UPANISHAD -II

The other 98 Upanishads are again classified according to their content as follows.

General Upanishads (27 ) (Of common interest),

1. Svetasvatara Upanishad
This Upanishad is taught by a sage called Svetasvatara. More emphasis is given in teaching of Sankhya yoga and the philosophy of illusion(Maya)
2. Garbho Upanishad
This Upanishad is by sage Pippalada and deals with the growth of foetus in the womb .It also gives the number of different parts of the body like bones, nerves, flesh etc.
3. Maitrayani Upanishad
This Upanishad tells us about the penance of a king called Brahadratha. The king asks the sage Sakanya about the feeling of desire in this meaningless world. Sage Sakanya relates him, what has been told to him by sage Maithreya. He teaches him the great science of Brahma Vidya. And tells him finally that mind and illusion are responsible for this contradiction.
4. Kaushitaki Upanishad
This Upanishad is taught by sage Chithra to sage Udhalaka and his son Shwethakethu. It deals about the science of soul. The temporary nature of rituals and good deeds and permanent nature of doing everything without desire is emphasized. It also tells the need for a father to give up all his personality and knowledge to his son and enter Sanyasa.
5. Subala Upanishad
This is the teaching of Sage Angiras to sage Raikwa. It tries to answer the question of the time and method of creation of the world. It also tries to find out the properties of the soul of beings. And has several aspects of philosophy.
6. Mantrika Upanishad
Deals about the properties of Brahmam. Tells that whatever is produced vanishes and then is reproduced. Concludes that the one who knows it well is the Brahman
7. Sarvasara Upanishad
Defines and explains several words like Katha, Bandha, Annamaya etc which occur constantly in Upanishadic philosophy
8. Niralamba Upanishad
It is an independent text of Hindu philosophy. It tries to investigate what is Brahmam and concludes that the Sanyasi by following proper methods has a better chance of attaining salvation.
9. Sukarahasya Upanishad
This Upanishad is supposed to be taught to sage Suka so that he would understand the philosophy of salvation. The explanations of words and ideas are extensive.
10. Vajrasuchika Upanishad
This Upanishad investigates and tries to answer the question, "Who is a Brahmin? It says that caste does not come by birth.
11. Atmaprabodha Upanishad
Tells us about meditation on Pranava and the great Vaishnava mantra "om narayanaya Nama." Defines and tells about the identities of an evolved soul.
12. Skanda Upanishad
Takes a conciliatory stand between Shaiva and Vaishnava. Tells that both are same.
13. Mudgala Upanishad
This Upanishad aims at explaining the mantras of the great Purusha Suktham.
14. Paingala Upanishad
This is taught by sage Yagnavalkya to sage Paingala. It gives an explanation of the term `Kaivalya'. It also attempts to explain the Maha Vakyas of Vedas like `Aham Brahmasmi' as well the duties of Jnanis.
15. Mahat Upanishad
Tells about the initial creation of the universe starting From Lord Narayana till Lord Brahma After this there is discussion between sage Suka and the king Janaka regarding the creation of the Samsara. This is followed by discussion of several aspects of philosophy between Sage Nidhaka and his Guru Sage Ripu. It tells that Sastras are burden for a Jnani, Jnana is a burden to those who are attached and so on.
16. Sariraka Upanishad
Tells us about the different aspects of the human body, including states of knowledge.
17. Akshamalika Upanishad
This Upanishad is taught by Guha to Lord Brahma, It tells us in detail about how to choose the mala (rosary) for use in meditation.
18. Ekakshara Upanishad
This is an Upanishad which deals with the letter ' Om'. This is more of a prayer towards `Om'.
19. Surya Upanishad
Tells us about Surya Angirasa mantra and Gayatri which is a prayer to the Sun. Tells also about the ashtakshara to worship Lord Surya.
20. Akshi Upanishad
Contains the prayer of sage Sankruthi to Lord Surya which contains the Chakshushmathi mantra. This is followed by teaching of Brahma Vidya by Surya.
21. Adhyatma Upanishad
This is initially taught by Sadashiva to sage Apantharathamas. Tells that There is nothing but Athma and the feeling of existence of others is only illusion.
22. Savitri Upanishad
Tells us who is Savithri and the difference between Savitha and Savithri Also gives the Savithri mantra.
23. Atma Upanishad
Deals with various aspects of Athma and how a Brahma Jnani does not see any other thing except Athma.
24. Katarudra Upanishad.
This is teaching of Brahma Vidya by Lord Brahma himself to the Devas. The treatment is philosophical.
25. Panchabrahma Upanishad
Details the five stages by which Para Brahmam was evolved
26. Pranaagnihotra Upanishad
This Upanishad deals with the sarrera Yagna or the sacrifice to the body. Tells what all mantras are to be chanted before taking food.. The usual mantras that a Brahmin chants while taking food are contained in this Upanishad.
27. Muktika Upanishad
This Upanishad is the Teaching of Lord Rama to Hanuman. It tells about Vedas, Vedangas and also Kaivalya and also summarizes the Hindu Vedanta. The list of 108 Upanishads is given in this Upanishad.

