A History of Indian Literature v1.c9.s8.55

v1.c9.s8.55

But while in Book II there are still some remains of a *Kṛṣṇa epic* which must certainly once have existed, Book III, called Bhaviṣyaparvan (11063 ff.), is only a loose collection of Purāṇa texts. The title Bhaviṣyaparvan, *i.e.* “section of the future” refers only to the first cantos of this book, which contain prophecies regarding the coming ages of the world. Here is related the story of a horse-sacrifice which Janamejaya wished to offer; but Vyāsa foretells him that this sacrifice would not be successful, for the godless age of Kali will dawn, which will be followed only a long time later by the Kṛta-age of virtue and piety. This section³ forms a complete whole and is even termed an independent poem. Then follow, without any connection, two different accounts of the Creation.⁴ A third section deals in great detail with the incarnations of Viṣṇu as a boar, a man-lion and dwarf.⁵