Garuda Purana
The Garuda Purana is one of the 18 Mahapuranas, focused on the afterlife and rituals associated with death and the journey of the soul after death.
- Garuda Purana is narrated by Lord Vishnu to Garuda, his eagle vehicle.
- Contains approximately 19,000 verses across 3 Khandas.
- Classified as a Sattva Purana with primary focus on Lord Vishnu.
- Most famous for its detailed description of the soul's journey after death.
- The Pretakhanda (death section) describes the 16-day journey of the soul after death.
- Describes in detail heaven (Swarga), hell (Naraka), and the path of the soul.
- Contains important Ayurvedic knowledge, gemology, and astrology.
- Traditionally recited during last rites and mourning periods.
Structural Organization
Example: Garuda Purana, Acharakhanda, Chapter 1
Key Topics Covered
Important Deities
Famous Stories & Episodes
Featured Shlokas
+ Add ShlokaOpening — Knowledge Narrated by Garuda
Garuda Purana · Chapter 1 · Verse 1.1
गरुड उवाच: जन्मजन्मान्तरे पुण्यं संचितं यस्य जन्तुनः। तस्य केशवपादाब्जे भक्तिरव्यभिचारिणी॥
garuḍa uvāca: janma-janmāntare puṇyaṁ saṁcitaṁ yasya jantunaḥ tasya keśava-pādābje bhaktir avyabhicāriṇī
Garuda said: Whoever, over many births, has accumulated virtue attains unwavering devotion to the lotus-feet of Keshava (Vishnu).
Dharma Alone Accompanies After Death
Garuda Purana · Chapter 1 · Verse 109.17
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः। धर्मो हरति हर्तारम्॥
dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ dharmo harati hartāram
Dharma protects those who protect it; Dharma overcomes (brings ruin to) those who seek to destroy it.
Vishnu is the Lord of All Worlds
Garuda Purana · Chapter 1 · Verse 3.27
विष्णुं सर्वेश्वरं देवं सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम्। पूजयेद्यस्तु भक्त्या स प्रयाति परां गतिम्॥
viṣṇuṁ sarveśvaraṁ devaṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram pūjayed yas tu bhaktyā sa prayāti parāṁ gatim
One who worships Vishnu — the Lord of all gods and the great Lord of all worlds — with devotion attains the supreme goal.
Chanting Narayana's Name Removes All Sins
Garuda Purana · Chapter 3 · Verse 22.12
नारायणस्य नामानि यः शृणोति दिने दिने। मुच्यते सर्वपापेभ्यो विष्णुलोकं स गच्छति॥
nārāyaṇasya nāmāni yaḥ śṛṇoti dine dine mucyate sarva-pāpebhyo viṣṇu-lokaṁ sa gacchati
One who listens to the names of Narayana day after day is freed from all sins and attains the realm of Vishnu.