Saiva Upanishads (Dealing with Lord Shiva) (13)

1. Kaivalya Upanishad
In this Brahma teaches the knowledge of Brahmam to sage Aswalayana. Though Adhi Sankara wrote commentaries only for ten Upanishads, he considered this also as an important Upanishad. It deals with the state where the person is himself. The path shown is through meditation and devotion. Keeping the person as the plank and considering OM as the stick which rotates on the plank and gives out the light of fire.
2. Atharvasira Upanishad
It emphasizes about the greatness of the holy letter "om" . It also tells that the form of lord Rudhra is the form of Pranava.
3. Atharvasikha Upanishad
This is taught by Sage Adharva to great sages like Pippaladha, Angiras and Sanathkumara. It emphasizes on the need and benefits on the meditation of the Pranava.
4. Brahajjabala Upanishad
This Upanishad is told by Kalagni Rudra to sage Busundi. It deals in detail about the method of preparation of holy ash (Vibhuthi) and method of wearing it.
5. Kaalagnirudra Upanishad
It tells in detail about the method of wearing holy ash (Vibhuthi) along with mantras for wearing the same. This is taught by Kalagni Rudra to the great sage Sanathkumara.
6. Dakshinamurthi Upanishad
Dakshinamurthy is the teacher form of Shiva. He teaches without talking. This Upanishad gives the Dakshinamurthi mantra and the method of practicing it
7. Sarabha Upanishad
Sarabha is the animal, man and bird form of Lord Shiva. It is believed that he took this form to control the anger of Vishnu when he took the form of Narasimha. This Upanishad tells about Lord Sarabha.
8. Pasupathabramopanishad.
Tells us lord Shiva's aspect of Pasupathi (the lord of all living things).Tells how that the entire universe is really one and there is no differentiation.
9. Rudrahrudaya Upanishad
Shuka asks his father which God exists in all devas and in which God all devas exist. The answer is this Upanishad. He tells that it is Rudra.
10. Bhasmajabala Upanishad
Tells about how Vibhuthi has to be prepared and also the daily duties of a Brahmana. This is the teaching Lord Shiva to Jabala Busunda.
11. Rudrakshajabala Upanishad
This is the teaching of Kalagni Rudra to sage Busunda. And deals exclusively about Rudraksha.
12. Ganapati Upanishad
Starts with a prayer to Lord Ganapathy and gives the Ganapathy mantra. Tells how worship of Ganapathy is to be done.
13. Jabali Upanishad
Sage Jabali tells sage Pippalada about lord Pasupathi. The need and method of wearing Vibhuti (Holy ash) is given in detail.

Saktha Upanishads (dealing with the divine mother Shakthi) (9)

1. Sita Upanishad
Brahma tells the Devas about who is Sita. He tells them that she is the Adhara Shakthi (the basis which is the foundation) in the feminine form. Tells also about her different forms.
2. Tripuratapini Upanishad
Tells about the Sathakshari mantra for meditating on Tripura, the Goddess Parvathy. Several great manthras like Gayatry, and Panchadasakshari are a part of this. Tells about Srividya upasana.
3. Annapurna Upanishad
Sage Rupu tells sage Nidhaka about Devi Annapurna. He also teaches him the Annapurna mantra. This is followed by teaching of philosophical aspects like maya, Yoga and Mukthi.
4. Devi Upanishad
The Devi tells the devas who she is in this Upanishad. Tells about Panchadasakshari and Navakshari mantras to worship her.
5. Tripura Upanishad
Tells about Sri Chakra and the worship of the devi through the right and left methods.
6. Bhavana Upanishad
Tells one important aspect of Sri Vidya Upasana.
7. Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad
Bhagawan Narayana tells about the Shakthi from whom every God originated and teaches the devas, the worship of sowbhagya Lakshmi
8. Sarasvatirahasya Upanishad
This Upanishad is taught by Sage Asvalayana to other sages. He teaches them the ten Saraswathi mantras and methods of worshipping her
9. Bahuvracha Upanishad
Talks in detail about the existence of Shakthi from whom all gods and knowledge originated. Gives hints of worship of Sri Vidhya.

