Devā Purāṇa

The Devā Purāṇa is one of the eighteen minor Purāṇas, devoted to the worship and mythology of the gods (devas) collectively.

Overview

The text narrates the stories of the gods, their battles with the demons (asuras), and the establishment of cosmic order through divine intervention. It contains approximately 10,000 verses and preserves material on the theology of the devas.

Content and Structure

The Devā Purāṇa describes the creation of the universe, the origin of the gods from various cosmic events, and their ongoing struggle with the forces of chaos. It includes sections on the worship of various deities, the performance of sacrifices, and the benefits of devotion to the gods. The text also contains descriptions of the celestial realms and the divine hierarchy.

Significance

The text is significant for its preservation of early theistic traditions and its contribution to the understanding of the deva-asura (god-demon) duality in Hindu cosmology. It provides important material for the study of Purāṇic mythology.

Verification Notes

• Classified as an Upa-purāṇa (minor Purāṇa); also known as the Deva Bhāgavata.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).