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The word '''Puranas''' ({{lang-sa|{{lang|sa|पुराण}}}}, ''~~{{IAST|~~purāṇa}}'', {{IPAc-en|p|ʊ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|ə|z}};<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/purana "Purana"]. ''[[Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary]]''.</ref>) literally means "ancient, old",<ref name=merriam>Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature (1995 Edition), Article on Puranas, ISBN 0-877790426, page 915</ref> and it is a vast genre of Indian literature. They have been influential in the [[Hindu culture]], inspiring major national and regional annual festivals of Hinduism.<ref>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 12-13, 134-156, 203-210</ref>

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The word '''Puranas''' ({{lang-sa|{{lang|sa|पुराण}}}}, ''purāṇa'', {{IPAc-en|p|ʊ|ˈ|r|ɑː|n|ə|z}};<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/purana "Purana"]. ''[[Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary]]''.</ref>) literally means "ancient, old",<ref name="merriam">Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature (1995 Edition), Article on Puranas, ISBN 0-877790426, page 915</ref> and it is a vast genre of Indian literature. They have been influential in the [[Hindu culture]], inspiring major national and regional annual festivals of Hinduism.<ref>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 12-13, 134-156, 203-210</ref>

==Description==

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The Puranas have five characteristics (Pancha-Lakshana) viz., history, cosmology (with various symbolical illustrations of philosophical principles), secondary creation, genealogy of kings and of Manvantaras. All the Puranas belong to the class of Suhrit-Samhitas.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda, All About Hinduism, Page 41-45</ref> Vyasa is the compiler of the Puranas from age to age; and for this age, he is Krishnadvaipayana, the son of Parasara.<ref name=":0" />

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The Puranas were written to popularise the teachings of the Vedas. They contain the essence of the Vedas. The aim of the Puranas is to impress on the minds of the masses the teachings of the Vedas and to generate in them devotion to God, through concrete examples, stories, legends, lives of saints, kings and great men, allegories and chronicles of great historical events. The sages made use of these to illustrate the eternal principles of religion. The Puranas were meant, not for the scholars, but for the ordinary people who could not understand deep philosophy and who could not study the Vedas.<ref name=":0" />

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The Puranas were written to popularise the teachings of the Vedas. They contain the essence of the Vedas. The aim of the Puranas is to impress on the minds of the masses the teachings of the Vedas and to generate in them devotion to God, through concrete examples, stories, legends, lives of saints, kings and great men, allegories and chronicles of great historical events. The sages made use of these to illustrate the eternal principles of religion. The Puranas were meant, not for the scholars, but for the ordinary people who could not understand deep philosophy and who could not study the Vedas.<ref name=":0" />

The Darsanas are not easy to understand. They are meant only for the learned few. Through Puranas, essential teachings are taught in a very easy and interesting way. Even to this day, the Puranas are popular. The Puranas contain the history of remote times. They also give a description of the regions of the universe not visible to the ordinary physical eye. They are very interesting to read and are full of information of all kinds.

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=== The Eighteen Puranas<ref name=":0" /> ===

Ved Vyas created numerous puranas like - Brahma Purana, Padma-Purana, Vishnu

Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagawat Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Narad Purana, Markandeya Puran, Agni

Puran, Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Linga Puran, Varah Puran, Kurma Puran, Matsya Puran, Garuda

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Puran, Vaman Puran, Skanda Puran and Brahmanda Puran. Shivamahapuranam 5.5.15<ref>18 Puranas - [http://www.vcscsd.com/content/balabhavan/18-Puranas.pdf English Translation] by Dharmic Scriptures Team</ref>

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Puran, Vaman Puran, Skanda Puran and Brahmanda Puran. Shivamahapuranam 5.5.15<ref>18 Puranas - [http://www.vcscsd.com/content/balabhavan/18-Puranas.pdf English Translation] by Dharmic Scriptures Team</ref>

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There are eighteen main Puranas and an equal number of subsidiary Puranas or Upa-Puranas. The main Puranas are:

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There are eighteen main Puranas and an equal number of subsidiary Puranas or Upa-Puranas. The main Puranas are: {{columns-list|colwidth=15em|style=width: 600px; font-style: italic;|

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{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|style=width: 600px; font-style: italic;|

* [[Vishnu Purana]]

* [[Naradiya Purana]]

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* [[Skanda Purana]]

* [[Agni Purana]]

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}}

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}}Of these, six are Sattvic Puranas and glorify Vishnu. Six are Rajasic and glorify Brahma. Six are Tamasic and they glorify Siva.

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Of these, six are Sattvic Puranas and glorify Vishnu. Six are Rajasic and glorify Brahma. Six are Tamasic and they glorify Siva.

The most renowned among the Puranas are the Srimad Bhagavata and the Vishnu Purana. The most popular is the Srimad Bhagavata Purana. Next comes Vishnu Purana.

