Bhavishya Purāṇa

The Bhaviṣya Purāṇa is one of the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas of Sanātana Dharma. The term Bhaviṣya means “future”, and as the name suggests, this Purāṇa contains references to events that were considered to be in the future at the time of composition. This Purāṇa is revered for its spiritual teachings, prophecies, and the documentation of dharmic codes that are applicable to both kings and commoners.

The narrator of the Bhaviṣya Purāṇa is Sūta Mahāmuni, and the listener is a gathering of ṛṣis, primarily headed by Śaunaka Maharṣi at the forest of Naimiṣāraṇya. Sūta recounts the teachings originally spoken by Bhagavān himself to Brahmā and passed down through the lineage of sages.

Structure

The Bhaviṣya Purāṇa is structured into five major parts (parvas):

1. Brāhma Parva
2. Madhyama Parva
3. Pratisarga Parva
4. Utpatti Parva
5. Uttara Parva

The text comprises over 12,000 ślokas, traditionally organized across more than 300 adhyāyas (chapters), although variations exist across manuscripts. Each Parva addresses a different dimension of dharma, creation, prophecies, social structure, and worship.

Parva	Number of Adhyāyās	Number of Ślokās	Content Focus
1. Brāhma Parva	129	~6,000	Vaidika Dharma, Śrāddha, Sandhyā, Vratas, Rājadharma
2. Madhyama Parva	74	~2,500	Festivals, Vratas (Ekādaśī, Śivarātri), Story-based teachings
3. Pratisarga Parva	7	~1,300	Prophecies, foreign invasions, future kings, degeneration of dharma
4. Utpatti Parva	5	~200	Creation narratives, cosmology
5. Uttara Parva	208	~4,000	Kali Yuga dharma, tīrtha māhātmyas, rituals, sādhanā
	Total 423 Adhyāyās	Total 14,00Ślokās

A Notes on the structure of Bhavishya Purāṇa:
The number of adhyāyas (chapters) and number of ślokas (verses) vary depending on the recension. However, based on standard traditional editions and most Sanskrit repositories like the Venkateshwara Press and Gita Press, above is the most accepted breakdown. Some versions report 383 or 485 chapters. The total varies based on inclusion or exclusion of supplementary chapters and the style of compilation. Pratisarga Parva is the most controversial and widely debated, especially for its prophetic accounts. Many scholars believe it had interpolations in the medieval period. Brāhma and Uttara Parvas are the longest and cover the most ground in terms of dharma and rituals. The Gita Press edition provides one of the more standardized versions used in many academic and devotional contexts.

Contents covered in Bhavishya Purāṇa

Brāhma Parva

Brahma Parva of Bhavishya Purāṇa primarily deals with Vaidika Dharma, duties of individuals in different stages of life, significance of sandhyāvandana, rules for yajñas, worship of Sūrya, Śiva, and Viṣṇu, and the importance of śrāddha karma. It also outlines principles of satya (truth), ahiṁsā (non-violence), dāna (charity), and brahmacarya (celibacy). There is a special emphasis on Sūrya worship, including detailed rituals and mantras for Āditya Hṛdayam and related stotras.

Adhyāyas 1–20

• Introduction to the Purāṇa and its narration by Sūta to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya.
• Dialogue between Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa and Brahmā.
• Description of creation (sṛṣṭi) and duties of varṇas and āśramas.
• Sandhyāvandana vidhi (morning/evening prayer).
• Importance of Brahmacarya and the duties of students (śiṣya dharma).
• Description of śrāddha (ancestral rites), pinda dāna, and their significance.
• Guidelines for proper conduct (ācāra), personal hygiene, and daily rituals (nitya karma).
• The glories of Sūrya (Sun God) and Sūrya worship.

Adhyāyas 21–40

• Detailed rituals of Āditya Hṛdayam, Sūrya stotra, and mantra japa.
• Significance of various vratas such as Saptamī, Sunday vrata, etc.
• Rules for householders (gṛhastha dharma).
• Importance of honoring guests and maintaining daily yajñas.
• Conduct for women and the importance of satī dharma.
• Guidelines on choosing a life partner and marriage ceremonies.
• Dharma of kings (rājadharma) and duties towards subjects.
• Description of dharmaśāstras and importance of truth and forgiveness.

