The Markandeya Mahapuranam

About the BookThe different works known by the name of Puranas (or old) are evidently derived from the mythoheroic stage of Hindu belief. The Puranas are commonly stated to be eighteen in number. It is said there are also eighteen Upa or Minor Puranas-but the names of all these are not found. The principal eighteen Puranas are Brahma, Padma, Visnu, Siva, Bhagavata, Naradiya, Markandeya, Agni, Bhavisya, Brahma Vaivarta, Linga, Varaha, Skanda, Vamana, Karma, Matsya, Garuda and Brahmanda.

All these Puranas are classed into three groups according to the qualities which prevail in them. The Matsya Purana remarks that those in which glory of Hari or Visnu prevails are Sattvika; those in which the legends of Agni of Siva predominate are Tamasa and those which dwell most on the stories of Brahma are Rajasa.

Markandeya Purana is classed in the same category with the Vedas and described as an immediate production from Brahma’s mouth. Although a Purana it is not attributed to Vyasa who is considered as the author of all works bearing that appellation. The Markandeya does not acknowledge him as its composer, editor or compiler. It claims equal honor with the Vedas themselves.

The most important section of the episode of the Markandeya Purana is the Canclipatha: a work in very great estimation throughout India, with the votaries of the goddess Kali and other deities to whom sanguinary sacrifices are offered. The title Saptagati or seven hundred is attached to it because it consists of seven hundred verses. The whole poem is a detail of the actions and transfiguration of the goddess during her dreadful combats with the demons and dark spirits for the mastery of the universe, which ends with the goddess annihilating their power and restoring the vanquished gods to their respective dominions.

The Markancleya Pueraria has a character quite different from that of the other Puranas. It is entirely shorn of that Puranas. There are rarely to be seen prayers and invocations to any deity. Its leading feature is narrative and it abounds in a number of beautifully written legends.

With the publication of this important Purana along with English translation from a rare book by Manmatha Nath Dutta will help the scholars and the devotees as well.