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== Special Aspects about Puranas ==

== Special Aspects about Puranas ==

This section discusses about the origin, compilation and phalashruti  (benefits) of Puranas. Many Puranas mention that they  

This section discusses about the origin, compilation and phalashruti  (benefits) of Puranas. Many Puranas mention that they  

* originated from Brahma's recollection  

* originated from Brahma's recollection

* that they existed across Kalpas and Yugas

* that they existed across Kalpas and Yugas

* they consist of certain essential characteristics about the subject matter they deal viz., [[Purana Lakshana (पुराणलक्षणम्)]]

* they consist of certain essential characteristics about the subject matter they contain viz., [[Purana Lakshana (पुराणलक्षणम्)]]

* are the means to accomplish Trivarga (त्रिवर्गसाधनं । means to attain Dharma, Artha, Kama) and Punya.

* are the means to accomplish Trivarga (त्रिवर्गसाधनं । means to attain Dharma, Artha, Kama) and Punya.

Matsya, Skanda and Padma Puranas mention that the Puranas have been given to the world, after Brahma deliberated on them. <blockquote>पुराणं सर्वशास्त्राणां प्रथमं ब्रह्मणा स्मृतम् अनन्तरं च वक्त्रेभ्यो वेदास्तस्य विनिर्गताः ३</blockquote><blockquote>पुराणमेकमेवासीत्तदा कल्पान्तरेऽनघ त्रिवर्गसाधनं पुण्यं शतकोटिप्रविस्तरम् ४ (Mats. Pura. 53.3 and 4)<ref name=":1">Matsya Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AB%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 53])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>पुराणं सर्वशास्त्राणां प्रथमं ब्रह्मणा स्मृतम् ४५ (Padm. Pura. 1.1.45)<ref>Padma Puranam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7_(%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D)/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A7 Khanda 1] Srustikhandam)</ref></blockquote>Summary : Brahma first (recollected) remembered the Puranas in all shastras, later from him (his four faces) came the Vedas. There was only one (unit) of the Puranas at the beginning of the Kalpa.  <blockquote>पुरा तपश्चचारोग्रममराणां पितामहः । आविर्भूतास्ततो वेदाः सषडंगपदक्रमाः ॥ ३ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>ततः पुराणमखिलं सर्वशास्त्रमयं ध्रुवम् ॥ (Skan. Pura. 7.1.23-4)</blockquote>Skanda Purana (7.2.5)<ref name=":2">Skanda Purana (Prabhasa Khanda, Prabhasa Kshetra Mahatmya, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD_(%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 2])</ref> mentions that Puranas were given by Brahma (Pitamaha) who performed a severe tapas and from whom the Vedas along with the Vedangas manifested. After the Vedas all the Puranas consisting of the eternal sounds (of Vedas) extending to a hundred crore slokas manifested from the mouth of Brahma.   

Matsya, Skanda and Padma Puranas mention that the Puranas have been given to the world, after Brahma deliberated on them. <blockquote>पुराणं सर्वशास्त्राणां प्रथमं ब्रह्मणा स्मृतम् अनन्तरं च वक्त्रेभ्यो वेदास्तस्य विनिर्गताः ३</blockquote><blockquote>पुराणमेकमेवासीत्तदा कल्पान्तरेऽनघ त्रिवर्गसाधनं पुण्यं शतकोटिप्रविस्तरम् ४ (Mats. Pura. 53.3 and 4)<ref name=":1">Matsya Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AB%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 53])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>पुराणं सर्वशास्त्राणां प्रथमं ब्रह्मणा स्मृतम् ४५ (Padm. Pura. 1.1.45)<ref>Padma Puranam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7_(%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D)/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A7 Khanda 1] Srustikhandam)</ref></blockquote>Summary : Brahma first (recollected) remembered the Puranas in all shastras, later from him (his four faces) came the Vedas. There was only one (unit) of the Puranas at the beginning of the Kalpa.  <blockquote>पुरा तपश्चचारोग्रममराणां पितामहः । आविर्भूतास्ततो वेदाः सषडंगपदक्रमाः ॥ ३ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>ततः पुराणमखिलं सर्वशास्त्रमयं ध्रुवम् ॥ (Skan. Pura. 7.1.23-4)</blockquote>Skanda Purana (7.2.5)<ref name=":2">Skanda Purana (Prabhasa Khanda, Prabhasa Kshetra Mahatmya, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD_(%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0_%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 2])</ref> mentions that Puranas were given by Brahma (Pitamaha) who performed a severe tapas and from whom the Vedas along with the Vedangas manifested. After the Vedas all the Puranas consisting of the eternal sounds (of Vedas) extending to a hundred crore slokas manifested from the mouth of Brahma.   