Adhyāyas 41–60

• Narratives illustrating the results of dharmic and adharmic actions.
• Importance of dāna (charity) and various forms of donation like go-dāna, bhū-dāna, and vidyā-dāna.
• Observances for specific days like ekādaśī, amāvasyā, pūrṇimā, and saṅkrānti.
• Rules for vrata observance and austerities.
• Significance of bathing in holy rivers (gaṅgā, yamunā).
• Pilgrimage dharma and the merit of visiting sacred tīrthas.
• Origin of the Vedas and their importance in daily life.
• Duties of Brahmins and recitation of the Gāyatrī mantra.

Adhyāyas 61–80

• Description of various festivals and their spiritual importance.
• Detailed procedures for Agnihotra and other yajñas.
• Forms of Viṣṇu and his incarnations; glories of Śrī Rāma and Kṛṣṇa.
• Worship methods for Śiva, Devī, Gaṇeśa, and Skanda.
• Rules for observing Navarātri and Durgā pūjā.
• Instructions for building temples and installing mūrtis.
• The importance of sincerity and bhakti in all rituals.
• Description of dharma for the Kali Yuga and its simplification.

Adhyāyas 81–100

• The power of nāma smaraṇa (chanting divine names) in Kali Yuga.
• Stories of great devotees like Dhruva and Prahlāda.
• Description of the four Yugas and the decline of dharma.
• Spiritual benefits of reciting and listening to Purāṇas.
• Greatness of the Bhaviṣya Purāṇa itself.
• Dharma of renunciates (sannyāsins) and forest dwellers (vānaprastha).
• Use of mantra, tantra, and japa for inner purification.
• Yogic practices for attaining liberation.

Adhyāyas 101–129

• Dharma of family life, raising children, and guiding them spiritually.
• Origin and purpose of caste divisions (varṇāśrama).
• Worship and rituals for Graha Śānti (planetary pacification).
• Procedures for observing vrata for Sūrya, Viṣṇu, and Śiva.
• Description of qualities of ideal rulers and wise ministers.
• Measures for combating famine, disease, and misrule.
• Merits of following dharma even in difficult circumstances.
• Summary of the teachings of Brāhma Parva and their relevance in Kali Yuga.

Madhyama Parva

Madhyama Parva of Bhavishya Purāṇa addresses rituals, festivals, and vrata kathās, such as Ekādaśī, Śivarātri, and Navarātri. The concept of punya and pāpa, karma-phala, and pilgrimage importance (tīrtha māhātmyas) are also highlighted. The narrative introduces many stories related to Śiva and Devī, and guidance for householders, kings, and renunciates is provided.The Madhyama Parva consists of 74 adhyāyas and primarily focuses on vratas (religious vows), festivals, devatā māhātmyas, and stories that uphold dharma.

Adhyāyas 1–20

• Detailed descriptions of Ekādaśī Vrata Mahātmyam, including different forms such as Kāmadā Ekādaśī, Nirjalā Ekādaśī, and their observance.
• Stories and outcomes of observing Ekādaśī in different yugas.
• Explanation of Vaikuṇṭha Ekādaśī and its significance for attaining mokṣa.
• Legends of kings, sages, and women who observed these vratas and were liberated.
• Ritual procedures, fasting rules, and scriptural support for observance.

Adhyāyas 21–40

• Description of Śivarātri Vrata Mahātmyam and stories associated with its origin.
• Glories of Māgha Māsa, Pañcaka Vratas, and Navarātri.
• Narratives involving Devī worship, and methods of observing Durga Navarātri, including fasting, pūjā, and homa.
• Tales of Śiva devotees and their miraculous protection and upliftment.
• Description of various Sūrya-related vratas, their results, and step-by-step rituals.
• Emergence of Mantra Śakti, power of japa, and listening to kathās.

Adhyāyas 41–60

• Worship procedures for Sūrya, Viṣṇu, Śiva, Devī, Skanda, and Gaṇeśa during monthly, fortnightly, and seasonal festivals.
• Description of Ratha Saptamī, Vaṭa Sāvitrī, Tulasī Vivāha, and Karva Cauth Vratas.
• Instructions for women’s vratas for husband’s longevity and family well-being.
• The power of collective vrata observance in society.
• Emphasis on dharma in daily life, speaking truth, controlling desires, and staying devoted to deities.
• Narratives involving gods blessing devotees due to simple acts of faith.

Adhyāyas 61–74

• Description of Udyāpana Vidhi (concluding ceremonies) for various vratas.
• The significance of observing vratas in Kali Yuga and the relative ease of spiritual progress through such devotion.
• Summary of Punya Phala (spiritual merit) from vratas and pūjās.
• Teachings from sages to householders, kings, and widows.
• Guidelines for purifying the mind and establishing devotion through small, regular sādhanās.
• The culmination of all vratās as stepping stones to bhakti and mokṣa.

