Vaishnav Khand in Skand Puran – Stories & Significance
Vaishnav Khand in Skand Puran – Stories & Significance
The Skand Puran is the largest of all the eighteen Mahapuranas in Hindu tradition. It is divided into several Khandas (sections), each focusing on different deities, places of pilgrimage, and spiritual wisdom. Among these, the Vaishnav Khand holds a very special place as it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe.
Vaishnav Khand is also divided into subsections (upkhand) like Maaheshwar Khand. The number of its subsection is eight. These eight subsections are - glory of Bhoomivarah or Venkatachal, glory of Utkal or Purushottam region, glory of Badrikashram, glory of the month of Kartik, glory of Maargsheersh, glory of Shrimad Bhagwat, glory of Vaishakh, and the glory of Ayodhya. Like Maaheshwar Khand, here too the essence of this section is present in one text.
In the beginning of this Khand (section), the glory of mountain Venkatachal (Tirupati Balaji) and the pilgrim spots situated there has been described in detail. Lord Varah says that Venkatachal is the abode of lord Narayan in the Kaliyug. Hence it is also called Narayangiri. The pilgrim spots namely Chakra teerth, Kumardharika teerth, Dev teerth, Papnashan teerth, Akashganga teerth, Pandav teerth, Swami Pushkarani teerth, Tumb teerth, Krishna teerth, etc, which are supremely rewarding and provider of great benefits are situated at this holy mountain.
Explaining the glory of holy dip on the auspicious dates at these pilgrim spots, it is said that when the sun stays in the Auarius sign in the month of Maagh then by taking a bath and donation of grain in the afternoon on the day of full moon during Magha nakshatra at the pilgrim spot named Kumardharika brings equal reward as taking regular dip in the river Ganga for 12 years. Similarly, the entire sins of previous births are destroyed by taking bath at the Paapnaashan teerth when the celestial arrangement be of Pushya or Hast nakshatra on the Sunday of Shukla paksh or Krishna paksh (phase) and the date being seventh (Saptami). Man attains emancipation by taking bath in the Tumbteerth pilgrim spot situated at mountain Guha when the sun stays in the Piscean sign and there be Uttarfalguni nakshatra.
In this context, the journey of Venkatachal by Pandu's son Arjun, the performing of tapa by Hanumanji's mother Anjana and boon of becoming mother to a son offered to her by Vayudev (the god of air) are the episodes which have been described.
After the glory of Venkatachal, establishing the glory of Purushottam kshetra it is said that Lord Narayan resides here in the human form. The punya (the holy reward) amounting to all the pilgrims is obtained by living in this region. Setting eyes upon Lord Purushottam after taking bath in the water of ocean, and by living in the Purushottam region, the devotee attains emancipation.
It becomes clear from the story related with Purushottam teerth that King Indradyumn had installed the idols of Lord Vasudev, Balramji, and Subhadra in this region on the advice of Devarshi Narad. Vishwakarma himself had made these idols. Besides this, Vishwakarma had created a huge beautiful chariot run by a hundred horses. The chariot-celebration, the retiring celebration of Lord Narayan, the worship method of twelve Aaditya, and the stories of departure to Brahmlok of King Indradyumn have been described in detail in this Khand.
Subsequently, narrating the glory of Badrikashram, Lord Shiv says that the region named Badrikashram of Shri Hari is extremely holy and rewarding and rare. The entire sins of devotees are destroyed merely by rememberance of this region. Those devotees who have performed tapa in the other pilgrim spots are included itself in the Badrikashram teerth. Badrikashram teerth is superior and holy among all the pilgrim spots. The reward that one gets through performing one thousand Ashwamedh yajna and by surviving on air alone, comes by in a moment at Badrikashram teerth. The ablution at Badrikashram teerth provides emancipation in Satyug, pleasure and affluence in Treta, rewarding in Dwapar, and punya (holy reward) in Kaliyug. Therefore several great rishis and munis, stay here permanently.
Introduction to Vaishnav Khand
The Vaishnav Khand is a treasure of stories, teachings, and rituals centered around Vishnu Bhagwan and His various incarnations. It glorifies His role in sustaining dharma and guiding devotees towards liberation. This Khand emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu and highlights how His grace can remove worldly sufferings and lead one to ultimate peace.
Teachings and Philosophical Essence
At its heart, the Vaishnav Khand conveys the message that devotion is greater than all material pursuits. Through stories and dialogues, it reminds seekers that surrendering to Vishnu with faith can help them overcome fear, greed, and ego. The text stresses dharma (righteous living), bhakti (devotion), and seva (service) as the true path to moksha.
Stories of Lord Vishnu in Vaishnav Khand
The Vaishnav Khand narrates fascinating tales of Vishnu’s incarnations and leelas. From descriptions of His cosmic form to stories of avatars like Varaha, Vamana, and Krishna, the Khand beautifully weaves divine episodes that inspire love and devotion. These stories are not mere mythology; they hold symbolic meaning, teaching us about humility, protection of dharma, and the triumph of good over evil.