Matsya Purana describes the origin and phalashruti of Puranas thus - the learned, those who know, say that the recitation of the list of the '''Puranas dealing with kalpas''' (records of prior events from ancient Kalpas) brings fame and longevity. <blockquote>पुरातनस्य कल्पस्य पुराणानि विदुर्बुधाः धन्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं पुराणानामनुक्रमम् (Mats. Pura. 53.63)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Linga purana clearly states that it was composed by Brahma based on the events that happened in the Ishana Kalpa and originally it contained a crore verses aming a hundred crore that comprised all the Puranas.<blockquote>ईशानकल्पवृत्तांतमधिकृत्य महात्मना।। ब्रह्मणा कल्पितं पूर्वं पुराणं लौंगमुत्तमम्।। २.१ ।। (Ling. Pura. 1.2.1)<ref>Linga Purana (Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 2) in sa.wikisource.org</ref></blockquote>The above reference amply supports the fact that Puranas are not myths or made up stories but they are layer of antique literature which are coming down since very large periods of time, from across the Kalpas. This fact also explains the variant versions of the same legends as they have variations in different kalpas.

 

Matsya Purana describes the origin and phalashruti of Puranas thus - the learned, those who know, say that the recitation of the list of the '''Puranas dealing with kalpas''' (records of prior events from ancient Kalpas) brings fame and longevity. <blockquote>पुरातनस्य कल्पस्य पुराणानि विदुर्बुधाः धन्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं पुराणानामनुक्रमम् (Mats. Pura. 53.63)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Linga purana clearly states that it was composed by Brahma based on the events that happened in the Ishana Kalpa and originally it contained a crore shlokas among a hundred crore that comprised all the Puranas.<blockquote>ईशानकल्पवृत्तांतमधिकृत्य महात्मना।। ब्रह्मणा कल्पितं पूर्वं पुराणं लौंगमुत्तमम्।। २.१ ।। (Ling. Pura. 1.2.1)<ref>Linga Purana (Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 2) in sa.wikisource.org</ref></blockquote>The above reference amply supports the fact that Puranas are not myths or made up stories but they are layer of antique literature which are coming down since very large periods of time, from across the Kalpas. This fact also explains the variant versions of the same legends as they have variations in different kalpas.

=== In Vedas and Vedangas ===

=== In Vedas and Vedangas ===

Puranas have been classified based on the three gunas, Satvika, Rajasa and Tamasa. Matsya and Skanda purana (Skan. Pura. 7.2.57-58)<ref name=":2" /> slokas clearly mention the classification of Puranas as mentioned below. <blockquote>सात्त्विकेषु पुराणेषु माहात्म्यमधिकं हरेः राजसेषु च माहात्म्यमधिकं ब्रह्मणो विदुः ६८</blockquote><blockquote>तद्वदग्नेश्च माहात्म्यं तामसेषु शिवस्य च संकीर्णेषु सरस्वत्याः पितॄणां च निगद्यते ६९ (Mats. Pura. 53.68-69)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Summary : Know that in satvika puranas the glory of Shri Hari is largely mentioned while rajasa puranas greatly mention Brahma's glory. Similarly tamasa puranas there is a mention about the glory of Agni and Shiva. In all the three types of puranas, the glory of Sarasvati and the pitrs (forefathers) have been described.  