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==== Devi Mahatmya<ref name=":0" /> ====

A portion of the Markandeya Purana is well known to all Hindus as '''Chandi''' or '''Devi Mahatmya'''. Its theme is worship of God as the Divine Mother. Chandi is read widely by the Hindus on sacred days and Navaratri (Durga Puja) days.

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==== The Srimad Bhagavata Purana and the Ten Avataras<ref name=":0" /> ====

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The Srimad Bhagavata Purana is a chronicle of the various Avataras of Lord Vishnu. There are ten Avataras of Vishnu. The aim of every Avatara is to save the world from some great danger, to destroy the wicked and protect the virtuous. The ten Avataras are:

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The Srimad Bhagavata Purana is a chronicle of the various Avataras of Lord Vishnu. There are ten Avataras of Vishnu. The aim of every Avatara is to save the world from some great danger, to destroy the wicked and protect the virtuous. The ten Avataras are:{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|style=width: 600px; font-style: italic;|

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{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|style=width: 600px; font-style: italic;|

* [[Matsya (The Fish)]]

* [[Kurma (The Tortoise)]]

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* [[Kalki (The hero riding on a white horse, who is to come at the end of the Kali-Yuga)]]

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}}

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}}The object of the Matsya Avatara was to save Vaivasvata Manu from destruction by a deluge. The object of Kurma Avatara was to enable the world to recover some precious things which were lost in the deluge. The Kurma gave its back for keeping the churning rod when the Gods and the Asuras churned the ocean of milk. The purpose of Varaha Avatara was to rescue, from the waters, the earth which had been dragged down by a demon named Hiranyaksha. The purpose of Narasimha Avatara, half-lion and half-man, was to free the world from the oppression of Hiranyakasipu, a demon, the father of Bhakta Prahlada. The object of Vamana Avatara was to restore the power of the gods which had been eclipsed by the penance and devotion of King Bali. The object of Parasurama Avatara was to deliver the country from oppression of the the Kshatriya rulers. Parasurama destroyed the Kshatriya race twenty-one times. The object of Rama was to destroy the wicked Ravana. The object of Sri Krishna Avatara was to destroy Kamsa and other demons, and to deliver His wonderful message of the Gita in the Mahabharata war. The object of Buddha Avatara was to prohibit animal sacrifices and teach piety. The object of the Kalki Avatara is the destruction of the wicked and the re-establishment of virtue.<ref name=":0" />

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The object of the Matsya Avatara was to save Vaivasvata Manu from destruction by a deluge. The object of Kurma Avatara was to enable the world to recover some precious things which were lost in the deluge. The Kurma gave its back for keeping the churning rod when the Gods and the Asuras churned the ocean of milk. The purpose of Varaha Avatara was to rescue, from the waters, the earth which had been dragged down by a demon named Hiranyaksha. The purpose of Narasimha Avatara, half-lion and half-man, was to free the world from the oppression of Hiranyakasipu, a demon, the father of Bhakta Prahlada. The object of Vamana Avatara was to restore the power of the gods which had been eclipsed by the penance and devotion of King Bali. The object of Parasurama Avatara was to deliver the country from oppression of the the Kshatriya rulers. Parasurama destroyed the Kshatriya race twenty-one times. The object of Rama was to destroy the wicked Ravana. The object of Sri Krishna Avatara was to destroy Kamsa and other demons, and to deliver His wonderful message of the Gita in the Mahabharata war. The object of Buddha Avatara was to prohibit animal sacrifices and teach piety. The object of the Kalki Avatara is the destruction of the wicked and the re-establishment of virtue.<ref name=":0" />

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==== The Tamil Puranas<ref name=":0" /> ====

Lord Siva incarnated himself in the form of Dakshinamurti to impart knowledge to the four Kumaras. He took human form to initiate Sambandhar, Manikkavasagar, Pattinathar. He appeared in flesh and blood to help his devotees and relieve their sufferings. The divine Lilas of Lord Siva are recorded in the Tamil Puranas like Siva Purana, Periya Purana, Siva Parakramam and Tiruvilayadal Purana.

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==== The Upa-Puranas<ref name=":0" /> ====

The eighteen Upa-Puranas are:

Sanatkumara, Narasimha, Brihannaradiya, Sivarahasya, Durvasa, Kapila, Vamana, Bhargava, Varuna, Kalika, Samba, Nandi, Surya, Parasara, Vasishtha, Devi-Bhagavata, Ganesa and Hamsa.

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==Etymology==

Douglas Harper states that the etymological origins of ''Puranas'' is from Sanskrit ''Puranah'', literally "ancient, former," from ''pura'' "formerly, before," cognate with Greek ''paros'' "before," ''pro'' "before," Avestan ''paro'' "before," Old English fore, from proto-Indo-European ''*pre-'', from root ''*per-''."<ref>Douglas Harper (2015), [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Purana Purana], Etymology Dictionary</ref>

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==Texts==

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===Mahapuranas===

Of the many texts designated 'Puranas' the most important are the ''{{IAST|Mahāpurāṇa}}s'' or the major Puranas.<ref name="corneliadimmitt4">Cornelia Dimmitt (2015), Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas, Temple University Press, ISBN 978-8120839724, page xii, 4</ref> These are said to be eighteen in number, divided into three groups of six, though they are not always counted in the same way.

