In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Svargādivarṇana (स्वर्गादिवर्णन) (lit. “description of the heavens etc.”) is the name of chapter 2 of the Viṣṇutilakasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising 3500 Sanskrit verses covering the typically “agamic” subjects which are being narrated by Brahmā to a number of sages.

Description of the chapter [svargādivarṇana]: (Viṣṇu speaks): I will give you the essence of all Tantras for the benefit of all mankind; those who worship Me with undiverted attention will be rewarded by both bhukti and mukti. He begins by defining jñāna-knowledge, the object of which is none other than realization of Brahman. This Brahman to be realized is described largely in negative terms. But Viṣṇu does say that Brahman for some reasons (kāraṇavaśāt) became a mass of light and lustre; that mass, in the center of the Sun, is known as “Vāsudeva” (Nārāyaṇa). From that mass have come out the four Vyūhas, which in turn produced Keśava et. al., whence came the avatāras, etc. (1-27). This whole world and everything in it is as a mote (paramāṇu) in the radiant light at the time of Creation; and jīva is one with the kaustubha-gem of Vāsudeva’s body. At the consummation of time the world returns to its speck-like form and the jīva becomes one again the kaustubha-gem. It may be said that there are three distinct entities in the temporal realm: Brahman, the world and jīva (28-37). As for the Vyūhas, Aniruddha is emphasized as the creative aspect of the Lord. The origin of the Creator Brahmā is briefly told, but the world itself comes into being and passes out of existence by the combinations and separations of the four guṇas—sattva, rajas, tamas, and ānanda. Thereupon follows a brief discussion of Prakṛti and Puruṣa (in familiar Sāṃkhyan terms which do not seem strictly in keeping with the general tenor of this discussion]-down to the elements of lower creation (38-70).

Jñāna-knowledge is of two types—satya and kriyā. Brahman, the object of this jñāna-knowledge, is further described. It is stated that Pāñcarātrins see this Reality through the eye of their [superior?] knowledge. It (Brahman) is to be found everywhere, and as such is known in a variety of qualified, descriptive terms. Certain ones can obtain unity with Brahman by constant meditation—but the “unity” obtained is likened to gold in a fire which remains both associated with and differentiated from its surroundings (71-101). Jñāna-knowledge comes to those who have peace of mind [cittaprasāda] and such equanimity only comes to those who practice yoga, who worship God, who undertake potential tapas (see also śls. 131-136), who study their particular scriptural [śāstra] tradition, who have achieved indifference to material pleasures, who practice brahmacarya-celibacy, etc. (103-110). Peace of mind also puts an end to past karma accumulations. Those who persist in avidyā [opposite of peace of mind?] will remain bound in this world. Samādhi, bhakti and śraddhā will help one to obtain mukti (111-117).

Turning once more to the matter of Creation, Viṣṇu describes first primary creation, including a discussion of types of jīvas and their characteristics (118-130); the “days” and “nights” of Brahmā, Manu, and of Creation’s cycle itself (137-143); the creation of the innumerable primordial eggs and their respective worlds (144-146, 202-206); the geography of this earth, its oceans, islands, mountains, rivers, inhabitants, heavens and nether worlds, hell, etc. (147-180); and the location of other spheres and planets above the earth (181-190). Svarga-heaven proper is described separately, followed by brief descriptions of Śivaloka, Satyaloka and Viṣṇuloka (191-201). Throughout all these worlds and world systems, it is declared Nārāyaṇa should be known to be all-pervasive (207-208a).

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Varnana, Svargadi.

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Full-text: Svargadi, Svarga, Paramanu, Karanavashat.

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