Parāśara Purāṇa

The Parāśara Purāṇa is one of the eighteen minor Purāṇas, attributed to the sage Parāśara, the father of Vyāsa and a great Vedic sage.

Overview

The text preserves the teachings and legends of Parāśara, covering topics of dharma, cosmology, and the path to liberation through the worship of Vishnu. It contains approximately 12,000 verses.

Content and Structure

The Parāśara Purāṇa narrates the life and teachings of Parāśara, including his performance of the Putrakāmeṣṭi sacrifice and the birth of Vyāsa. It contains sections on the duties of the four varṇas (social orders), the performance of rituals, and the description of sacred sites. The text also includes hymns in praise of Vishnu and instructions for his worship.

Significance

The text is significant for its preservation of the Parāśara tradition, which is important for Vedic scholarship. The sage Parāśara is associated with the Parāśara Smṛti (law code), and this Purāṇa complements that text with additional teachings on dharma.

Verification Notes

• Classified as an Upa-purāṇa (minor Purāṇa).
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).