Vishnu Purana is one of the most important texts among the eighteen
Puranas compiled by sage
Veda Vyasa. It speaks about the ten incarnations of
Lord Vishnu. Since it is the most ancient Purana, it is called Puranaratna (gem among the Puranas).
Vishnu Purana is composed in the form of teachings by sage Parasara to his disciple Maitreya. This Purana is divided into six divisions and contains 23,000 verses (slokas). Creation of the Universe, the flood (Pralay) and churning of the sea is described in the first part. Second part contains the geographical description of the earth. Origin of Buddhism is described in the third part. Populating of the Earth from the beginning is described in the fourth part. Fifth part narrates the life story of Lord Krishna. Description of religion in Kali Yuga is in the sixth part.
One can attain Vishnupada, if this book is gifted to a brahmin, on the full moon day in the month of asadha (July), as a gift along with Jaladhenu.
