Vishnu Puran: All Six Ansh Explained in Simple Words

The Vishnu Puran is counted third among the eighteen Mahapuranas and is one of the oldest and best ordered of them. It is narrated by Maharishi Parashara, father of Ved Vyas, to his disciple Maitreya, who asked where this world came from, in what it rests and into what it dissolves. Parashara answers that the whole universe comes from Lord Vishnu, rests in him and returns to him.

A Purana is said to have five marks: creation, dissolution and re-creation, genealogies, the ages of the Manus, and the deeds of the dynasties. The Vishnu Puran contains all five in full, which is why it is often held up as the model Purana.

The six ansh (parts)

• First Ansh (22 chapters): creation, the churning of the ocean, Dhruva's penance, King Prithu, the Prachetas and the devotee Prahlada.
• Second Ansh (16 chapters): the seven continents and seven seas, Bharatavarsha, the nether worlds and hells, the sun's chariot and the planets, the story of Jada Bharata.
• Third Ansh (18 chapters): the Manvantaras, the division of the Vedas and the line of Vyasas, the duties of varna and ashrama, shraddha and right conduct.
• Fourth Ansh (24 chapters): the Solar dynasty from Ikshvaku through Shri Ram, the Lunar dynasty of Pururava, Yayati, Yadu and Puru, and the kings of the Kali age.
• Fifth Ansh (38 chapters): the complete life of Shri Krishna, from his birth through Gokul, Vrindavan, Mathura and Dwarka to his return to his own abode.
• Sixth Ansh (8 chapters): the nature of Kali Yuga, the four kinds of dissolution, the dialogue of Khandikya and Keshidhvaja, and yoga.

Common questions

Who narrated the Vishnu Puran?

Maharishi Parashara, to his disciple Maitreya. Parashara received it by the blessing of the sages Pulastya and Vasishtha.

How many parts and chapters does it have?

Six ansh and 126 chapters (22 + 16 + 18 + 24 + 38 + 8).

When should it be read?

Ekadashi, Thursdays, the extra (Purushottam) month and Kartik are held especially meritorious, but it may be read with faith at any time.