Pratisarga Parva

Pratisarva Parva of Bhavishya Purāṇa is the most well-known part of the Bhaviṣya Purāṇa. It presents a retelling of history in cycles, covering past yugas, dynasties, and includes prophecies about future rulers and events. This section contains controversial and debated references to mleccha cultures and foreign invasions, as well as mentions of figures like Mohammad and Jesus, seen through the lens of the Purāṇic worldview. It warns of the rise of adharma and reaffirms the protection of dharma through divine intervention. The word Pratisarga means “re-creation” or “subsequent creation”, referring to the cyclical destruction and re-creation of the world. This Parva focuses on the four yugas, especially the decline of dharma in Kali Yuga, and gives prophetic accounts of various kings, sages, spiritual traditions, and even figures from non-Vedic cultures. The text is framed as a dialogue between Sūta Mahāmuni and the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya, recounting the teachings originally revealed by Nārāyaṇa and handed down through Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śiva.

Adhyāyas 1–2

• Explanation of cyclical time, repeated creations and dissolutions (sṛṣṭi and pralaya).
• Predictions of how dharma will decay in Kali Yuga, and how adharmic rulers will rise.
• Detailed genealogies of kings from Surya and Chandra Vamśas, up to the end of the Mahābhārata era.
• Accounts of foreign rulers, including the Yavanas (Greeks), Mlecchas, and Turuṣkas (Turks).
• Predictions about the rise of Buddhism and the decline of Vaidika Dharma in certain regions.

Adhyāyas 3–4

• Prophetic references interpreted by some to allude to Jesus Christ (Iśā Putra), and the religion associated with him.
• Mention of a teacher born to a virgin in a foreign land, performing miracles and gathering disciples.
• Warnings about Mleccha dharma becoming widespread and displacing Vedic traditions.
• Allegorical narratives symbolizing the spread of non-Vedic religions, viewed from a purāṇic perspective.
• Bhaviṣya Purāṇa presents these accounts from a dhārmic and protective lens, encouraging return to Vaidika practices.

Adhyāyas 5–6

Introduction of another foreign teacher referred to as Mahāmada or Mohammad, founder of a mleccha tradition.

• Narratives portray how adharmic teachings will spread, but eventually be curbed by divine forces.
• Descriptions of future social corruption, confusion in varṇāśrama dharma, and loss of satya and ahimsā.
• Prophecies about invasions, wars, and natural calamities during the Kali Yuga.
• Encouragement to preserve dharma through bhakti, japa, and tīrtha yātras.

Adhyāya 7

• Final summary of Kali Yuga’s symptoms, including political instability, religious confusion, and moral decay.
• Promise of divine intervention in the form of Kalki Avatāra, who will restore dharma.
• Assurance that recitation of Bhaviṣya Purāṇa and sincere devotion to Bhagavān will protect devotees even during the darkest times.
• Ends with a call to return to Vaidika roots, uphold satya, dāna, tapas, and the regular recitation of the Purāṇas.

Utapatti Parva

The Utpatti Parva of the Bhaviṣya Purāṇa is a concise yet foundational section that explores the origin of the universe, the creation of deities, sages, humans, and the establishment of varṇāśrama dharma. It presents the cosmological framework of Hindu thought, detailing the primary (ādi) and secondary (vaikṛta) creation, and the divine roles of Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śiva in the unfolding of the cosmos. This parva also outlines the genealogies of Manus, ṛṣis, and kings, providing the metaphysical and moral blueprint upon which dharma rests. Though brief, the Utpatti Parva offers a profound philosophical context for the rest of the Purāṇa’s teachings.

Adhyāya 1

Introduces the purpose of the Purāṇa and the setting of the narration. Sūta Mahāmuni begins recounting what he heard from Vyāsa and the sages. The chapter opens with a discussion on the eternal nature of time (kāla), the concept of recurring cycles of creation (sṛṣṭi), sustenance (sthiti), and destruction (pralaya). It describes how Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa, though beyond attributes, takes on the role of creator through Māyā.

Adhyāya 2

Describes the process of primary creation (ādi sarga), wherein the five mahābhūtas (great elements), the three guṇas, and manas (mind) emerge. From the unmanifest comes Brahmā, who is commanded by Nārāyaṇa to initiate further creation. The creation of various lokas (worlds)—Bhūloka, Bhuvarloka, Svarga, etc.—and the placement of planetary systems is also explained.

