In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Lokākhyāna (लोकाख्यान) (lit. “the worlds above and below”) is the name of chapter 3 of the (second section of the) Bṛhadbrahmasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text containing over 4600 Sanskrit verses dealing primarily with Vaiṣṇava theology and practical matters concerning the Śrī-Vaiṣṇava community but also discussing aspects of Viśiṣṭādvaita philosophy.

Description of the chapter [lokākhyāna]: Brahmā tells in this chapter what the seven nether regions are like in terms of the suffering souls who reside there, the colors associated with these places, the vegetation and resorts, etc. (1-34). Saṅkarṣaṇa in the form of Śiva will at the end of the age destroy these worlds and the whole of creation by spewing forth the venom of Adiśeṣa, upon whom the entire system rests (35-38). As for the sinners, they have their special place which is governed over by Yama—and their tortures are minutely catalogued (39-51). Who are the sinners? They are catalogued in detail, and include perjurers, arsonists, murderers, etc., as well as Brahmins who sell certain kinds of commodities, and others who live by avocations other than those of their respective caste, et. al. (52-88). P39

context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

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Partial matches: Loka, Akhyana.

Starts with: Lokakhyanakatha.

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Full-text: Lokakhyanakatha.

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