Vāsiṣṭha Purāṇa

The Vāsiṣṭha Purāṇa is one of the eighteen minor Purāṇas, attributed to the sage Vasiṣṭha. It is sometimes considered a variant recension of the Vashishtha Purāṇa.

Overview

The text preserves the teachings and legends of the sage Vasiṣṭha, with emphasis on dharma and the path to liberation. It contains approximately 10,000 verses.

Content and Structure

The Vāsiṣṭha Purāṇa narrates the stories of Vasiṣṭha’s wisdom and his role as the family priest of the Solar Dynasty. It includes sections on cosmology, the nature of Brahman, and the performance of Vedic rituals. The text also contains descriptions of sacred rivers and pilgrimage sites, particularly those associated with Vasiṣṭha.

Significance

The text is significant for its preservation of the Vasiṣṭha tradition and its contribution to the understanding of Vedic priestly traditions. It preserves material that complements the Vasiṣṭha Smṛti and other texts attributed to this sage.

Verification Notes

• Classified as an Upa-purāṇa (minor Purāṇa); closely related to the Vashishtha Purāṇa.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).