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Harivaṃśa

Indian literature
Also known as: “Harivamsha”

Quick Summary

The Harivaṃśa is an important Sanskrit epic poem from ancient India, often considered a supplement to the larger Mahabharata. It primarily focuses on the ancestry and exploits of Krishna, who is deified and identified with the god Vishnu.123

The Harivaṃśa deals with themes of mythology, philosophy, and the concept of dharma (Hindu moral law). It narrates the lineage of Krishna and the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, and includes tales of their adventures. The text is deeply infused with religious implications, as many heroes are sons of gods.13

This epic, along with the Mahabharata and Ramayana, has had a profound influence on South and Southeast Asian art and literature, with its stories continuing to be retold and performed. It is considered a significant source for understanding the development of Hinduism.123

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