Purāṇas

The Purāṇas are a vast genre of Hindu texts dealing with legends, mythology, cosmology, genealogies, and religious practices. There are traditionally 18 Mahapurāṇas (major) and 18 Upapurāṇas (minor), with over 400,000 verses. They are traditionally attributed to Vyāsa, though many scholars consider them the work of many authors over the centuries.

Content

Each Purāṇa typically covers five topics: creation, destruction and re-creation of the universe, genealogy of gods and sages, cosmic cycles, and legendary histories of dynasties.

Significance

They are central to devotional (bhakti) Hinduism and provide the narrative and ritual foundation for the worship of Viṣṇu, Śiva, Devī, and other deities.

Verification

Composed over many centuries; dating is complex. Manuscript and oral transmission traditions are extensive and well-documented.

• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).