Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa

The Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa is one of the eighteen major Purāṇas, named after the Brahmanda (cosmic egg) from which the universe emerges in Hindu cosmology. It is notable for preserving the Lalitā Sahasranāma (thousand names of the Goddess).

Overview

The text contains approximately 12,000 verses and covers cosmology, mythology, and Shakta theology. It is one of the older Purāṇas in its core content, though the received text includes later additions. The text is particularly important for its preservation of the Lalitā Sahasranāma and its account of the Devī Māhātmya traditions.

Content and Structure

The Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa describes the creation of the cosmic egg (brahmāṇḍa), the origin of the universe, and the activities of the gods. It contains the famous Lalitā Sahasranāma stotra, which is one of the most important hymns in Shakta worship. The text also narrates the Devī’s battles with demons and includes extensive sections on Shakta theology and ritual.

Significance

The text is significant for its preservation of the Lalitā Sahasranāma, which became one of the most widely recited hymns in Hindu worship. It is a primary source for Śākta (Goddess) theology and influenced the development of the Śrī Vidyā tradition.

Verification Notes

• Classified as a Mahāpurāṇa; the received text is a later compilation.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).