The Puranas are a vast collection of ancient texts that preserve mythology, cosmology, genealogy, and moral teaching. Tradition counts 18 Maha Puranas (great Puranas).
What They Contain
Each Purana typically covers five themes: the creation of the universe, its dissolution and recreation, the genealogies of gods and sages, the ages of the world (manvantaras), and the histories of dynasties.
The Three Groups
The 18 are often grouped by the deity they emphasise: the Vishnu Puranas (such as the Bhagavata and Vishnu Purana), the Shiva Puranas (such as the Shiva and Linga Purana), and the Brahma Puranas (such as the Brahma and Markandeya Purana).
Why They Matter
Where the Vedas can be abstract, the Puranas teach through story. Their parables of devotion, duty, and consequence made profound ideas accessible to everyone, regardless of learning. The Bhagavata Purana, with its tales of Krishna, remains among the most loved.
You need not read all 18 to benefit — begin with a single story that speaks to you and let it unfold.