly understand the classical Indian mythic texts. Debroy has previously translated the Bhagavata Purana, the Markandeya Purana, and the Brahma Purana.
The Vishnu Purana is part of a series of eighteen sacred Hindu texts known collectively as the Puranas. It occupies a prominent position among the ancient Vaishnava Puranas which recount tales of creation and the many incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It describes the four classes of society, the four stages of life, and key astronomical concepts related to Hinduism.
Brimming with insight and told with clarity, this translation of the Vishnu Purana by Bibek Debroy presents readers with an opportunity to truly understand the classical Indian mythic texts. Debroy has previously translated the Bhagavata Purana, the Markandeya Purana, and the Brahma Purana.
560 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2022
52 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Bibek Debroy
158 books390 followersBibek Debroy was an Indian economist, who served as the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. He was also the Chairman of the Finance Ministry's 'Expert Committee for Infrastructure Classification and Financing Framework for Amrit Kaal'. Debroy has made significant contributions to game theory, economic theory, income and social inequalities, poverty, law reforms, railway reforms and Indology among others. From its inception in January 2015 until June 2019, Mr. Debroy was a member of the NITI Aayog, the think tank of the Indian Government. He was awarded the Padma Shri (the fourth-highest civilian honour in India) in 2015.
Bibek Debroy's recent co-authored magnum opus, Inked in India, stands distinguished as the premier comprehensive documentation, capturing the entirety of recognized fountain pen, nib, and ink manufacturers in India.
In 2016, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the US-India Business Summit. In 2022, he was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC). In February 2024, Debroy was conferred Insolvency Law Academy Emeritus Fellowship, in recognition of his distinguished leadership, public service, work and contributions in the field of insolvency.
Bibek Debroy died on 1 November 2024, at the age of 69. He had been admitted to All India Institutes of Medical Sciences in New Delhi one month prior.
Bibek Debroy's recent co-authored magnum opus, Inked in India, stands distinguished as the premier comprehensive documentation, capturing the entirety of recognized fountain pen, nib, and ink manufacturers in India.
In 2016, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the US-India Business Summit. In 2022, he was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC). In February 2024, Debroy was conferred Insolvency Law Academy Emeritus Fellowship, in recognition of his distinguished leadership, public service, work and contributions in the field of insolvency.
Bibek Debroy died on 1 November 2024, at the age of 69. He had been admitted to All India Institutes of Medical Sciences in New Delhi one month prior.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 20, 2022
Of the 18 Mahapuranas the Vishnu Purana is recorded as a conversation between Rishis Parashara and Maitreya in the classic Guru Shishya Parampara style of dialogue. It was preserved by Sutas (bards,minstrels) as genealogies of Devatas /Gods, Rshis and Kings as well as ballads about traditions & customs of an earlier era.It was composed sometime during 300 B.C and 450 B.C.E and is a Smriti,not a Shruthi.Meaning it's origins are human in nature and not necessarily of Divine origin.
1. Basic Structure of a Purana :
Prior to reading this book ,I was unaware that there existed a basic template to which most Puranas adhere to.The template comprises 5 attributes,namely :
Sarga , Pratisarga , Vamsha , Manvantara and Vamshanucharita .
The former two deal with cycles of creation and destruction.Manvantara is a period of creation presided over by a specific Manu.And the last two are genealogies of Devas ,Rshis and illustrious kings respectively.Of the Puranas ,the Vishnu Purana adheres faithfully to this template while also being the leanest of all Puranas .
It is broadly classified into the following sections .
Section 1 - Stories pertaining to the causes of creation and 3 'sub-stories '
Section 2 - Descriptions of sacred geographies (teerthas ),nether worlds,narakas ,upper realms as well planetary descriptions.
Section 3 - Descriptions of the prevailing social norms and divisions ( the VarnaAshrama system , Samskaras and Marriage , Sadachar -Good Conduct , and Shraddha Ceremonies )
Section 4 - Genealogies and Descriptions of Descendants and Lineage Lists
Section 5 - This section is exclusively devoted to the exploits and deeds of Shri Krishna
Section 6 - Speculations of KaliYuga and descriptions of Pralaya
The listing is not exhaustive as there are many other stories and sub -topics I've omitted for the sake of brevity .
