Hindu Holy Scriptures: The Puranas

By Victor M Fontane

The Puranas are a vast genre of Hindu and Jain religious texts, primarily written in Sanskrit, that cover a wide range of topics including cosmology, mythology, genealogy, and religious practices. They are considered important scriptures, especially for those not eligible to study the Vedas directly. The Puranas aim to explain Vedic teachings through stories, myths, and legends, making them accessible to a wider audience. 

Here's a more detailed look at the Puranas: 

Key Characteristics: 

Diverse Content: The Puranas delve into various aspects of Hindu cosmology, including the creation, destruction, and recreation of the universe, the genealogies of gods and sages, and the reigns of Manus (legendary progenitors of humanity). 

Mythological Narratives: They are filled with stories about gods, goddesses, demons, and heroes, often involving symbolic representations and allegorical interpretations. 

Religious and Ethical Guidance: The Puranas provide insights into religious practices like yoga, puja, prayers, and sacrifices, as well as everyday customs and moral obligations (dharma). 

Historical and Social Context: They offer glimpses into the social, political, and cultural life of ancient India, including descriptions of various dynasties and historical events. 

Popularization of Vedic Teachings: The Puranas are seen as a way to make the complex philosophical and religious concepts of the Vedas accessible to the masses, often through engaging stories and narratives. 

18 Major Puranas (Mahapuranas): There are 18 major Puranas, each focusing on different deities or themes, such as Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Devi, and others. 

Importance of Bhakti: Many Puranas emphasize the path of Bhakti (devotion) to a particular deity as a means of spiritual liberation. 

In Essence: The Puranas are a rich source of Hindu mythology, philosophy, and religious practices. They serve as a bridge between the abstract concepts of the Vedas and the everyday lives of people, offering guidance on ethical conduct, devotion, and the cyclical nature of existence.

 The Puranas are a group of sacred Hindu literature, supposedly written by the Hindu sage Vyasa from about the fourth century BCE to the eleventh century CE. They generally contain myths and genealogies. There are five signs, or standards, that should be in all the Puranas.