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{| class="wikitable sortable" |-

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{| class="wikitable sortable"|-

!S.No. !! Purana name !! Verses number !! Comments

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| 1 || [[Agni Purana|Agni]] || 15,400 verses || Contains encyclopedic information. Includes geography of Mithila ([[Bihar]] and neighboring states), cultural history, politics, education system, iconography, taxation theories, organization of army, theories on proper causes for war, diplomacy, local laws, building public projects, water distribution methods, trees and plants, medicine, Vastu Shastra (architecture), gemology, grammar, metrics, poetry, food, rituals and numerous other topics.<ref>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 134-137</ref>

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| 2 || [[Bhagavata Purana|Bhagavata]] || 18,000 verses || The most studied and popular of the Puranas,<ref name=richardthompson>{{cite book|last=Thompson|first=Richard L.|title=The Cosmology of the Bhagavata Purana 'Mysteries of the Sacred Universe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3TZmDSr-1msC&pg=PA10|year=2007|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers|isbn=978-81-208-1919-1|page=10}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Monier-Williams|1899|p=752}}, column 3, under the entry ''Bhagavata.''</ref> telling of Vishnu's [[Avatar]]s, and of Vaishnavism. It contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name="ludorocher115">Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 115-121 with footnotes</ref> Numerous inconsistent versions of this text and historical manuscripts exist, in many Indian languages.<ref>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 139-149</ref> Influential and elaborated during [[Bhakti movement]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Hardy|2001}}</ref>

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| 2 || [[Bhagavata Purana|Bhagavata]] || 18,000 verses || The most studied and popular of the Puranas,<ref name="richardthompson">{{cite book|last=Thompson|first=Richard L.|title=The Cosmology of the Bhagavata Purana 'Mysteries of the Sacred Universe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3TZmDSr-1msC&pg=PA10|year=2007|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers|isbn=978-81-208-1919-1|page=10}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Monier-Williams|1899|p=752}}, column 3, under the entry ''Bhagavata.''</ref> telling of Vishnu's [[Avatar]]s, and of Vaishnavism. It contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name="ludorocher115">Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 115-121 with footnotes</ref> Numerous inconsistent versions of this text and historical manuscripts exist, in many Indian languages.<ref>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 139-149</ref> Influential and elaborated during [[Bhakti movement]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Hardy|2001}}</ref>

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| 3 || [[Brahma Purana|Brahma]] || 10,000 verses || Sometimes also called Adi Purana, because many Mahapuranas lists put it first of 18.<ref name=ludorocher154/> The text has 245 chapters, shares many passages with Vishnu, Vayu, Markendeya Puranas, and with the [[Mahabharata]]. Includes mythology, theory of war, art work in temples, and other cultural topics. Describes holy places in [[Odisha]], and weaves themes of Vishnu and Shiva, but hardly any mention of deity Brahma despite the title.<ref name=ludorocher154>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 154-156</ref>

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| 3 || [[Brahma Purana|Brahma]] || 10,000 verses || Sometimes also called Adi Purana, because many Mahapuranas lists put it first of 18.<ref name="ludorocher154" /> The text has 245 chapters, shares many passages with Vishnu, Vayu, Markendeya Puranas, and with the [[Mahabharata]]. Includes mythology, theory of war, art work in temples, and other cultural topics. Describes holy places in [[Odisha]], and weaves themes of Vishnu and Shiva, but hardly any mention of deity Brahma despite the title.<ref name="ludorocher154">Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 154-156</ref>

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| 4 || [[Brahmanda Purana|Brahmanda]] || 12,000 verses || One of the earliest composed Puranas, it contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name=ludorocher115/> Includes [[Lalita Sahasranamam]], law codes, system of governance, administration, diplomacy, trade, ethics. Old manuscripts of Brahmanda Purana have been found in the Hindu literature collections of [[Bali]], Indonesia.<ref>H Hinzler (1993), [http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/22134379-90003116%3Fcrawler%3Dtrue Balinese palm-leaf manuscripts], In: Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Landen Volkenkunde, Manuscripts of Indonesia 149 (1993), No 3, Leiden: BRILL, page 442</ref><ref name=ludorocher78encyl>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, page 78-79</ref>

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| 4 || [[Brahmanda Purana|Brahmanda]] || 12,000 verses || One of the earliest composed Puranas, it contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name="ludorocher115" /> Includes [[Lalita Sahasranamam]], law codes, system of governance, administration, diplomacy, trade, ethics. Old manuscripts of Brahmanda Purana have been found in the Hindu literature collections of [[Bali]], Indonesia.<ref>H Hinzler (1993), [http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/22134379-90003116%3Fcrawler%3Dtrue Balinese palm-leaf manuscripts], In: Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Landen Volkenkunde, Manuscripts of Indonesia 149 (1993), No 3, Leiden: BRILL, page 442</ref><ref name="ludorocher78encyl">Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, page 78-79</ref>

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| 5 || [[Brahma Vaivarta Purana|Brahmavaivarta]] || 17,000 verses || Discusses Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Devis, Vishnu, Krishna and Radha. Primarily mythology, love and seduction stories of gods and goddesses.<ref>Giorgio Bonazzoli (1977), Seduction Stories in the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Purana, Vol. XIX, No. 2, pages 321-341</ref> Mentions geography and rivers such as [[Ganga]] to [[Kaveri]].