Vaishnava Upanishads (dealing with Lord Vishnu) (14)

1. Narayana Upanishad
Describes the principle of Tripath Narayana . It also introduces the Narayana ashtakshara mantra and describes the benefits of chanting it
2. Nrsimhatapini Upanishad
It has two parts. In the poorva part, it tells in detail about the greatness of Lord Naraimha. It also has the great king of Mantras called Narasimha mantra and tells in detail how to meditate on it. In the Uthara part it tells also about the greatness of Pranava and the Narsimha Raja Mantra. It gives detailed method of meditating on Lord Narasimha.
3. Tripadvibhutimahanarayana Upanishad
Brahma did Thapas for 1000 years to know from Lord Vishnu about Brahmam. This is what Lord Vishnu told him. Also clears his doubts such as Brhamam having a form and not having a form etc . Also gives the shapes of several yantras.
4. Ramarahasya Upanishad
Tells that Lord Rama is Brahma Taraka and expounds various mantras for worshipping him. Also gives yantras for worshipping Lord Rama.
5. Ramatapini Upanishad
There are two parts, the poorva Thapini and the second Uthara Thapini. Tells about the greatness of the word "Rama". Tells about the Rama Yantra, which is similar to the Sri Chakra. Tells also the belief that `Lord Shiva tells the Tharaka mantra in the ears of all people dying in Varanasi' and the method of worship of Rama.
6. Vasudeva Upanishad
Tells about what is UrdhwaPundra (the sign worn by Vaishnavites) and the rules for wearing it.
7. Avyakta Upanishad
Deals about the creation of clearly defined things from that unclear past. Tells how Parajapati came from Avayaktha and went on to create the world. Gives a mantra to worship Lord Vishnu.
8. Tarasara Upanishad
Tells about holiness of Kurukshethra, Tharaka mantra and pranava. Tells method of worship of Lord Narayana.
9. Gopalatapini Upanishad
Sages approach Lord Brahma to know the procedure to worship Krishna. What he tells them is contained in this Upanishad. The upasana mantra of Govinda is given.
10. Krishna Upanishad
The sages when they meet Rama wanted to embrace him. He made them to be born as Gopis and he took the avatara of Krishna, so that they can embrace him. This book tells as to who were born as what in Krishnavatara.
11. Hayagreeva Upanishad
Brahma tells Narada that whoever meditates and worships Lord Hayagreeva gets to know the Brahma vidya. The mantra for worship of Lord Hayagreeva is given.
12. Dathathreya Upanishad
Tells the method of meditation and worship of Dathathreya. The Dathathreya mantra is given.
13. Garuda Upanishad
The method of meditation and worship of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu is given.
14. Kali santarana Upanishad
Tells about how the evils of kali age is to be crossed. The sixteen letter prayer on Rama would help one in doing this.

Sanyasa Upanishads (Dealing with renunciation) (16)

1. Brahmo Upanishad
Tells us about how the great sage of wisdom comes out of all mundane things and lives a life where there is no need for rituals and no differences exist. The mantra for changing Yagnopavita occurs in this Upanishad.
2. Jabala Upanishad
This is compiled by Sage Jabala. This gives more emphasis on mediation and the chanting of Rudra. The greatness of concentrating between the centres of eyes is stressed here.
3. Arunya Upanishad
This Upanishad deals about the teaching of Prajapathi to sage Aaruni. It gives in detail the rules of life to be followed by a Brahmachari and a Sanyasi.
4. Paramahamsa Upanishad
It deals about the discussion between Sage Narada and God on who is a paramahamsa (sanyasi at an advanced stage) and methods to identify him.
5. Maitreyi Upanishad
It is the teaching of Lord Parameshwara to sage Maithreya. To a large extent , what is given in Maithrayani Upanishad is repeated. In addition God tells to him in detail about his formless form.
6. Nirvana Upanishad
Details about the Sanyasa marga involving Nirvana (nudity). Tells about how the people follow it.
7. Narada Parivrajaka Upanishad
This is the teaching of Narada to the Souunaka Sages. It tells abut the methods to attain salvation, the rules to be followed by a Sanyasi, and the time when a person should enter Sanyasa. It also talks about Karma Sanyasa.
8. Bhikshuka Upanishad
It defines the different types of Sanyasi like Kuttesaka, Bahoodhaka, Hamsa and Parama Hamsa .
9. Turiyatita Upanishad
It is taught by Lord Narayana to Lord Brahma and tells us abut the rules of the life of an Avadhootha.
10. Sanyasa Upanishad
Tells who can take Sanyasa and what is the procedure.
11. Paramahamsaparivrajaka Upanishad
This is taught by Lord Narayana to Lord Brahma. It deals mainly about the procedure of taking sanyasa.
12. Kundika Upanishad
Tells what al things a Sanyasi should posses. And how he should behave
13. Parabrahma Upanishad
Tells what is Yagnopavitha as well as Shika, for the sanyasis as well as people of the world. Gives clearly the total length of the Upavitha. For the sanyasi it is the pranava which acts as Yagnopavitha and Shika.
14. Avadhuta Upanishad
Dathathreya teaches sage Sankrithi as to who is Avadhootha and how he should behave.
15. Yajnavalkya Upanishad
The Upanishad tells when to assume sanyasa and also the properties of a sanyasi.
16. Saatyayani Upanishad
Mind becomes the reason for attachment and salvation. Tells that a real Brahmin should search for Brahmam. Also tells that one taking sanyasa gives redemption for three generation of manes.