Puranas have been classified based on the three gunas, Satvika, Rajasa and Tamasa. Matsya and Skanda purana (Skan. Pura. 7.2.57-58)<ref name=":2" /> slokas clearly mention the classification of Puranas as mentioned below. <blockquote>सात्त्विकेषु पुराणेषु माहात्म्यमधिकं हरेः राजसेषु च माहात्म्यमधिकं ब्रह्मणो विदुः ६८</blockquote><blockquote>तद्वदग्नेश्च माहात्म्यं तामसेषु शिवस्य च संकीर्णेषु सरस्वत्याः पितॄणां च निगद्यते ६९ (Mats. Pura. 53.68-69)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Summary : Know that in satvika puranas the glory of Shri Hari is largely mentioned while rajasa puranas greatly mention Brahma's glory. Similarly tamasa puranas there is a mention about the glory of Agni and Shiva. In all the three types of puranas, the glory of Sarasvati and the pitrs (forefathers) have been described.  

== '''अष्टादशमहापुराणानि''' ॥ Eighteen Mahapuranas ==

== अष्टादशमहापुराणानि ॥ Eighteen Mahapuranas ==

Devi Bhagavata enumerates the eighteen Mahapuranas in a nutshell in the following sloka taking their initial letter. <blockquote>मद्वयं भद्वयं चैव ब्रत्रयं वचतुष्टयम् । अनाप-लिंग-कूस्कानि पुराणानि पृथक्पृथक् ॥ २ ॥ (Devi. Bhag. 1.3.2)<ref>Devi Bhagavata Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5 Skanda 1 Adhyaya 3])</ref></blockquote>

Devi Bhagavata enumerates the eighteen Mahapuranas in a nutshell in the following sloka taking their initial letter. <blockquote>मद्वयं भद्वयं चैव ब्रत्रयं वचतुष्टयम् । अनाप-लिंग-कूस्कानि पुराणानि पृथक्पृथक् ॥ २ ॥ (Devi. Bhag. 1.3.2)<ref>Devi Bhagavata Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5 Skanda 1 Adhyaya 3])</ref></blockquote>

* मद्वयं refers to the two Puranas, the names of which begin with म(Ma). They are Markandeya and Matsya Puranas.

* मद्वयं refers to the two Puranas, the names of which begin with म(Ma). They are Markandeya and Matsya Puranas.

* वचतुष्टयम् refers to the four Puranas, the names of which begin with व (Va). They are Vishnu, Vamana, Vayu and Varaha Puranas.

* वचतुष्टयम् refers to the four Puranas, the names of which begin with व (Va). They are Vishnu, Vamana, Vayu and Varaha Puranas.

* अनाप-लिं-ग-कूस्कानि refers to Agni (अ), Naaradiya (ना) Padma (प) Linga (लिं) Garuda (ग) Kurma (कू) Skanda (स्का) Puranas.

* अनाप-लिं-ग-कूस्कानि refers to Agni (अ), Naaradiya (ना) Padma (प) Linga (लिं) Garuda (ग) Kurma (कू) Skanda (स्का) Puranas.

The list of Puranas and Upapuranas is given in many puranas such as Padmapurana, Vishnupurana (3.6), Skanda purana, Agni Purana (10.8.3), however, they differ widely in names of the puranas (पुराणसंख्यान्तरम्) included and the number of slokas mentioned.

 

The list of Puranas is given in many puranas such as Padmapurana, Vishnupurana (3.6), Skanda purana, Agni Purana (10.8.3), however, they differ widely in names of the puranas included and the number of slokas mentioned.

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

Shivamahapuranam 5.5.15

Shivamahapuranam 5.5.15

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;|

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

* [[Vishnu Purana]]

* [[Vishnu Purana]]

* [[Naradiya Purana]]

* [[Naradiya Purana]]

}}  

}}  

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.

The widely studied among the Puranas are the Srimad Bhagavata, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Devi Mahatmya of Markandeya Purana among others. Garuda Purana is prescribed to be read during the ten days after the death of a person. 

==== 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.

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;|

* [[Sri Krishna, Yogiraj, The Teacher of the Gita]]

* [[Buddha (The prince-ascetic, founder of Buddhism)]]

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

}}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" />

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.<ref name=":0" />

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

==== 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.

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.