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| 6 || [[Garuda Purana|Garuda]] || 19,000 verses || An encyclopedia of diverse topics.<ref name=ludorocher78encyl/> Primarily about Vishnu, but praises all gods. Describes how Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma collaborate. Many chapters are a dialogue between Vishnu and the bird-vehicle [[Garuda]]. Cosmology, Describes cosmology, relationship between gods. Discusses ethics, what are crimes, good verses evil, various schools of Hindu philosophies, the theory of Yoga, the theory of "heaven and hell" with "karma and rebirth", includes Upanishadic discussion of self-knowledge as a means of [[moksha]].<ref name=mnduttgaruda/> Includes chapters on rivers, geography of Bharat (India) and other nations on earth, types of minerals and stones, testing methods for stones for their quality, various diseases and their symptoms, various medicines, aphrodisiacs, prophylactics, Hindu calendar and its basis, astronomy, moon, planets, astrology, architecture, building home, essential features of a temple, rites of passage, virtues such as compassion, charity and gift making, economy, thrift, duties of a king, politics, state officials and their roles and how to appointment them, genre of literature, rules of grammar, and other topics.<ref name=mnduttgaruda/> The final chapters discuss how to practice [[Yoga]] (Samkhya and Advaita types), personal development and the benefits of self-knowledge.<ref name=mnduttgaruda>MN Dutt, [https://archive.org/stream/garudapuranam00duttgoog#page/n4/mode/2up The Garuda Purana] Calcutta (1908)</ref>

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| 6 || [[Garuda Purana|Garuda]] || 19,000 verses || An encyclopedia of diverse topics.<ref name="ludorocher78encyl" /> Primarily about Vishnu, but praises all gods. Describes how Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma collaborate. Many chapters are a dialogue between Vishnu and the bird-vehicle [[Garuda]]. Cosmology, Describes cosmology, relationship between gods. Discusses ethics, what are crimes, good verses evil, various schools of Hindu philosophies, the theory of Yoga, the theory of "heaven and hell" with "karma and rebirth", includes Upanishadic discussion of self-knowledge as a means of [[moksha]].<ref name="mnduttgaruda" /> Includes chapters on rivers, geography of Bharat (India) and other nations on earth, types of minerals and stones, testing methods for stones for their quality, various diseases and their symptoms, various medicines, aphrodisiacs, prophylactics, Hindu calendar and its basis, astronomy, moon, planets, astrology, architecture, building home, essential features of a temple, rites of passage, virtues such as compassion, charity and gift making, economy, thrift, duties of a king, politics, state officials and their roles and how to appointment them, genre of literature, rules of grammar, and other topics.<ref name="mnduttgaruda" /> The final chapters discuss how to practice [[Yoga]] (Samkhya and Advaita types), personal development and the benefits of self-knowledge.<ref name="mnduttgaruda">MN Dutt, [https://archive.org/stream/garudapuranam00duttgoog#page/n4/mode/2up The Garuda Purana] Calcutta (1908)</ref>

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| 7 || [[Kurma Purana|Kurma]] || 17,000 verses || Is the second of ten major avatars of Lord Vishnu.

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| 9 || [[Markandeya Purana|Markandeya]] || 9,000 verses || Describes [[Vindhya Range]] and western India. Probably composed in the valleys of [[Narmada]] and [[Tapti]] rivers, in [[Maharashtra]] and [[Gujarat]].<ref>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 70-71</ref> Named after sage Markandeya, a student of Brahma. Contains chapters on [[dharma]] and on Hindu epic Mahabharata.<ref>RC Hazra (1987), Studies in the Puranic Records on Hindu Rites and Customs, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120804227, pages 8-11</ref> The Purana includes [[Devi Mahatmya]]m of [[Shaktism]].