2. The Stories :
The stories included are not limited to the exploits and past times of Lord Vishnu but also extend to his devotees .We have accounts of how Dhruva attained the position of the pole star and Prahlada's reverence and Bhakti . The entire section 5 is devoted to the birth and deeds of Shri Krishna as well as the origins, history and end of the Yadava lineage .The initial part of the book includes a detailed description of the churning of the ocean (Origins of Laksmi Devi and the battle for the immortal nectar /Amrit )
The end of the book also includes a passage describing the Path of Yoga ( recorded as a conversation between Khandikya and KeshiDhvija.)
Some of the stories lack that sense of 'excitement ' that we expect from an action packed thriller (either fiction books or movies ).They are presented simply and plainly.Those unused to reading primary texts would need to set aside quite some time and not expect to rapidly breeze through this book .
3.Difficulties in Completing the book
(Not A Rapid Read... ):
I wanted to refrain from giving this book a review given the reverence one must accord to our Puranas and Itihas .And yet ...
I'd describe it as Difficult. Dense. Dry (at parts ) .
Some of the sections dealing with detailed descriptions of descendants , family histories and genealogies, sacred geographies (teerthas ), mountains and rivers just ....went over my head .There were multiple times when I was tempted to put aside this book in favour of something not quite as taxing.I persevered though
This book may be more suited to those engaged in scholarly pursuits or academia . It is most definitely not meant for a casual noon or night time read .
4.A Slightly Discomfiting Read (at times) :
Half way through this book ,I was left with some uncomfortable questions .There were several things that I read which I didn't necessarily agree with .So much seems out of place with the values of the modern era and what we've been raised on .Of course I understand that one cannot judge Puranic texts (or historical accounts and past eras ) by modern standards and value points alone ... But it does beg the question .
•On what basis am I then to judge passages pertaining to VarnaAshrama Dharma and the prescribed conducts for those who adhered to it ?
•Which Yuga is this applicable to ?
•Is it Desha-Kala specific ?
It's difficult to read passages regarding some of the stringent rules and regulations regarding the ChaturVarna system as well as parameters for choosing a wife .I did not find any mention of inter-varna /jati marriages nor references to any form of upward social mobility within the 4 Varnas .Perhaps there are other texts which may throw more light on this ...
5. An Exemplary Effort by Bibek Debroy :
The original work is a Smriti composed by Krishna Dvaipayana Vedavyaysa . (As mentiomed earlier ,Smritis are of human origin while the Shruthis are of Divine origin .)One cannot commend the author enough for his meticulous and thoroughly well researched translation .Copious amount of footnotes exist at the bottom of the page .Not only do they provide meanings to the original Sanskrit terminologies and words ,but also provide contextual explanations and point out minor and major inconsistencies (if they occur ).
All in all ,an excellent translation that is full of insight and wisdom .Given how dense and heavy a text it is , it demands that the reader set aside some time to patiently and persistently plough through .Well worth it though 👍🏼
1. Basic Structure of a Purana :
Prior to reading this book ,I was unaware that there existed a basic template to which most Puranas adhere to.The template comprises 5 attributes,namely :
Sarga , Pratisarga , Vamsha , Manvantara and Vamshanucharita .
The former two deal with cycles of creation and destruction.Manvantara is a period of creation presided over by a specific Manu.And the last two are genealogies of Devas ,Rshis and illustrious kings respectively.Of the Puranas ,the Vishnu Purana adheres faithfully to this template while also being the leanest of all Puranas .
It is broadly classified into the following sections .
Section 1 - Stories pertaining to the causes of creation and 3 'sub-stories '
Section 2 - Descriptions of sacred geographies (teerthas ),nether worlds,narakas ,upper realms as well planetary descriptions.
