Puranas in Hinduism refer to a colossal range of ancient Indian literature that talks about a wide range of topics including legends about Hindu Gods and Goddesses with an underlying current of symbolism. There are Puranas that are dedicated to Gods like Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and many others. The term Purana, itself means ancient.
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The Puranas In Hinduism
The Puranas embody ancient legends, stories, and symbolism related to Hinduism in the form of stories and parables. Most if not all the Puranas are associated with the Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. The Puranas are associated with various religious rituals and also serve as spiritual and philosophical guides with their undercurrent of Hindu symbolism.
Puranas In Hinduism – 18 Puranas Complete List
There are many major and minor Puranas, but the most important of all the Puranas are 18 in number. and referred to as the Mahapuranas. Here is the full list of the 18 Puranas in Hinduism and their brief description. Though the Mahapuranas are traditionally credited to Veda Vyasa, it is generally believed that the Puranas were written by different authors spanning different centuries.
Puranas In Hinduism – Brahma Purana
The Brahma Purana is made up of 10,000 verses. As the name suggests this Purana deals with various aspects of Brahma. The Brahma Purana describes the appearance of Brahma, the various attributes of Brahma and their significance. Aspects like the four heads of Brahma, his white beard, his vehicle which is a Swan, the holding of the Vedas, and other symbology is explained.
The Brahma Purana also features the appearance of Saraswati and the significance of the Book and the Veena that she holds. One chapter of the Brahma Purana is also devoted to the appearance and attributes of Vishnu and his divine consort, Lakshmi. The Brahma Purana is also referred to as Adi Purana as it is believed to be the first of the Puranas. Many passages in the Brahma Purana can also be found in the other Puranas.
Puranas In Hinduism – Padma Purana
The Padma Purana which consists of 55,000 verses discusses Metaphysical issues including creation in its first chapter which is titled, “Srishtikand.” This Purana also describes the earth and its many aspects. Holy places are also described in Padma Purana. One of the chapters is also dedicated to the life and times of Rama and Krishna.
Puranas In Hinduism – Vishnu Purana
The Vishnu Purana consists of 23,000 verses and is primarily an important Vaishnavite text with a focus on Vishnu. The Vishnu Purana also contains details about the lineage of various dynasties. The modern version of the Vishnu Purana dates back to the 17th century, while there are ancient versions from the 15th century. It is interesting to note that some later versions of the Vishnu Purana discuss Buddhism and Jainism too.
Puranas In Hinduism – Skanda Purana
The Skanda Purana with a massive 81,000 verses is the longest of the Puranas. It is dedicated to Skanda also known as Kartikeya or Subrahmanya. It is remarkable to note that the Skanda Purana gives a detailed description of the location, significance, and legends of many sacred pilgrimage places across India.
Puranas In Hinduism – Shiva Purana
The Shiva Purana is a major text of Shaivism and consists of 24, 000 verses. It is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, though other Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon also feature in it. It is interesting to note that the Shiva Purana references the fact that it originally consisted of 100,000 verses but was later condensed by Veda Vyasa, himself.
Puranas In Hinduism – Vamana Purana
The Vamana Purana consists of 10,000 verses and is dedicated to the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu. The original and ancient text is believed to have been a Vaishnavite text totally focussed on Vamana. However, the surviving Vamana Purana is more of a Shaivite text with more focus on Shiva. Apart from legends about Vishnu and Shiva, the Vamana Purana also describes various places of pilgrimage in regions around Haryana and Punjab in northern India.
Puranas In Hinduism – Markandeya Purana
The Markandeya Purana which is named after the sage Markandeya consists of 9,000 verses and is believed to have been composed somewhere in the Narmada Valley. It is also believed that this Purana came into existence subsequent to the epic Mahabharata. The famous Devi Mahatmya is part of the Markandeya Purana.
Puranas In Hinduism – Varaha Purana
Varaha is the Boar avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Varaha Purana which consists of 24,000 verses is believed to have been compiled between the 10th and 12th centuries. It is primarily a Vaishnavite text and a worship manual. It also gives a description of visiting the pilgrimage centres in Mathura and Nepal.