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| 10 || [[Matsya Purana|Matsya]] || 14,000 verses || An encyclopedia of diverse topics.<ref name=ludorocher78encyl/> Narrates the story of [[Matsya]], the first of ten major [[Avatar]]s of Vishnu. Likely composed in west India, by people aware of geographical details of the [[Narmada]] river. Includes legends about Brahma and Saraswati.<ref>Catherine Ludvik (2007), Sarasvatī, Riverine Goddess of Knowledge, BRILL, ISBN 978-9004158146, pages 139-141</ref> It also contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name=ludorocher115/>

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| 10 || [[Matsya Purana|Matsya]] || 14,000 verses || An encyclopedia of diverse topics.<ref name="ludorocher78encyl" /> Narrates the story of [[Matsya]], the first of ten major [[Avatar]]s of Vishnu. Likely composed in west India, by people aware of geographical details of the [[Narmada]] river. Includes legends about Brahma and Saraswati.<ref>Catherine Ludvik (2007), Sarasvatī, Riverine Goddess of Knowledge, BRILL, ISBN 978-9004158146, pages 139-141</ref> It also contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name="ludorocher115" />

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| 11 || [[Narada Purana|Narada]] || 25,000 verses || Also called Naradiya Purana. Discusses the four [[Veda]]s and the six [[Vedanga]]s. Dedicates one chapter each, from Chapters 92 to 109, to summarize the other 17 Maha Puranas and itself. Lists major rivers of India and places of pilgrimage, and a short tour guide for each. Includes discussion of various philosophies, soteriology, planets, astronomy, myths and characteristics of major deities including Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Krishna, Rama, Lakshmi and others.<ref>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 202-203</ref>

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| 12 || [[Padma Purana|Padma]] || 55,000 verses || A large compilation of diverse topics. The north Indian manuscripts of Padma Purana are very different than south Indian versions, and the various recensions in both groups in different languages (Devanagari and Bengali, for example) show major inconsistencies.<ref name="ludorocher2021"/> Describes cosmology, the world and nature of life from the perspective of Vishnu. Discusses festivals, numerous legends, geography of rivers and regions from northwest India to [[Bengal]] to the kingdom of [[Tripura]], major sages of India, various Avatars of Vishnu and his cooperation with Shiva, the story of Rama-Sita that is different than the Hindu epic [[Ramayana]].<ref name=ludorocherpadma>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 209-215</ref> Like Skanda Purana, it is a detailed treatise on travel and pilgrimage centers in India.<ref name=ludorocherpadma/><ref>Klaus Klostermaier (2007), A Survey of Hinduism: Third Edition, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791470824, pages 281-283 with footnotes on page 553</ref>

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| 12 || [[Padma Purana|Padma]] || 55,000 verses || A large compilation of diverse topics. The north Indian manuscripts of Padma Purana are very different than south Indian versions, and the various recensions in both groups in different languages (Devanagari and Bengali, for example) show major inconsistencies.<ref name="ludorocher2021" /> Describes cosmology, the world and nature of life from the perspective of Vishnu. Discusses festivals, numerous legends, geography of rivers and regions from northwest India to [[Bengal]] to the kingdom of [[Tripura]], major sages of India, various Avatars of Vishnu and his cooperation with Shiva, the story of Rama-Sita that is different than the Hindu epic [[Ramayana]].<ref name="ludorocherpadma">Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 209-215</ref> Like Skanda Purana, it is a detailed treatise on travel and pilgrimage centers in India.<ref name="ludorocherpadma" /><ref>Klaus Klostermaier (2007), A Survey of Hinduism: Third Edition, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791470824, pages 281-283 with footnotes on page 553</ref>

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| 13 || [[Shiva Purana|Shiva]] || 24,000 verses || Discusses Shiva, and stories about him.

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| 15 || [[Vamana Purana|Vamana]] || 10,000 verses || Describes [[North India]], particularly Himalayan foothills region.

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| 16 || [[Varaha Purana|Varaha]] || 24,000 verses || Primarily Vishnu-related worship manual, with large ''Mahatmya'' sections or travel guide to Mathura and Nepal.<ref name=rchazra96>RC Hazra (1940), Studies in the Puranic Records on Hindu Rites and Customs, Motilal Banarsidass (1987 Reprint), ISBN 978-8120804227, pages 96-97</ref> Presentation focuses on Varaha as incarnation of Narayana, but rarely uses the terms Krishna or Vasudeva.<ref name=rchazra96/> Many illustrations also involve Shiva and [[Durga]].<ref>{{citation|last=Wilson|first=Horace H.|title=The Vishṅu Purāṅa: a system of Hindu mythology and tradition Volume 1 of 4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Xo-AAAAcAAJ&pg=PR71|year=1864|publisher=Trübner|page=LXXI}}</ref>

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| 16 || [[Varaha Purana|Varaha]] || 24,000 verses || Primarily Vishnu-related worship manual, with large ''Mahatmya'' sections or travel guide to Mathura and Nepal.<ref name="rchazra96">RC Hazra (1940), Studies in the Puranic Records on Hindu Rites and Customs, Motilal Banarsidass (1987 Reprint), ISBN 978-8120804227, pages 96-97</ref> Presentation focuses on Varaha as incarnation of Narayana, but rarely uses the terms Krishna or Vasudeva.<ref name="rchazra96" /> Many illustrations also involve Shiva and [[Durga]].<ref>{{citation|last=Wilson|first=Horace H.|title=The Vishṅu Purāṅa: a system of Hindu mythology and tradition Volume 1 of 4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Xo-AAAAcAAJ&pg=PR71|year=1864|publisher=Trübner|page=LXXI}}</ref>

