V3I4P145

The Stories from Bhagawata Purana- A Healing Therapy

Ms. C. Bhavani Tripura^1*

Abstract

The Bhagawata Purana occupies a unique position in Indian sacred literature as a text that combines devotion (bhakti), philosophy, ethics and storytelling. The Bhagavata Purana is very famous for its deep theological and philosophical insights and most prominently for its elaborate portrayal of the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.  As a spiritual text, it not only serves as a devotional guide but also as a vast repository of moral narratives, mythological episodes and profound reflections on human nature and the divine. The complete text is structured around stories that involve complex characters facing immense adversity – ranging from kings losing their kingdoms to sages confronting existential crises to devotees tested in their faith and finding transcendence through devotion, surrender and alignment with cosmic order i.e., Dharma.. Beyond its religious and literary significance, the Bhagawata Purana functions as a powerful medium of psychological and emotional healing through narratives that address human suffering, fear, grief, attachment and search for the meaning of their existence. This paper explores selected stories from the Bhagawata Purana as forms of healing therapy, drawing parallels with modern narrative therapy and psycho-spiritual counselling. By analyzing key episodes such as the story of King Parikshit, Prhalada, Dhruva, Gajendra and the Gopis, the study demonstrates how listening to internalizing and retelling these narratives facilitate catharsis, resilience, emotional regulation and spiritual integration. The paper argues that the Bhagawata Purana offers an indigenous therapeutic framework rooted in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) relevant for contemporary mental-health discourse.

Keywords:

Bhagawata Purana, philosophical insights, Indian knowledge Systems, healing therapy.