The Garuda Purana

Summary

This analytical survey of the Garuda Purana observes that the extant text is a heterogeneous compilation rather than a pure Purana. While identified as a Vaishnava Purana, only about a quarter of its content fits the mythological narrative structure characteristic of Puranas. The remainder comprises diverse subjects—rituals and law, cosmology, Ayurveda, toxicology, grammar, astronomy, yoga and philosophy—suggesting that compilers sought to create an encyclopaedia of Hindu knowledge. To lend authority, they inserted mythological portions. The article outlines the Garuda Purana’s major sections: the Acarakanda on worldly duties; the Preta Kalpa on funeral rites and the soul’s journey; and later sections on medicine, weaponry and Pancaratra theology. It argues that understanding its composite nature prevents misclassification and assists in interpreting its mixed contents.