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| 17 || [[Vayu Purana|Vayu]] || 24,000 verses || Possibly the oldest of all Maha Puranas. Some medieval Indian texts call it Vayaviya Purana. Mentioned and studied by [[Al Biruni]], the 11th century Persian visitor to India. Praises Shiva. Discusses rituals, family life, and life stages of a human being. The content in Vayu Purana is also found in Markandeya Purana. Describes south India, particularly modern [[Telangana]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]] regions. It contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name=ludorocher115/>

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| 17 || [[Vayu Purana|Vayu]] || 24,000 verses || Possibly the oldest of all Maha Puranas. Some medieval Indian texts call it Vayaviya Purana. Mentioned and studied by [[Al Biruni]], the 11th century Persian visitor to India. Praises Shiva. Discusses rituals, family life, and life stages of a human being. The content in Vayu Purana is also found in Markandeya Purana. Describes south India, particularly modern [[Telangana]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]] regions. It contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name="ludorocher115" />

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| 18 || [[Vishnu Purana|Vishnu]] || 23,000 verses || One of the most studied and circulated Puranas, it also contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name=ludorocher115/> Better preserved after the 17th century, but exists in inconsistent versions, more ancient pre-15th century versions are very different from modern versions, with some versions discussing Buddhism and Jainism. Some chapters likely composed in Kashmir and Punjab region of South Asia. A Vaishnavism text, focussed on Vishnu.<ref>{{citation|last=Lochtefeld|first=James G.|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g6FsB3psOTIC&pg=PA760|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4|page=760}}</ref>

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| 18 || [[Vishnu Purana|Vishnu]] || 23,000 verses || One of the most studied and circulated Puranas, it also contains a controversial genealogical details of various dynasties.<ref name="ludorocher115" /> Better preserved after the 17th century, but exists in inconsistent versions, more ancient pre-15th century versions are very different from modern versions, with some versions discussing Buddhism and Jainism. Some chapters likely composed in Kashmir and Punjab region of South Asia. A Vaishnavism text, focussed on Vishnu.<ref>{{citation|last=Lochtefeld|first=James G.|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g6FsB3psOTIC&pg=PA760|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4|page=760}}</ref>

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|}

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|}The Mahapuranas have also been classified based on a specific deity, although the texts are mixed and revere all gods and goddesses:

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{| class="wikitable" |-

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The Mahapuranas have also been classified based on a specific deity, although the texts are mixed and revere all gods and goddesses:

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| [[Brahma|Brāhma]]:<ref name="ludorocher2021">Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 59-61</ref> || [[Brahma Purana]], [[Padma Purana]]

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{| class="wikitable"|-

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| [[Brahma|Brāhma]]:<ref name=ludorocher2021>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 59-61</ref> || [[Brahma Purana]], [[Padma Purana]]

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| [[Surya]]:<ref name=ludorocher2021/> || [[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]]

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| [[Surya]]:<ref name="ludorocher2021" /> || [[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]]

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| [[Agni]]:<ref name=ludorocher2021/> || [[Agni Purana]]

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| [[Agni]]:<ref name="ludorocher2021" /> || [[Agni Purana]]

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| [[Shaiva|Śaiva]]:<ref name=ludorocher2021/> || [[Shiva Purana]], [[Linga Purana]], [[Skanda Purana]], [[Varaha Purana]], [[Vamana Purana|Vāmana Purana]], [[Kurma Purana|Kūrma Purana]], [[Matsya Purana]], [[Mārkandeya Purana]], [[Bhavishya Purana]], [[Brahmānda Purana]]

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| [[Shaiva|Śaiva]]:<ref name="ludorocher2021" /> || [[Shiva Purana]], [[Linga Purana]], [[Skanda Purana]], [[Varaha Purana]], [[Vamana Purana|Vāmana Purana]], [[Kurma Purana|Kūrma Purana]], [[Matsya Purana]], [[Mārkandeya Purana]], [[Bhavishya Purana]], [[Brahmānda Purana]]

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| [[Vaishnava|Vaiṣṇava]]:<ref name=ludorocher2021/> || [[Vishnu Purana]], [[Bhagavata Purana]], [[Nāradeya Purana]], [[Garuda Purana]], [[Vayu Purana]], [[Varaha Purana]]

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| [[Vaishnava|Vaiṣṇava]]:<ref name="ludorocher2021" /> || [[Vishnu Purana]], [[Bhagavata Purana]], [[Nāradeya Purana]], [[Garuda Purana]], [[Vayu Purana]], [[Varaha Purana]]

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|}

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|}The [[Padma Purana]], Uttara Khanda (236.18-21),<ref>{{cite book|last=Wilson|first=H. H.|authorlink=Horace Hayman Wilson|title=The Vishnu Purana: A system of Hindu mythology and tradition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DgMxAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR12|year=1840|publisher=Oriental Translation Fund|page=12}}</ref> itself a Vaishnava Purana, classifies the Puranas in accordance with ''[[Guna|the three gunas]] or qualities''; [[Sattva|truth]], [[Rajas|passion]], and [[Tamas (philosophy)|ignorance]].