Yoga Upanishads (dealing with Yogic practices) (19)

1. Shwethaswadhara Upanishad
This Upanishad is taught by a sage called Swethaswadhara. More emphasis is given in teaching Sankhya yoga and the philosophy of illusion(Maya)
2. Hamsoupanishad
This talks about meditation on Hamsa mantra and is being taught by sage Gauthama to sage Sanathkumara. The method of meditating on the Hamsa mantra is fully described.
3. Amrutha bindu Upanishad.
It gives the knowledge of athma in the tasty form of nectar and gives it as briefly as a dot. It tells us about what is Brahmam and other concepts of hard core Hindu Philosophy.
4. Amrutha nadopanishad.
This describes the way and detailed method to chant the holy letter "OM', which is called here as the nectar like letter.
5. Kshurikoupanishad.
Kshrika means knife. It is so called because it cuts ignorance using the knife of wisdom. This is a Upanishad which in detail tells about Yoga and its practice.
6. Thejo Bindupanishad
This Upanishad is the teaching of Lord Paramashiva to his son Subrahmanya .Talks in detail about Yogic practices, defines Chinmathra Swaroopa ,Athmanubhava , Jeevan Muktha etc
7. Nada Bindu Upanishad
Tells in detail about the meditation on Omkara (pranava). The method of meditation and some problems which may occur are pointed out.
8. Dhyana Bindu Upanishad.
The meditation on Pranava and Ajabha Gayathri is dealt in detail along with the method involved.
9. Brahma Vidhyoupanishad.
Teaches methods of attaining Brahma through meditation .Emphasizes role of Guru. Tells that Sruthi is more important than pramana.
10. Yoga Thathwopanishad
This is the teaching of Lord Vishnu to Lord Brahma.. It details out the yogic practice. It also tells about the stages in yoga, defines them and tells how to recognize them.
11. Trisiki Brahmanopanishad.
This is the teaching of Lord Soorya to a Brahmin called Trishiki Brahmana. He clears his doubts about the definition of the body, soul, Karana and yogic practice.
12. Yoga Choodamani Upanishad.
Tells about Yogic practice involving Ajaba Gayatri. Tells about the seats of yoga, tells how to wake up the Kundalani and reach her up to Brahma Randra.
13. Mandala Brahmanoupanishad.
This is the teaching of Sun God to his disciple Yagna Valkya. This deals with the principle of the soul through yogic practice. Definitions of various terms used in Yoga is also given. Tells in detail about Yogic practice and tells us about what is Sambhavi Mudhra.
14. Sandilyopanishad
This is taught by sage Atharvana to sage Sandilya.. It deals with Ashtangayoga and Brahma Vidhya.
15. Yogashikopanishad.
This is the teaching of Lord Maheswara to Lord Brahma. It deals with subjects like Mukthi, Shakthi, Nadha , Chaithanya and Yoga.
16. Yoga kudalinyupanishad.
Tells about Kundalani and yogic practice.
17. Sri Jabaladarsanopanishad.
This is the teaching of Lord Dathathreya to his disciple sage Sankriti. And tells how the yoga should be done in detail.
18. Mahavakyopanishad
Confirms that the knowledge "That this Sun is Brahma" would be realized by chanting of Ajapa Gayathri. Tells what is the merger of mind with Brhama.
19. Varahopanishad.
Tells about the Brahma Vidya of the body of Varaha. Lord Vishnu as Varaha tells how he should be meditated upon and worshipped. Also deals in detail about the stages of yoga.