The Skand Puran is the largest of all the eighteen Mahapuranas in Hindu tradition. It is divided into several Khandas (sections), each focusing on different deities, places of pilgrimage, and spiritual wisdom. Among these, the Vaishnav Khand holds a very special place as it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe.
Vaishnav Khand is also divided into subsections (upkhand) like Maaheshwar Khand. The number of its subsection is eight. These eight subsections are - glory of Bhoomivarah or Venkatachal, glory of Utkal or Purushottam region, glory of Badrikashram, glory of the month of Kartik, glory of Maargsheersh, glory of Shrimad Bhagwat, glory of Vaishakh, and the glory of Ayodhya. Like Maaheshwar Khand, here too the essence of this section is present in one text.
In the beginning of this Khand (section), the glory of mountain Venkatachal (Tirupati Balaji) and the pilgrim spots situated there has been described in detail. Lord Varah says that Venkatachal is the abode of lord Narayan in the Kaliyug. Hence it is also called Narayangiri. The pilgrim spots namely Chakra teerth, Kumardharika teerth, Dev teerth, Papnashan teerth, Akashganga teerth, Pandav teerth, Swami Pushkarani teerth, Tumb teerth, Krishna teerth, etc, which are supremely rewarding and provider of great benefits are situated at this holy mountain.
Explaining the glory of holy dip on the auspicious dates at these pilgrim spots, it is said that when the sun stays in the Auarius sign in the month of Maagh then by taking a bath and donation of grain in the afternoon on the day of full moon during Magha nakshatra at the pilgrim spot named Kumardharika brings equal reward as taking regular dip in the river Ganga for 12 years. Similarly, the entire sins of previous births are destroyed by taking bath at the Paapnaashan teerth when the celestial arrangement be of Pushya or Hast nakshatra on the Sunday of Shukla paksh or Krishna paksh (phase) and the date being seventh (Saptami). Man attains emancipation by taking bath in the Tumbteerth pilgrim spot situated at mountain Guha when the sun stays in the Piscean sign and there be Uttarfalguni nakshatra.
In this context, the journey of Venkatachal by Pandu's son Arjun, the performing of tapa by Hanumanji's mother Anjana and boon of becoming mother to a son offered to her by Vayudev (the god of air) are the episodes which have been described.
After the glory of Venkatachal, establishing the glory of Purushottam kshetra it is said that Lord Narayan resides here in the human form. The punya (the holy reward) amounting to all the pilgrims is obtained by living in this region. Setting eyes upon Lord Purushottam after taking bath in the water of ocean, and by living in the Purushottam region, the devotee attains emancipation.
It becomes clear from the story related with Purushottam teerth that King Indradyumn had installed the idols of Lord Vasudev, Balramji, and Subhadra in this region on the advice of Devarshi Narad. Vishwakarma himself had made these idols. Besides this, Vishwakarma had created a huge beautiful chariot run by a hundred horses. The chariot-celebration, the retiring celebration of Lord Narayan, the worship method of twelve Aaditya, and the stories of departure to Brahmlok of King Indradyumn have been described in detail in this Khand.
Subsequently, narrating the glory of Badrikashram, Lord Shiv says that the region named Badrikashram of Shri Hari is extremely holy and rewarding and rare. The entire sins of devotees are destroyed merely by rememberance of this region. Those devotees who have performed tapa in the other pilgrim spots are included itself in the Badrikashram teerth. Badrikashram teerth is superior and holy among all the pilgrim spots. The reward that one gets through performing one thousand Ashwamedh yajna and by surviving on air alone, comes by in a moment at Badrikashram teerth. The ablution at Badrikashram teerth provides emancipation in Satyug, pleasure and affluence in Treta, rewarding in Dwapar, and punya (holy reward) in Kaliyug. Therefore several great rishis and munis, stay here permanently.
Introduction to Vaishnav Khand
The Vaishnav Khand is a treasure of stories, teachings, and rituals centered around Vishnu Bhagwan and His various incarnations. It glorifies His role in sustaining dharma and guiding devotees towards liberation. This Khand emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu and highlights how His grace can remove worldly sufferings and lead one to ultimate peace.
Teachings and Philosophical Essence
At its heart, the Vaishnav Khand conveys the message that devotion is greater than all material pursuits. Through stories and dialogues, it reminds seekers that surrendering to Vishnu with faith can help them overcome fear, greed, and ego. The text stresses dharma (righteous living), bhakti (devotion), and seva (service) as the true path to moksha.
Stories of Lord Vishnu in Vaishnav Khand
The Vaishnav Khand narrates fascinating tales of Vishnu’s incarnations and leelas. From descriptions of His cosmic form to stories of avatars like Varaha, Vamana, and Krishna, the Khand beautifully weaves divine episodes that inspire love and devotion. These stories are not mere mythology; they hold symbolic meaning, teaching us about humility, protection of dharma, and the triumph of good over evil.