Section 3 - Descriptions of the prevailing social norms and divisions ( the VarnaAshrama system , Samskaras and Marriage , Sadachar -Good Conduct , and Shraddha Ceremonies )
Section 4 - Genealogies and Descriptions of Descendants and Lineage Lists
Section 5 - This section is exclusively devoted to the exploits and deeds of Shri Krishna
Section 6 - Speculations of KaliYuga and descriptions of Pralaya
The listing is not exhaustive as there are many other stories and sub -topics I've omitted for the sake of brevity .
2. The Stories :
The stories included are not limited to the exploits and past times of Lord Vishnu but also extend to his devotees .We have accounts of how Dhruva attained the position of the pole star and Prahlada's reverence and Bhakti . The entire section 5 is devoted to the birth and deeds of Shri Krishna as well as the origins, history and end of the Yadava lineage .The initial part of the book includes a detailed description of the churning of the ocean (Origins of Laksmi Devi and the battle for the immortal nectar /Amrit )
The end of the book also includes a passage describing the Path of Yoga ( recorded as a conversation between Khandikya and KeshiDhvija.)
Some of the stories lack that sense of 'excitement ' that we expect from an action packed thriller (either fiction books or movies ).They are presented simply and plainly.Those unused to reading primary texts would need to set aside quite some time and not expect to rapidly breeze through this book .
3.Difficulties in Completing the book
(Not A Rapid Read... ):
I wanted to refrain from giving this book a review given the reverence one must accord to our Puranas and Itihas .And yet ...
I'd describe it as Difficult. Dense. Dry (at parts ) .
Some of the sections dealing with detailed descriptions of descendants , family histories and genealogies, sacred geographies (teerthas ), mountains and rivers just ....went over my head .There were multiple times when I was tempted to put aside this book in favour of something not quite as taxing.I persevered though
This book may be more suited to those engaged in scholarly pursuits or academia . It is most definitely not meant for a casual noon or night time read .
4.A Slightly Discomfiting Read (at times) :
Half way through this book ,I was left with some uncomfortable questions .There were several things that I read which I didn't necessarily agree with .So much seems out of place with the values of the modern era and what we've been raised on .Of course I understand that one cannot judge Puranic texts (or historical accounts and past eras ) by modern standards and value points alone ... But it does beg the question .
•On what basis am I then to judge passages pertaining to VarnaAshrama Dharma and the prescribed conducts for those who adhered to it ?
•Which Yuga is this applicable to ?
•Is it Desha-Kala specific ?
It's difficult to read passages regarding some of the stringent rules and regulations regarding the ChaturVarna system as well as parameters for choosing a wife .I did not find any mention of inter-varna /jati marriages nor references to any form of upward social mobility within the 4 Varnas .Perhaps there are other texts which may throw more light on this ...
5. An Exemplary Effort by Bibek Debroy :
The original work is a Smriti composed by Krishna Dvaipayana Vedavyaysa . (As mentiomed earlier ,Smritis are of human origin while the Shruthis are of Divine origin .)One cannot commend the author enough for his meticulous and thoroughly well researched translation .Copious amount of footnotes exist at the bottom of the page .Not only do they provide meanings to the original Sanskrit terminologies and words ,but also provide contextual explanations and point out minor and major inconsistencies (if they occur ).
All in all ,an excellent translation that is full of insight and wisdom .Given how dense and heavy a text it is , it demands that the reader set aside some time to patiently and persistently plough through .Well worth it though 👍🏼
October 7, 2021
Still learning and loving it
October 30, 2022
Could have been better, a lot better.
Stories are half vetted.
Stories are half vetted.
July 25, 2023
Definitely need to have background info to understand (i.e. read either bhagvat mahapuran or mahabharat) as mentioned in the prelude of the text.
Other reason you need to have some background info is because this text has condensed stories from those two texts, and the puran itself is based on the translated text that was derived from a fellow of the Asiatic society in the 1800's; as such, there is some notable interpolation, but you would only be able to spot those inconsistencies if you have background knowledge.