Adhyāya 3

Narrates the secondary creation (vaikṛta sarga) performed by Brahmā, including the manifestation of various species, devatās, asuras, humans, animals, and plants. The manvantaras (eras of Manus) are introduced along with the cycle of yugas. The four varṇas—Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya, and Śūdra—are created along with their respective duties (svadharma). The four āśramas (life stages) are also outlined.

Adhyāya 4

Describes the genealogies of sages and Manus, including the descent of Marīci, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, and Vasiṣṭha. The origins of the Sūrya Vamśa and Candra Vamśa royal lineages are presented in brief. This chapter emphasizes the sacred continuity of dharma through these lineages and the role of ṛṣis in transmitting Vedic knowledge.

Adhyāya 5

Summarizes the purpose of creation as dharma sādhana (the means to attain righteousness and liberation). It speaks of the importance of yajña, tapas, and bhakti in the spiritual evolution of beings. The chapter concludes with a phala śruti (eulogy) for listening to or reciting the Utpatti Parva, declaring that such study purifies sins and grants higher lokas.

Uttara Parva

The Uttara Parva of the Bhaviṣya Purāṇa is its most extensive and practically oriented section, comprising over 200 adhyāyas. It serves as a comprehensive guide for life in Kali Yuga, offering simplified spiritual practices, vratas, tīrtha māhātmyas (glories of pilgrimages), and detailed instructions for daily dharma. Unlike earlier parvas that focus on cosmology or prophecy, the Uttara Parva emphasizes devotion (bhakti), charity (dāna), recitation of mantras and Purāṇas, and ritual observances that are accessible to common people. It also includes guidance on mantra śāstra, navagraha remedies, yoga, disease cures, and rites for liberation, making it an encyclopedic source for sustaining dharmic life in challenging times.

Adhyāyas 1–50

• Detailed discussions on Kali Yuga dharma—how spiritual practice should adapt to the limitations of the age.
• Simplified dharmic practices such as nāma japa, tīrtha yātrā, pūjā, and vrata observance for spiritual upliftment.
• Instructions for daily rituals, bathing rules, food habits, and cleanliness in Kali Yuga.
• Significance of listening to and reciting Purāṇas.
• Introduction to various mantras and stotras of deities like Viṣṇu, Śiva, Devī, Gaṇeśa, and Sūrya.
• Mahatmya (glorification) of specific days: Ekādaśī, Amāvasyā, Saṅkrānti, Pūrṇimā, etc.
• The importance of observing dharma as per one’s varṇa and āśrama.

Adhyāyas 51–100

• Detailed Tīrtha Māhātmyas (sacredness of pilgrimage sites) including descriptions of Prayāga, Kāśī, Kurukṣetra, Haridvāra, Puṣkara, and other divine places.
• Stories of devotees attaining mokṣa through visiting tīrthas or performing vratas.
• Rituals and benefits of giving dāna (charity), especially go-dāna, tulā-dāna, vastra-dāna, and anna-dāna.
• Procedures for śrāddha karma at sacred rivers.
• Importance of Gāyatrī mantra japa and its variants.
• Sūrya and Śiva mantras for curing diseases and achieving inner peace.
• Discussion on tapasyā, dhyāna, and control of the senses.

Adhyāyas 101–150

• Instructions on mantra-śāstra—initiation (dīkṣā), mantra purification, and japa vidhi.
• Use of tantra, yantras, and rituals for specific purposes—protection, health, prosperity.
• Explanations of grāha śānti (pacifying planetary afflictions).
• Procedures for navagraha pūjā, their effects and remedies.
• Vratas for removing doṣas and fulfilling desires.
• Use of astrological knowledge in daily life—nakṣatra, rāśi, muhūrta.
• Signs of śubhāśubha (good and bad omens) and methods for counteracting them.

Adhyāyas 151–208

• Deeper teachings on yoga, types of yoga (karma, bhakti, jñāna), and benefits of each.
• Sannyāsa dharma, renunciation rituals, and final rites (antyeṣṭi karma).
• Description of divine lokas (worlds) and results of various karmas.
• Stories of past devotees, sages, and kings who reached liberation or higher realms.
• Explanation of kāla tattva (cosmic time), pralayas (dissolutions), and rebirth.
• Final summary of all teachings of Bhaviṣya Purāṇa.
• Phala Śruti (glories) of reading, listening, and sharing this Purāṇa.
• Instructions for parāyaṇa (recitation) and blessings for those who spread this knowledge.