Brahmā Vaivarta Purāṇa

The Brahmā Vaivarta Purāṇa is one of the eighteen major Purāṇas, named after Brahmā’s manifestation (vaivarta) and devoted primarily to the worship of Krishna and Rādhā.

Overview

The text contains approximately 18,000 verses and is one of the most Vaiṣṇava-oriented of the major Purāṇas. It focuses on the divine play (līlā) of Krishna with Rādhā and the gopīs, and it elevates Rādhā to the status of the supreme feminine divine energy.

Content and Structure

The Brahmā Vaivarta Purāṇa is divided into four sections: an Ādi-khaṇḍa (creation), a Madhyama-khaṇḍa (legends of Krishna), a Nāradīya-khaṇḍa (teachings of Nārada), and an Uttarā-khaṇḍa (pilgrimage and eschatology). The text contains the famous Rādhā-kṛṣṇa mythology and extensive hymns praising the divine couple. It also discusses the nature of prakṛti (nature) and puruṣa (spirit).

Significance

The Brahmā Vaivarta Purāṇa is a foundational text for the Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa devotional tradition, particularly in the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava and Rāmānanda Sampradāya traditions. Its elevation of Rādhā as the supreme goddess influenced later devotional poetry and temple worship.

Verification Notes

• Classified as a Mahāpurāṇa; the received text is considered a later compilation.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).