Do you know How many puranas in Hinduism ?
There are traditionally 18 major Puran, which are ancient texts that contain a vast array of mythological stories, religious teachings, and philosophical discussions. These Puran are divided into two categories: the Mahapuranas (Great Puranas) and the Upapuranas (Minor Puranas).
The Mahapuranas are considered the most important and well-known, and they include texts such as the Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and the Markandeya Purana, among others.
In addition to the 18 major Puranas, there are also numerous minor purana , which are smaller texts that often focus on specific deities or regions. These texts complement the great puranas and provide further insight into various aspects of Hindu mythology and spirituality.
Step into the captivating realm of Hindu mythology with our exploration of the Mahapuranas. These revered texts, encompassing ancient epics and divine narratives, stand as pillars of wisdom within Hindu tradition. Journey through the vivid tapestry of tales depicting the cosmic dramas of creation, destruction, and the eternal cycles of existence. From the majestic exploits of Vishnu and the transformative power of Shiva to the divine wisdom of the goddess Devi, the Mahapuranas offer a profound glimpse into the essence of Hindu spirituality.
Join us as we traverse the realms of myth and legend, uncovering the timeless truths hidden within the pages of these grand epics.”Embark on a journey to uncover the lesser-known treasures of Hindu mythology with our exploration of the Upapuranas. While often overshadowed by their grand counterparts, the Upapuranas offer unique insights into specific deities, regions, and cultural practices within Hinduism. These compact yet profound texts delve into diverse topics, ranging from local legends and rituals to esoteric teachings and philosophical discourses. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Upapuranic lore, illuminating the intricacies of Hindu cosmology and spirituality one hidden gem at a time.”
- Vishnu Purana: This Purana is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in Hindu mythology. It recounts the divine deeds of Vishnu, including his incarnations (avatars) such as Rama and Krishna, and provides teachings on devotion, righteousness, and cosmology.
- Shiva Purana: Revering Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation, the Shiva Purana narrates the tales of Shiva’s divine exploits, his cosmic dance (Nataraja), and his manifestations as the ascetic yogi and the divine consort of Parvati. It also explores themes of meditation, liberation, and the nature of reality.
- Devi Bhagavata Purana: Focusing on the divine feminine principle, this Purana glorifies various forms of the Goddess Devi, such as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. It celebrates the power and grace of the Goddess, her battles against demons, and her role as the universal mother.
- Bhagavata Purana: Also known as the Srimad Bhagavatam, this Purana extols Lord Krishna, the supreme personality of Godhead, as the central figure. It narrates Krishna’s childhood pastimes, his teachings to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, and his interactions with devotees, highlighting the path of bhakti (devotion) as the highest form of spiritual practice.
- Brahma Vaivarta Purana: Dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator deity in Hinduism, this Purana explores the creation of the universe, the genealogy of gods and sages, and the duties of different social classes. It also contains sections dedicated to the divine consort of Vishnu, Radha.
- Skanda Purana: Revering Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the son of Shiva and Parvati, this Purana primarily focuses on the pilgrimage sites associated with Skanda and the legends surrounding his birth and exploits. It also includes hymns, rituals, and geographical descriptions of sacred places.
- Kurma Puran: The Kurma Purana is named after the Kurma (tortoise) avatar of Vishnu. It consists of two main sections: the Purva Khanda and the Uttara Khanda. The text covers cosmology, rituals, and mythology. It describes the creation of the world, the genealogies of gods and sages, and the importance of dharma (righteousness). The Kurma Purana is particularly noted for its detailed accounts of the mythological tales associated with Vishnu’s tortoise form.
- Garuda Purana: The Garuda Purana is named after Garuda, the eagle vehicle of Vishnu. This Purana is notable for its focus on the afterlife, detailing the journey of the soul after death, and the rituals associated with death and funerals. It also covers cosmology, mythology, and the stories of various gods and sages. The text is known for its esoteric and detailed descriptions of the netherworlds and the consequences of karma.
- Narada Puran: The Narada Purana is named after the sage Narada, a divine messenger and devotee of Vishnu. This Purana is divided into two sections: the Brihat Naradiya Purana and the Laghu Naradiya Purana. It discusses various aspects of religious and social duties, cosmology, and stories of deities. It also emphasizes devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu and provides detailed instructions on rituals and worship.
- Markandeya Puran: The Markandeya Purana is named after the sage Markandeya, who is revered for his long life and devotion. This Purana includes a wide range of topics, such as cosmology, mythology, and the legends of gods like Shiva and Vishnu. It is well-known for the Devi Mahatmya (also known as Durga Saptashati), which extols the goddess Durga and her various forms. The text emphasizes the power of the divine feminine.
- Agni Puran: The Agni Purana is named after Agni, the fire god. It is a comprehensive text that covers a variety of subjects including cosmology, mythology, rituals, and law. The Purana provides details on rituals for worshiping deities, descriptions of sacred places, and rules for conducting sacrifices. It also includes stories about the creation of the world and the genealogies of gods and sages.
- Brahma Puran: The Brahma Purana is traditionally attributed to Brahma, the creator god. It covers a wide range of topics including cosmology, legends, and rituals. It provides narratives about the creation of the world and the genealogies of gods and sages. The text is also known for its detailed descriptions of pilgrimage sites and religious practices.
- Brahmanda Purana: The Brahmanda Purana is named after Brahmanda, the cosmic egg or universe. This Purana is notable for its detailed cosmological descriptions and the accounts of the creation and destruction of the universe. It also includes stories of various deities, saints, and sages, and emphasizes the significance of pilgrimage and religious rituals.
- Vamana Purana: The Vamana Purana is named after Vamana, the dwarf avatar of Vishnu. It deals primarily with the deeds and teachings of Vishnu’s Vamana incarnation. The Purana includes stories of the demon king Bali and his interactions with Vamana, as well as cosmological and mythological narratives. It also covers various rituals and devotional practices.
- Matsya Purana: The Matsya Purana is named after Matsya, the fish avatar of Vishnu. It recounts the story of the great flood and Vishnu’s Matsya avatar, who saved humanity by guiding a ship carrying the Saptarishi (seven sages). The Purana includes discussions on cosmology, mythology, and dharma, and provides detailed descriptions of rituals and religious practices.
- Hari Vamsa Purana: The Hari Vamsa Purana is considered a supplementary text to the Mahabharata and focuses on the genealogy and exploits of Vishnu’s avatars, particularly Krishna. It provides detailed narratives about Krishna’s life, his role in the Mahabharata, and his divine activities. The text emphasizes the devotional aspects of Krishna worship.
- Srimad Bhagavata Purana: The Srimad Bhagavata Purana is one of the most revered Puranas and is known for its devotion to Lord Vishnu, particularly in his Krishna avatar. It includes the detailed life stories of Krishna, the creation of the universe, and the genealogies of various divine beings. The Bhagavata Purana is a central text in the tradition of bhakti (devotion) and has a profound influence on Hindu devotional literature and practices.
- Ashtaakshara Purana: The Ashtaakshara Purana is less well-known compared to the other Puranas and is particularly significant for its focus on the Ashtaakshara mantra (the eight-syllable mantra) of Vishnu, which is considered sacred in Vaishnavism. The text discusses the significance of this mantra and its role in worship and meditation.
These descriptions offer a glimpse into the diverse range of Puranas and their reverence for different deities within Hinduism.