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

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

The eighteen Upa-Puranas are:  

The eighteen Upa-Puranas according to Garuda Purana are  <blockquote>अन्यान्युपपुराणानि मुनिभिः कथितानि तु । आद्यं सनत्कुमारोक्तं नारसिंहमथापरम् ॥ १,२२३.१७ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>तृतीयं स्कान्दमुद्दिष्टं कुमारेण तु भाषितम् । चतुर्थं शिवधर्माख्यं स्यान्नन्दीश्वरभाषितम् ॥ १,२२३.१८ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>दुर्वाससोक्तमाश्चर्यं नारदोक्तमतः परम् । कापिलं वामनञ्चैव तथैवोशनसेरितम् ॥ १,२२३.१९ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>ब्रह्माण्डं वारुणञ्चाथ कालिकाह्वयमेव च । माहेश्वरं तथा साम्बमेवं सर्वार्थसञ्चयम् ।</blockquote><blockquote>पराशरोक्तमपरं मारीचं भार्गवाह्वयम् ॥ १,२२३.२० ॥ (</blockquote>Sanatkumara, Narasimha, Brihannaradiya, Sivarahasya, Durvasa, Kapila, Vamana, Bhargava, Varuna, Kalika, Samba, Nandi, Surya, Parasara, Vasishtha, Devi-Bhagavata, Ganesa and Hamsa.

{| class="wikitable sortable" |-

{| class="wikitable sortable" |-

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

!S. No

!Purana Name

!Number of Shlokas (श्लोकसंख्यानि)

!Contents

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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>

| 2 || [[Bhagavata Purana|Bhagavata]] || 18,000 shlokas || 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 Avatars [[Dasha Avataras (दशावताराः)]], 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>

| 3 || [[Brahma Purana|Brahma]] || 10,000 shlokas || 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>

| 4 || [[Brahmanda Purana|Brahmanda]] || 12,000 shlokas || 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>

| 5 || [[Brahma Vaivarta Purana|Brahmavaivarta]] || 18,000 shlokas  || 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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| 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]].

|6

|Bhavishya*

|14,500 shlokas

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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>

| 6 || [[Garuda Purana|Garuda]] ||  19,000 shlokas || 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.

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

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| 8 || [[Linga Purana|Linga]]  || 11,000 verses || Discusses [[Lingam]], symbol of Shiva, and origin of the universe. It also contains many stories of Lingam, one of which entails how Agni Lingam solved a dispute between Vishnu and Brahma.

| 8 || [[Linga Purana|Linga]]  || 11,000 shlokas || Discusses [[Lingam]], symbol of Shiva, and origin of the universe. It also contains many stories of Lingam, one of which entails how Agni Lingam solved a dispute between Vishnu and Brahma.

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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]].

| 9 || [[Markandeya Purana|Markandeya]] || 9,000 shlokas || 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" />

| 10 || [[Matsya Purana|Matsya]] || 14,000 shlokas || 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>

| 11 || [[Narada Purana|Narada]] || 25,000 shlokas || 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>

| 12 || [[Padma Purana|Padma]] || 55,000 shlokas || 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.

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

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| 14 || [[Skanda Purana|Skanda]] || 81,100 verses || Describes the birth of Skanda (or Karthikeya), son of Shiva. The longest Purana, it is an extraordinarily meticulous pilgrimage guide, containing geographical locations of pilgrimage centers in India, with related legends, parables, hymns and stories. Many untraced quotes are attributed to this text.<ref name="wendy1">{{Harvnb|Doniger|1993|pp=59–83}}</ref>

| 14 || [[Skanda Purana|Skanda]] || 81,100 shlokas || Describes the birth of Skanda (or Karthikeya), son of Shiva. The longest Purana, it is an extraordinarily meticulous pilgrimage guide, containing geographical locations of pilgrimage centers in India, with related legends, parables, hymns and stories. Many untraced quotes are attributed to this text.<ref name="wendy1">{{Harvnb|Doniger|1993|pp=59–83}}</ref>

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

| 15 || [[Vamana Purana|Vamana]]  || 10,000 shlokas || 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>

| 16 || [[Varaha Purana|Varaha]] || 24,000 shlokas || 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" />

| 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>

| 18 || [[Vishnu Purana|Vishnu]] || 23,000 shlokas || 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>

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

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

{| class="wikitable" |-

{| class="wikitable" |-