The Hidden Purpose Behind Heretical Doctrines (Puranas)
Throughout history, divine wisdom has often been veiled in secrecy, reserved only for the most faithful and discerning souls. The Padma Purana unveils one such profound mystery—a hidden strategy devised by Lord Vishnu to protect dharma and the pious from the influence of the demonic forces. This intricate divine play explains why misleading doctrines exist in the world and how they serve an ultimate cosmic purpose.
The Divine Paradox: A Question of Contradictions
In the Padma Purana, Goddess Parvati, full of devotion and inquisitiveness, approaches Lord Shiva with a question that has perplexed her:
“O lord, O best of gods, I am asking you a secret. Through love for me, tell it. There is a great doubt. The holy texts have condemned wearing skulls, applying ash, and wearing hide. You wear them. O lord of gods, O you highly intelligent one, through fickleness natural to women, I am asking it.” (Padma Purana, VI.235.12-15)
She questions why certain practices—such as smearing ashes, wearing skulls, and engaging in seemingly unorthodox rituals—are condemned in the shastras, yet followed by Lord Shiva himself.
Lord Shiva’s Revelation: The Secret Plan of Vishnu
Hearing Parvati’s inquiry, Lord Shiva, pleased with her devotion, unveils a secret that had been hidden from the world. He recounts a past era, the age of Svayambhuva Manu, when mighty demons such as Namuci, Hiranyakashipu, and others roamed the earth. These demons were not mere aggressors; they were ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu, strictly following the Vedic injunctions. Because of their devotion, they became nearly invincible, and even the demigods, led by Indra, found themselves powerless against them.
Distressed and seeking refuge, the devas approached Lord Vishnu, pleading for a solution:
“O Kesava, you alone can conquer these great demons who cannot be conquered by all gods, and who have washed off their sins with penance.” (Padma Purana, VI.235.21-22)
Vishnu’s Strategy: The Creation of Heretical Doctrines
Lord Vishnu, the ultimate protector of the cosmic order, formulated a brilliant and seemingly paradoxical plan. Instead of directly attacking the demons—who were fortified by their devotion—Vishnu sought to divert their minds away from Him. He called upon Lord Shiva and instructed him to spread doctrines that would mislead the wicked and gradually detach them from their bhakti to Vishnu.
Vishnu commanded:
“O Rudra, O you of mighty arms, O you best god, for deluding the enemies of gods, prepare a course of conduct to be followed by heretics. Narrate to them the dark Puranas that will take them astray. O you very intelligent one, also fashion confusing holy texts.” (Padma Purana, VI.235.22-26)
The Vicious Sages and Their Doctrines
To execute this plan, Lord Shiva influenced certain sages to propagate misleading doctrines. The Padma Purana specifically names ten such sages:
- Kanada (Vaisheshika school, materialistic philosophy)
- Gautama (Nyaya school, logic over devotion)
- Sakti
- Upamanyu
- Jaimini (Purva Mimamsa school, ritualism over devotion)
- Kapila (atheistic Samkhya philosophy)
- Durvasa
- Mrikandu
- Brihaspati (founder of Charvaka, materialist philosophy)
- Jamadagni
These sages, under Shiva’s influence, began propagating philosophies that would mislead those with asuric tendencies. By introducing subtle impurities and contradictions, they would attract and entrap those who were not sincere in their devotion to Vishnu.
The Demons Who Were Misled and Their Destruction
As a result of this grand deception, many powerful demons, who had once been devoted to Vishnu, turned away from Him. Stripped of their spiritual strength, they eventually met their destruction at the hands of the Supreme Lord Himself.
1. Hiranyakashipu: The Arrogant Demon Who Forgot Vishnu
Hiranyakashipu, one of the most powerful asuras, however, under the influence of misleading philosophies and his personal ambition, he turned against the Lord and sought to establish himself as the supreme god.
His son, Prahlada, remained devoted to Vishnu, much to his father’s dismay. When Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill Prahlada, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Narasimha and tore the demon apart, restoring dharma.
2. Ravana: The Devotee-Turned-Demon
Ravana, though highly learned in the Vedas, fell victim to false philosophies that glorified material strength over devotion. He abandoned his devotion to Lord Vishnu and instead worshipped Shiva for power. His downfall came when he abducted Sita, leading to his defeat at the hands of Lord Rama.
3. Shishupala and Dantavakra: The Cursed Jaya and Vijaya
Shishupala and Dantavakra, originally gatekeepers of Vaikuntha, were cursed to be born as demons. Influenced by false doctrines, they rejected Vishnu’s supremacy and constantly blasphemed Him. Their fate was sealed when Lord Krishna killed them in battle, granting them ultimate liberation.
Lessons to Be Learned from This Divine Play
- Only Sincere Devotion Can Lead to Liberation
Many demons initially followed the Vedic path but were led astray by their ego and false doctrines. Those who remained steadfast, like Prahlada and Vibhishana, were protected by Vishnu. - Maya Can Deceive Even the Most Intelligent
The demonic forces were highly learned, yet they fell prey to false philosophies. This serves as a warning that mere intellectualism without devotion can be dangerous. - Vishnu Protects His Devotees, Even Through Deception
Vishnu’s plan was not meant to harm but to purify the world. By misleading the wicked, He ensured that only the sincere could reach Him. - Beware of False Doctrines
Many modern philosophies that reject bhakti-yoga originate from the very heretical doctrines mentioned in the Padma Purana. Devotees should be cautious and stick to Bhagavad-gita and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as the ultimate sources of truth.
Call to Action: The True Path to Vishnu’s Shelter
Now that we understand the divine strategy, what should we do?
- Reject False Philosophies – Stay away from impersonalism, materialism, and atheistic doctrines that deny Lord Krishna’s supremacy.
- Follow the True Shastra – Read Bhagavad-gita As It Is and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, as presented by Srila Prabhupada, to ensure you follow the correct teachings.
- Chant the Holy Name – Vishnu assured Shiva that the Vishnu Sahasranama and the Hare Krishna Mahamantra would purify all sins. Make chanting a daily habit.
- Associate with Devotees – Surround yourself with sincere Krishna devotees who follow parampara and reject misleading interpretations of the shastras.
- Spread the Truth – Just as false philosophies spread, it is our duty to share the true path of Krishna consciousness with others.
Conclusion: The Supreme Secret Revealed
The greatest secret, now unveiled, is that the Supreme Lord has always protected the integrity of bhakti through His divine arrangements. The Tāmasa Purāṇas and misleading doctrines were not accidental but were deliberately introduced to test and separate the sincere from the insincere.
For those who seek the truth, the path is clear—surrender to Krishna, reject misleading doctrines, and embrace the pure teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
Hare Krishna! 🙏
