The 18 Maha Puranas – Complete Guide to Hindu Sacred Literature

 

What are Puranas?

• Meaning: Purana = “old, ancient.”
• Nature: Vast Sanskrit literature of legends, cosmology, genealogy, ethics, and devotion.
• Purpose: To make the essence of the Vedas accessible to common people.
• Authority: Alongside Ithihasas (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Puranas are considered Smritis (remembered texts) compiled by Rishis.
• Compiler: Sage Vyasa, regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Classification

• Sattvika Puranas (Truth, Vishnu-oriented): Vishnu, Bhagavata, Naradiya, Garuda, Padma, Varaha.
• Rajasa Puranas (Passion, Brahma-oriented): Brahma, Brahmanda, Brahma Vaivartha, Markandeya, Vamana, Vayu.
• Tamasa Puranas (Ignorance, Shiva-oriented): Shiva, Linga, Matsya, Kurma, Skanda, Agni.

Brief Overview of Each Purana

Purana	Focus	Highlights
Agni	Fire God	Dasavataram, Mahabharata, Harivamsa, cosmology
Bhagavata	Lord Krishna	Sacred deeds of Krishna, Vishnu’s incarnations
Brahma	Creation	Mythology, temple art, Vishnu & Shiva references
Brahmanda	Cosmic Egg	Genealogy, Dharma, Lalitha Sahasranamam
Brahma Vaivartha	Krishna & Radha	Feminine divinity, Radha’s glorification
Garuda	Vishnu	Karma, rebirth, heaven/hell, ancestral rites
Kurma	Vishnu (Tortoise)	Churning of ocean, Shiva & Shakti references
Linga	Shaivism	Iconography of Shiva, temple consecration
Markandeya	Sage Markandeya	Devi Mahatmya, Goddess worship
Matsya	Vishnu (Fish)	Great Flood, Manu, preservation of Vedas
Naradiya	Sage Narada	Vishnu worship, temple travel guides
Padma	Divine Lotus	Vishnu glorification, cosmology, ethics
Shiva	Lord Shiva	Cosmology, Bhakti cult, pilgrimage centres
Skanda	Lord Skanda	Largest Purana, Tirumala Mahatmyam, Puri Mahatmyam
Vamana	Vishnu (Dwarf)	Universe measured, cosmology, mythology
Varaha	Vishnu (Boar)	Earth rescue, Saranagati doctrine
Vayu	Wind God	Genealogy, dynasties, celestial movements
Vishnu	Lord Vishnu	Incarnations, ethics, quoted by Acharyas

Importance

• Cosmology & Mythology: Explains creation, cycles of time, divine incarnations.
• Genealogy: Lineages of gods, kings, dynasties.
• Ethics & Dharma: Duties, morals, spiritual practices.
• Pilgrimage Guides: Route maps to holy places (e.g., Tirumala in Skanda Purana).
• Devotion: Bhakti literature inspiring worship and surrender.