Search Indian Maps, Pincodes, Local Info and more...
Puranas
Ancient Hindu text - Puranas is one of the most important religious scriptures in the Hindu religion which explain this religion and faith in the context of mankind. This sacred book mainly concentrates on the philosophy of explaining multiple aspects associating the numerous Hindu deities. This ancient text eulogizes the Hindu Gods and Goddesses to help the believers have thorough understanding of the religion. In fact, this text has complete detail about the divine Trimurti God concept which describes the divine story of Gods and universe.
Puranas are popular texts and so, they are respected by the believers of Hinduism due to this text describing several elements linked with Hindu cosmology especially geography and philosophy behind the creation of the universe and mankind to be well understood in the prism of Hindu religion.
Origin
There is no information about origin date of Puranas but it is assumed that the oral form of this sacred text existed centuries ago. It had modifications over the period. As Brihadaranyaka Upanishad provides detailed information about Puranas, it is often referred as the 5th Veda due to nature of explaining constant reflection of early religious concepts and facts associated with this religion. Some scholars claim that Puranas had originated while Vedas came. This sacred text got classified over the ages and so does Mahapuranas exist. In general, Purāṇas are thorough explanations of Vedas as texts meant to guide entire mankind.
Puranas exist since ancient period as sacred texts had been compiled in the early centuries itself. This sacred text explains several exclusive aspects about humanity, existence of Gods/Goddesses and living concepts in entirely narrative manner. The narrative history explained by this sacred text includes philosophical observation of a concept of the creation of universe and so does this text raise several questions including why it would be destructed. Thorough description about the ancient royal lineages of Gods and Goddesses, sages and others especially demigods are well explained by this sacred text.
Classification of Puranas can also be observed in the context of divinity elements and factors which are showcased through Trimurti - Trinity or three divine aspects. As classification of Padma Purana indicates it is an exemplary guidance about three qualities described in Sanskrit as Sattva, Rajas and Tamas defined as truth and purity, dimness and passion and darkness and ignorance respectively.
Reciting Forms
Presence of Puranas simply defines the specific deities praised in certain contexts of Hindu religion or philosophy. Puranas are written in a story form with connection of one God/Goddess with the other so it hardly has any lyrical element. Recitation is usual one as if a story is explained. It is undoubting that Puranas are recited in a particular manner so devotional elements don't die down from the stories narrated.
As explained in the form of Kathas (stories) Puranas are very much true guidance for the followers of Hinduism. This ancient text has already been translated in many vernacular languages to ensure its message could be popularized amongst each and every community and cultures without losing ascent of a sacred text of Hinduism.
Other Religions Popularity
Although Puranas predominantly explain Hindu lifestyle but impact of this sacred text is also felt in other religions that somehow or the other have too many causal relationships with Hindu religious philosophy. This text sums up different types of descriptions about Hindu deities that have similar values in other religions such as Jainism and Buddhism religions. Puranas must be assessed in that context with the thorough details about Gods and Goddesses and their explanations.