Bhaviṣya Purāṇa
The Bhaviṣya Purāṇa is one of the eighteen major Purāṇas, whose name means “the future” and is traditionally attributed to prophecies about future events. It is notable for its unusual inclusion of material about non-Hindu religious figures.
Overview
The text contains approximately 14,000 verses and covers cosmology, genealogies, and prophecies. Its most distinctive feature is the inclusion of accounts of figures from other religious traditions, including references to Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ, though these are generally regarded as later interpolations.
Content and Structure
The Bhaviṣya Purāṇa is divided into five parts: Prakṛti (cosmology and creation), Pratisarga (recreation and the ages), Madhyama (legends of kings and sages), Pañcama (prophecies of future rulers and events), and Uttara (eschatology). The text describes the four yugas (ages) and the cyclical nature of time, with prophecies about the decline of dharma in the Kali Yuga and its restoration.
Significance
The text is significant for its attempt to incorporate non-Hindu traditions into the Purāṇic worldview, reflecting the pluralistic environment of medieval India. Its prophecies about future events have been used in political and religious contexts to legitimate various dynasties and movements.
Verification Notes
- Classified as a Mahāpurāṇa; portions of the text are considered later additions.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).