Puranas In Hinduism – Brahmavaivarta Purana
The Brahma Vaivarta Purana is made up of 18,000 verses. This Purana is majorly focused on singing the glories of Radha and Krishna and is a major sacred text in Vaishnavism. The Brahmavaivarta Purana eulogizes Krishna as the supreme being. It describes the deities like Shiva, Brahma, Ganesha, and Vishnu as incarnations of Krishna. This Purana also emphasises the female aspect of divinity with Radha.
Puranas In Hinduism – Agni Purana
The Agni Purana is so named because it is believed that the ancient text was first recited to the sage Vashishta by Agni. Vashishta later recited it to Veda Vyasa, who is credited with the compilation of the Puranas, apart from the Vedas. The Agni Purana is a veritable encyclopedia of the medieval ages. It covers a wide range of topics that include history, culture, politics, military strategy, medicine, and Vaastu Shastra, among many others. The Agni Purana ismade up of 15,400 verses.
Puranas In Hinduism – Bhavishya Purana
The Bhavishya Purana as the name suggests talks about future prophecies. However, this part is considered to be a later addition. The Bhavishya Purana has 14,500 verses. Much of the content of this Purana has similarities to other texts like Manusmriti, Brihat Samhita, and Samba Purana.
Puranas In Hinduism – Kurma Purana
The Kurma Purana is named after the Kurma (Tortoise) Avatara of Vishnu. This Purana is made of 17,000 verses. The Kurma Purana though essentially a Vaishnavite text, gives equal importance to Shiva, and Shakti, and is full of legends of Shiva and Vishnu.
Puranas In Hinduism – Matsya Purana
The Matsya Purana containing 14,000 verses is named after the Matsya Avatara of Vishnu. The Matsya Purana gives the definition of what a Purana is. The Matsya Purana is also encyclopedic in nature apart from featuring various legends. It covers a wide range of subjects that include, mythology, the art of building, painting, sculpture, temple design, and architecture.
Puranas In Hinduism – Garuda Purana
The Garuda Purana is named after Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu. It consists of 19,000 verses. The Garuda Purana consists of many chapters that are dialogues between Lord Vishnu and his mount Garuda. The Purana is centred around Vishnu but addresses a wide range of subjects that include cosmology, philosophy, moksha or salvation, the concepts of hell and heaven, as well as rituals associated with death rites.
Puranas In Hinduism – Brahmanda Purana
The Brahmanda Purana is named after the concept of the Cosmic Egg associated with the Hindu theory of creation. The Brahmanda Purana is made up of 12,000 verses and is believed to be the last of the 18 Mahapuranas. The famous Lalita Sahasranama is part of the Brahmanda Purana. The Brahmanda Purana addresses a range of subjects that include administration, diplomacy, and ethics of trade and commerce.
Puranas In Hinduism – Shrimad Bhagvata Purana
The Bhagavata Purana is one of the most popular and revered Mahapuranas. It is made up of 18,000 verses and describes the different avatars of Vishnu and the precepts of Vaishnavism. The Purana also delved into the genealogical details of various dynasties.
Puranas In Hinduism – Linga Purana
The Linga Purana is made of 11,000 verses. It is named after the Linga which is a symbol of Shiva. The Linga Purana has many stories and legends associated with the Shiva Linga. It also contains the prescribed methods of worshipping the Linga. A range of subjects including cosmology, astronomy, geography, and Yoga. The sanctity of pilgrimage places like Varanasi, Kedarnath, Prayag, and Kurukshetra are extolled in the Linga Purana.
Puranas In Hinduism – Narad Purana
The Narada Purana is also known as Naradiya Purana and is made up of 25,000 verses. The Narada Purana discusses the Vedas and the Vedangas, and it is worth noting that this Purana provides a summary of the other 17 Mahapuranas. The method of worship of various deities including Ganesha, Narasimha, Hayagriva, Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Hanuman, and Lakshmi.
We hope this fleeting glimpse of the 18 Mahapuranas in Hinduism has whetted your appetite to know more about the ancient and sacred Puranas. Subscribe to our blog for more content about India’s great heritage and ancient wisdom reflected in its sacred texts. Connect with us on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated.
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