Puranas

Ashta-Matrika

A Thailand representation of Hindu mythology on cosmos creation

Krishna and the Gopis (herdsmaids)

Devimahatmya Sanskrit MS Nepal 11c

Bharathanatyam By Ranjitha

Puranas are a genre of important Hindu religious texts alongside the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Mahabharata. The word "Purana" in Sanskrit means "ancient" or "old," signifying the texts' focus on ancient history, traditions, and lore. They are written in Sanskrit and have been influential in shaping Hindu religion, culture, and philosophy over the centuries. The Puranas are a vast genre of Hindu literature that encompass a wide range of topics, including cosmology, mythology, genealogies of gods, goddesses, heroes, and mythical creatures, as well as descriptions of Hindu cosmology, philosophy, and geography.

Composition and Classification

The Puranas are traditionally divided into three classes based on the primary deity they worship: the Brahma Puranas, the Vishnu Puranas, and the Shiva Puranas. This division is not strict, as many Puranas contain elements from more than one tradition or sect. There are eighteen Maha (major) Puranas and numerous Upa (minor) Puranas. Among the most well-known Puranas are the Bhagavata Purana, which is devoted to the glory of Lord Vishnu and his avatars such as Krishna; the Shiva Purana, which describes the mythology and the teachings of Lord Shiva; and the Markandeya Purana, which contains the Devi Mahatmya, glorifying the Goddess Durga.

Content and Structure

The Puranas typically follow a five-characteristic structure known as Pancha Lakshana, covering primary topics such as Sarga (creation of the universe), Pratisarga (secondary creations, or re-creations after dissolution), Vamsha (genealogy of gods and sages), Manvantara (the creation and destruction cycles of the world), and Vamshanucharita (legends of the solar and lunar dynasties). However, not all Puranas strictly adhere to this structure, and the content can vary widely between texts.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Puranas play a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of Hindus. They are not only religious texts but also contain historical narratives, descriptions of social and religious customs, laws, and astronomical information. They have been instrumental in spreading the worship of various deities and in the establishment of temples and pilgrimage sites throughout India. The Puranas also serve as an important source for the study of Hindu iconography, rituals, and festivals.

Criticism and Interpretation

The Puranas have been subject to various interpretations and criticisms over the centuries. Scholars debate the dates of composition of the Puranas, suggesting they were composed over a long period, from 400 CE to 1500 CE. Critics argue that the Puranas contain interpolations and revisions that reflect the changing religious and social attitudes over time. Despite these debates, the Puranas remain an integral part of Hindu tradition, revered for their spiritual insights and cultural lore.

Influence

The influence of the Puranas extends beyond Hinduism into other South Asian religions such as Buddhism and Jainism, which have adapted and incorporated Puranic stories and characters into their own texts. The Puranas have also impacted Indian art, music, dance, and theatre, inspiring countless works of literature, sculpture, and painting over the millennia.