Padma Purana Pt. 5 (AITM Vol. 43)

This is part of a ten volume work, vols 39-48 of the series on Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology. Named after the lotus in which God Brahman appeared at the beginning of creation, this Purana starts with the narration of Cosmological and Cosmogonic myths. Then comes the description of royal dynasties both Solar and Lunar down to the time of Krsna. This is followed by the description of war between Devas and Asuras and the defeat of Asuras by God Visnu. After the story of Prahlada comes the narrative of Rama preceded by the account of his predecessors beginning with Manu, son of Sun-God. Among other important episodes, may be counted the episode of Ramas horse-sacrifice and of Patala and the legends connected therewith. The last section deals with Visnu cult and kriyayoga, with emphasis that Visnu should be worshipped not by meditation but by doing pious acts, by undertaking pilgrimages to sacred places and by celebrating festivals dedicated to Visnu.