Padma Purāṇa

The Padma Purāṇa is one of the eighteen major Purāṇas, traditionally attributed to Vyāsa. It takes its name from the lotus (padma) that emerged from Vishnu’s navel, and it contains extensive material on Vaiṣṇava theology, cosmology, and pilgrimage.

Overview

The received text is voluminous, running to approximately 55,000 verses across seven books (khaṇḍas). Despite its massive size, much of the Padma Purāṇa may be later than the core Purāṇic strata, with significant portions dating to the medieval period. The text is a primary source for Vaiṣṇava theology and temple traditions.

Content and Structure

The seven khaṇḍas are: Sṛṣṭi (creation), Bhūmi (geography), Svarga (heaven), Pātāla (the netherworld), Brahma (cosmology), Kriyāyogasāra (rites and devotion), and Uttara (pilgrimage and eschatology). The text describes the creation of the universe, the avatāras of Vishnu, the glory of various tīrthas (pilgrimage sites), and the path to liberation through devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu.

Significance

The Padma Purāṇa is a major source for Vaiṣṇava bhakti traditions and has been commentated upon by leading Vaiṣṇava theologians. Its description of pilgrimage sites, particularly those in South India, has shaped Hindu sacred geography for centuries.

Verification Notes

• Classified as a Mahāpurāṇa; the received text is one of the longest of the eighteen major Purāṇas.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).