The Eighteen Maha Puranas

Vamana Purana

Named after the dwarf avatar of Lord Vishnu, this Purana focuses on the story of Vamana and King Bali. It contains teachings on dharma, rituals, and moral principles. The text emphasizes Vishnu worship and includes geographical descriptions of holy places.

Agni Purana

This Purana is named after the fire god Agni. It covers diverse subjects including cosmology, mythology, medicine, grammar, and martial arts. It’s known for its encyclopedic nature and practical knowledge alongside spiritual teachings.

Bhagavata Purana

One of the most celebrated Puranas, it focuses on Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, especially Krishna. The text contains profound philosophical teachings and devotional stories. Its tenth book describes Krishna’s childhood exploits in detail.

Bhavishya Purana

Known as the “Purana of the Future,” this text contains prophecies and predictions. It includes sections on cosmology, mythology, and religious practices. The text is notable for its mention of various historical figures and events.

Brahmanda Purana

This Purana deals extensively with cosmology (“Brahma’s cosmic egg”). It contains the famous Lalita Sahasranama and details about the goddess Lalita. The text also describes various worlds and the genealogy of kings.

Brahmavaivarta Purana

This text focuses on Krishna and Radha as the supreme deities. It describes the creation of the universe through Krishna’s divine play. The Purana is known for its emphasis on bhakti (devotion) and its poetic descriptions of divine love.

Garuda Purana

Named after Vishnu’s mount, this Purana contains detailed descriptions of the afterlife, heaven and hell. It includes sections on medicine, gemology, and religious rituals. The text is often recited during funeral ceremonies.

Kurma Purana

This text is named after Vishnu’s tortoise avatar. It contains the dialogue between Krishna and the sage Narada. The Purana includes teachings on yoga, dharma, and the importance of pilgrimage sites.

Linga Purana

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this text explains the significance of the linga as a symbol of cosmic power. It contains creation theories, Shiva’s manifestations, and details about rituals and festivals associated with Shaivism.

Markandeya Purana

Dedicated to sage Markandeya, this Purana discusses creation, destruction, yoga, and includes the powerful Devi Mahatmya describing Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil.

Matsya Purana

Features the Matsya Avatar of Lord Vishnu, along with insights into cosmology, temple architecture, duties of kings, and preservation of knowledge during the cosmic flood.

Narada Purana

Associated with sage Narada, this text emphasizes devotion (bhakti), the power of chanting divine names, and moral principles rooted in Sanatana Dharma.

Padma Purana

Elaborates on the glory of Vishnu, pilgrimage sites, rituals, and spiritual practices. It encourages living a virtuous life rooted in devotion and Dharma.

Shiva Purana

This Purana explores the cosmic role and teachings of Lord Shiva, detailing his various forms, legends, and methods of worship in Shaivism tradition.

Skanda Purana

The largest of the Puranas, this text is dedicated to Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) and includes rich details on pilgrimage, Dharma, and stories of holy places across India.

Varaha Purana

Named after Lord Varaha, this Purana describes his divine rescue of Earth and contains spiritual teachings, cosmology, and deep insights into Vishnu’s third avatar.

Vayu Purana

One of the oldest Puranas, it focuses on cosmology, genealogies, geography, and mythology, offering a deep understanding of Vedic knowledge and cosmic evolution.

Vishnu Purana

A major text dedicated to Lord Vishnu, detailing his avatars, the creation and destruction of the universe, Dharma, and spiritual practices rooted in Vaishnavism.