Other reason you need to have some background info is because this text has condensed stories from those two texts, and the puran itself is based on the translated text that was derived from a fellow of the Asiatic society in the 1800's; as such, there is some notable interpolation, but you would only be able to spot those inconsistencies if you have background knowledge.
April 23, 2023
NOT TOTALLY UNABRIDGED VERSION,BUT A GOOD ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF VISNU PURANA. VERY BREATHTAKING, SPIRITUAL, LIFE CHANGING BOOK.
GITA PRESS EDITION IS THE MOST AUTHENTIC UNABRIDGED EDITION USED FOR AGES AND RECOMMENDED ONE .
GITA PRESS EDITION IS THE MOST AUTHENTIC UNABRIDGED EDITION USED FOR AGES AND RECOMMENDED ONE .
February 12, 2025
This book is divided into six parts. The stories are told by Sage Parashara to sage Maitreya, his disciple. From devas and apasaras to daityas and rakshasas, this book covers it all. To be honest, I didn't think it would be so entertaining.
November 5, 2025
Vishnu Purana by Bibek Debroy. 2022.
An English translation of the Vishnu Purana, which is one of the 18 Mahapuranas of Hindu sacred literature.
An English translation of the Vishnu Purana, which is one of the 18 Mahapuranas of Hindu sacred literature.
October 2, 2022
This is a review copy I have received from Indicbook club and especially after reading the book, they have my most sincere gratitude for this favour.
After Brahmapurana, this is the second translation of Bibek Debroy Sir, that has graced my bookshelf with its presence thanks to IndicaBooks and Abhinav Agarwal sir. No review/praise can do justice to this magnanimous and monumental ongoing project of Debroy sir, of translating all the Mahapuranas and thus giving us a taste of the nectar that is our traditional texts. Regardless we all must do our share of karma(of spreading the richness of our puranas and itihasas to more and more people), no matter how small a drop that may be compared to the ocean that Bibek sir seems to have taken over.
The cover of the book is beautiful and draws attention the moment you set your eyes upon it. A lovely portrayal of all the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the nurturer of the universe. Throughout the book we get to read about his deeds in these various incarnations in crisp and concise translation. Apart from these interesting mind capturing tales, it also describes the four classes of society, the four stages of life, and key astronomical concepts related to Hinduism. The book is a gem of the treasure trove that is our classical texts. Personally an ardent fan of lord Vishnu, personally I have enjoyed reading it more than I have enjoyed the Brahma Purana that has been my previous read and a journey itself in its own right. Now I am eager to go for the other two puranas that have been translated by Bibek sir, The Bhagwat Purana and The Markandeya Purana.
Feedback: Don't think and waste your time, just jump into this stream if you are a purana lover.
After Brahmapurana, this is the second translation of Bibek Debroy Sir, that has graced my bookshelf with its presence thanks to IndicaBooks and Abhinav Agarwal sir. No review/praise can do justice to this magnanimous and monumental ongoing project of Debroy sir, of translating all the Mahapuranas and thus giving us a taste of the nectar that is our traditional texts. Regardless we all must do our share of karma(of spreading the richness of our puranas and itihasas to more and more people), no matter how small a drop that may be compared to the ocean that Bibek sir seems to have taken over.
The cover of the book is beautiful and draws attention the moment you set your eyes upon it. A lovely portrayal of all the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the nurturer of the universe. Throughout the book we get to read about his deeds in these various incarnations in crisp and concise translation. Apart from these interesting mind capturing tales, it also describes the four classes of society, the four stages of life, and key astronomical concepts related to Hinduism. The book is a gem of the treasure trove that is our classical texts. Personally an ardent fan of lord Vishnu, personally I have enjoyed reading it more than I have enjoyed the Brahma Purana that has been my previous read and a journey itself in its own right. Now I am eager to go for the other two puranas that have been translated by Bibek sir, The Bhagwat Purana and The Markandeya Purana.
Feedback: Don't think and waste your time, just jump into this stream if you are a purana lover.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews