Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s3.t12.9

v2.c10.s3.t12.9

3. **Vishnu Purana**, has about 23,000 verses, consisting of six parts. The first part begins with the origin of the universe, the formation of the Heaven and Earth, genealogy of devas, division of the epochs, as well as the questions about Dharma, sages and the *Vedas*, then answers them one-by-one and narrates a number of myths and legends. The second part starts with descendants of Manu and their rule in seven states, and then gives a special introduction of one of these states, Jambudvipa and Mount Neru located in its centre, mentions ancient Indian states, mountains, rivers, other states as well as the Sun, Moon, stars, seasons, months and the like and ends with tales about Bharata. The third part commences with seven epochs of Manu, gives a forecast for them and then introduces the four *Vedas* and *Puranas* and other texts, responsibilities of four castes, four stages of human life, while interweaving with some stories. The fourth part centres on genealogy of solar and lunar dynasties and interwoven with some tales of the kings, such as Rama, Vikramorvasi, Krishna, Yayati and Shantanu. The fifth part offers a thorough story about Krishna. The sixth part begins with the division of four epochs with focus on struggles in the fourth epoch, and then teaches morality, karma, reincarnation, beneficence, religious practice etc. The supremacy of Vishnu is highlighted in the entire book.