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{| class="wikitable" |-

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The [[Padma Purana]], Uttara Khanda (236.18-21),<ref>{{cite book|last=Wilson|first=H. H.|authorlink=Horace Hayman Wilson|title=The Vishnu Purana: A system of Hindu mythology and tradition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DgMxAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR12|year=1840|publisher=Oriental Translation Fund|page=12}}</ref> itself a Vaishnava Purana, classifies the Puranas in accordance with ''[[Guna|the three gunas]] or qualities''; [[Sattva|truth]], [[Rajas|passion]], and [[Tamas (philosophy)|ignorance]].

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{| class="wikitable"|-

| [[Sattva]] ("truth") || [[Vishnu Purana]], [[Bhagavata Purana]], [[Naradeya Purana]], [[Garuda Purana]], [[Padma Purana]], [[Varaha Purana]]

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Line 166: Line 145:

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| [[Tamas (philosophy)|Tamas]] ("ignorance") || [[Matsya Purana]], [[Kurma Purana|Kurma purana]], [[Linga Purana]], [[Shiva Purana]], [[Skanda Purana]], [[Agni Purana]]

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|}

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|}All major Puranas contain sections on [[Devi]] (goddesses) and [[Tantra]], but of these the six most significant ones are: [[Markandeya Purana]], [[Shiva Purana]], [[Linga Purana]], [[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]], [[Agni Purana]] and [[Padma Purana]].<ref>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 113-114, 153-154, 161, 167-169, 171-174, 182-187, 190-194, 210, 225-227, 242</ref>

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All major Puranas contain sections on [[Devi]] (goddesses) and [[Tantra]], but of these the six most significant ones are: [[Markandeya Purana]], [[Shiva Purana]], [[Linga Purana]], [[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]], [[Agni Purana]] and [[Padma Purana]].<ref>Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447025225, pages 113-114, 153-154, 161, 167-169, 171-174, 182-187, 190-194, 210, 225-227, 242</ref>

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==Content==

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Several Puranas, such as the Matysa Purana,<ref>''Matsya Purana'' 53.65</ref> list "five characteristics" or "five signs" of a Purana.<ref name="oliverleaman437">Greg Bailey (2001), Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy (Editor: Oliver Leaman), Routledge, ISBN 978-0415172813, pages 437-439</ref> These are called the ''Pancha Lakshana'' ( {{IAST|pañcalakṣaṇa}}), and are topics covered by a Purana:<ref name=oliverleaman437/><ref name=Rao>{{Harvnb|Rao|1993|pp=85–100}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Johnson|2009|p = 248 }}</ref>

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Several Puranas, such as the Matysa Purana,<ref>''Matsya Purana'' 53.65</ref> list "five characteristics" or "five signs" of a Purana.<ref name="oliverleaman437">Greg Bailey (2001), Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy (Editor: Oliver Leaman), Routledge, ISBN 978-0415172813, pages 437-439</ref> These are called the ''Pancha Lakshana'' ( {{IAST|pañcalakṣaṇa}}), and are topics covered by a Purana:<ref name="oliverleaman437" /><ref name="Rao">{{Harvnb|Rao|1993|pp=85–100}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Johnson|2009|p = 248 }}</ref>

#''Sarga'': [[cosmogony]]

#''Pratisarga'': cosmogony and [[cosmology]]<ref>Jonathan Edelmann (2013), The Bhagavata Purana: Sacred Text and Living Tradition (Editors: Ravi Gupta and Kenneth Valpey), Columbia University Press, ISBN 978-0231149983, pages 48-62</ref>

#''Vamśa'': [[genealogy]] of the gods, sages and kings<ref>Vayu Purana 1. 31-2.</ref>

#''Manvañtara'': cosmic cycles,<ref>RC Hazra (1987), Studies in the Puranic Records on Hindu Rites and Customs, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120804227, page 4</ref> history of the world during the time of one patriarch

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#''Vamśānucaritam'': legends during the times of various kings.A few Puranas, such as the most popular Bhagavata Purana, add five more characteristics to expand this list to ten:<ref name=gregbailey440/>

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#''Vamśānucaritam'': legends during the times of various kings.A few Puranas, such as the most popular Bhagavata Purana, add five more characteristics to expand this list to ten:<ref name="gregbailey440" />

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# 'Utaya'': [[~~karma~~|karmic]] links between the deities, sages, kings and the various living beings

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# 'Utaya'': [[Karma|karmic]] links between the deities, sages, kings and the various living beings''

