Why do the Puranas depict even the gods doing immoral things What kind of moral lesson is taught by that?

So now, moving on to the question about the Puranas. Yes, the Puranas can indeed be a confusing body of knowledge. Often, even exalted beings like the Devatas seem to act in morally questionable ways. Why is that?

In my understanding, three key factors are at play here.

1. Relatable Stories in Extraordinary Settings

The Puranas are filled with a multitude of stories that, while fantastical in terms of abilities and arenas, are deeply human in terms of emotions and dilemmas. Even the Devatas often behave like humans, making choices, facing temptations, and dealing with consequences.

As I’m writing in more detail in my upcoming book on the Ramayana, both the Ramayana and Mahabharata present characters with superhuman powers—shape-shifting, celestial weapons, and more. Their environments also seem extraordinary. However, what remains consistent is that every character, no matter how powerful, operates under certain constraints.

In today’s world, while we may have gained tremendous technological abilities, we too operate under limitations. And just like the characters in these texts, we make choices—and our choices have consequences.

2. Illustrating the Power of Maya Through Extremes

A recurring theme, especially in the Puranas, is the power of Maya (illusion). Even beings who are more powerful and virtuous than us are shown to succumb to temptation. These actions are not praised—in fact, they are often strongly condemned. But the primary focus is not to criticize the character, but to highlight the insidious potency of Maya.

It’s a cautionary lesson: if such elevated souls can fall prey to illusion, so can we. Therefore, everyone needs to be vigilant.

This leads us to a principle of effective storytelling and instruction: lessons are often best learned through extreme examples. Consider films that portray “common men”—they are usually portrayed by strikingly attractive actors. Or think of financial failures: if an ordinary person loses money, it’s not notable. But if a billionaire loses everything due to a poor investment, it becomes a striking lesson.

Similarly, when a highly respected Devata like Indra or Brahma falters, the lesson about vigilance against illusion becomes far more memorable and impactful.

3. Contextual Morality, Not Absolute or Relative

A long-standing debate in ethics is: is morality absolute or relative? For example, is lying always wrong? Or can it sometimes be the right thing to do?

Modern society leans increasingly towards moral relativism—what’s right for one may not be right for another. But even today, there are certain acts (like child abuse) that are universally condemned. Historical events like the Holocaust led to the recognition of moral absolutes—no excuse, including “following orders,” can justify mass murder.

In Vedic philosophy, morality is contextual, not entirely absolute nor wholly relative. There are universal principles, but their application must be understood in light of the context.

Thus, when the Devatas perform questionable actions, some may be contextualized, while others are simply wrong—and the tradition does not shy away from acknowledging that. However, the focus remains on learning from these events, not on permanently condemning the individuals involved.

Long-Term Perspective in Vedic Time

Another important point is the scale of time in which these stories unfold. The Puranas describe events across thousands or even millions of years—spanning different Yugas and Kalpas. If a police officer behaves inappropriately twice in a 40-year career, those incidents must be addressed, but we shouldn’t reduce the entire career to just those lapses.

Similarly, when we read about a Devata’s lapse, it must be seen in the broader context of their vast lifespan and service.

Summary of the Three Points:

1. Human-Like Choices in Superhuman Settings: The Puranas use relatable stories to show that even exalted beings face challenges, make choices, and deal with consequences.
2. Extreme Examples for Memorable Lessons: Stories of even powerful beings succumbing to Maya illustrate the universal danger of illusion and serve as cautionary tales.
3. Morality is Contextual: While some moral values are universal, their application is nuanced. The tradition acknowledges wrong actions, but emphasizes learning rather than lifelong condemnation.