Skanda Purana

Introduction

The Skanda Purana is one of the largest and most important of the 18 Mahapuranas in Hinduism. Named after Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, this Purana is primarily dedicated to his worship. The Skanda Purana is vast, comprising more than 80,000 verses, and it covers a wide range of topics including cosmology, mythology, religious rituals, pilgrimage, and temple descriptions. It is highly revered for its extensive coverage of holy sites, particularly those dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Different Khandas (Parts) of Skanda Purana

The Skanda Purana is divided into several Khandas or sections. The most significant ones include:

- **Maheshvara Khanda**: Focuses on the greatness of Lord Shiva and contains stories related to him.

- **Himwat Khanda**: Entirely dedicated on the description of Great Himalyan Kingdom of Nepal, its pilgrimage sites and holy rivers and the stories associated with these sites.

- **Vaishnava Khanda**: Although primarily dedicated to Skanda, this section also narrates stories related to Lord Vishnu.

- **Kashi Khanda**: Describes the city of Kashi (Varanasi) and its importance as a major pilgrimage center.

- **Uttara Khanda**: Deals with the future and the end times, discussing the concept of Kalki, the future avatar of Vishnu.

- **Asura Khanda**: Focuses on the defeat of demons and the restoration of dharma.

Each Khanda of the Skanda Purana has its unique characteristics, often blending mythology with practical guidelines for religious practices.

Date of Composition

Haraprasad Shastri and Cecil Bendall, in about 1898, discovered an old palm leaf manuscript of Skanda Purana in a Kathmandu library in Nepal, written in Gupta script. They dated the manuscript to 8th century CE, on paleographic grounds. This suggests that the original text existed before this time.

Old Manuscripts of Skanda Purana Found in Different Parts of the World

Numerous manuscripts of the Skanda Purana have been discovered in various parts of the world, particularly in Nepal and India. Many Ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and handwritten copies of this Purana have been found and preserved in different parts of Nepal. Different libraries and temples across regions like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha have also preserved many manuscripts. Additionally, some manuscripts have been found in Southeast Asia, indicating the spread of Hinduism and its texts beyond Nepal and India. These manuscripts vary slightly in content, reflecting regional traditions and interpretations.

Skanda Purana and Nepal

Nepal holds a special place in the Skanda Purana, particularly in the chapters that describe the importance of the Kathmandu Valley. The Himwat khanda of Skanda Purana is a whole part dedicated in description of Nepal.The Purana mentions several sacred sites within Nepal, such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and other shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.  The Skanda Purana is revered in Nepal, and its teachings continue to influence religious practices in the region. The mention of these sites in the Skanda Purana underscores the cultural and religious ties between Nepal and the broader Hindu tradition.