#''Ishanukatha'': tales about a god

#''Nirodha'': finale, cessation

#''Mukti'': [[moksha]], spiritual liberation

#''Ashraya'': refuge

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The Puranas link gods to men, both generally and in religious [[bhakti]] context.<ref name="gregbailey440" /> Here the Puranic literature follows a general pattern. It starts with introduction, a future devotee is described as ignorant about the god yet curious, the devotee learns about the god and this begins the spiritual realization, the text then describes instances of god's grace which begins to persuade and convert the devotee, the devotee then shows devotion which is rewarded by the god, the reward is appreciated by the devotee and in return performs actions to express further devotion.<ref name="gregbailey440">Greg Bailey (2001), Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy (Editor: Oliver Leaman), Routledge, ISBN 978-0415172813, pages 440-443</ref>

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The Puranas link gods to men, both generally and in religious [[bhakti]] context.<ref name=gregbailey440/> Here the Puranic literature follows a general pattern. It starts with introduction, a future devotee is described as ignorant about the god yet curious, the devotee learns about the god and this begins the spiritual realization, the text then describes instances of god's grace which begins to persuade and convert the devotee, the devotee then shows devotion which is rewarded by the god, the reward is appreciated by the devotee and in return performs actions to express further devotion.<ref name=gregbailey440>Greg Bailey (2001), Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy (Editor: Oliver Leaman), Routledge, ISBN 978-0415172813, pages 440-443</ref>

The texts are in Sanskrit as well as regional languages,<ref name="johncort185">John Cort (1993), Purana Perennis: Reciprocity and Transformation in Hindu and Jaina Texts (Editor: Wendy Doniger), State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-0791413821, pages 185-204</ref><ref name="gregorybailey">Gregory Bailey (2003), The Study of Hinduism (Editor: Arvind Sharma), The University of South Carolina Press, ISBN 978-1570034497, page 139</ref> and almost entirely in narrative metric couplets.<ref name="merriam" />

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==Influence==

The Puranic literature, suggests Khanna, influenced "acculturation and accommodation" of a diversity of people, with different languages and from different economic classes, across different kingdoms and traditions, catalyzing the syncretic "cultural mosaic of Hinduism".<ref name="champa48">R Champakalakshmi (2012), Cultural History of Medieval India (Editor: M Khanna), Berghahn, ISBN 978-8187358305, pages 48-50</ref> They helped influence cultural pluralism in India, and are a literary record thereof.<ref name="champa48" />

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Om Prakash states the Puranas served as efficient medium for cultural exchange and popular education in ancient and medieval India.<ref name=omprakash33/> These texts adopted, explained and integrated regional deities such as Pashupata in Vayu Purana, Sattva in Vishnu Purana, Dattatreya in Markendeya Purana, Bhojakas in Bhavishya Purana.<ref name=omprakash33/> Further, states Prakash, they dedicated chapters to "secular subjects such as poetics, dramaturgy, grammar, lexicography, astronomy, war, politics, architecture, geography and medicine as in Agni Purana, perfumery and lapidary arts in Garuda Purana, painting, sculpture and other arts in Vishnudharmottara Purana".<ref name=omprakash33>Om Prakash (2004), Cultural History of India, New Age, ISBN 978-8122415872, pages 33-34</ref>

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Om Prakash states the Puranas served as efficient medium for cultural exchange and popular education in ancient and medieval India.<ref name="omprakash33" /> These texts adopted, explained and integrated regional deities such as Pashupata in Vayu Purana, Sattva in Vishnu Purana, Dattatreya in Markendeya Purana, Bhojakas in Bhavishya Purana.<ref name="omprakash33" /> Further, states Prakash, they dedicated chapters to "secular subjects such as poetics, dramaturgy, grammar, lexicography, astronomy, war, politics, architecture, geography and medicine as in Agni Purana, perfumery and lapidary arts in Garuda Purana, painting, sculpture and other arts in Vishnudharmottara Purana".<ref name="omprakash33">Om Prakash (2004), Cultural History of India, New Age, ISBN 978-8122415872, pages 33-34</ref>

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;Indian Arts

The cultural influence of the Puranas extended to Indian classical arts, such as songs, dance culture such as [[Bharata Natyam]] in south India<ref name="katherinezubko">Katherine Zubko (2013), The Bhagavata Purana: Sacred Text and Living Tradition (Editors: Ravi Gupta and Kenneth Valpey), Columbia University Press, ISBN 978-0231149983, pages 181-201</ref> and [[Rasa Lila]] in northeast India,<ref>Guy Beck (2013), The Bhagavata Purana: Sacred Text and Living Tradition (Editors: Ravi Gupta and Kenneth Valpey), Columbia University Press, ISBN 978-0231149983, pages 181-201</ref> plays and recitations.<ref>Ilona Wilczewska (2013), The Bhagavata Purana: Sacred Text and Living Tradition (Editors: Ravi Gupta and Kenneth Valpey), Columbia University Press, ISBN 978-0231149983, pages 202-220</ref>

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==References==

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~~[[Category:Hindu texts]]~~

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~~[[Category:Puranas|*]]~~

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~~[[Category:Asian chronicles]]~~

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