18 PURAN

Brahma Purana

Focuses on Lord Brahma and includes creation myths, cosmology, and genealogies of gods, sages, and kings.

Padma Purana
Padma Purana

Named after the lotus (Padma), it extols the glory of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, emphasizing pilgrimage sites and rituals.

Vishnu Purana
Vishnu Purana

Details the life and deeds of Lord Vishnu, particularly his incarnations (avatars), and covers cosmology and genealogy.

Shiva Purana
Shiva Purana

Devoted to Lord Shiva, it narrates his myths, teachings, and the importance of worshiping him in various forms.

Narada Purana
Narada Purana

Narrated by Sage Narada, it includes stories about Vishnu and Shiva, philosophical discussions, and moral teachings.

Markandeya Purana
Markandeya Purana

Contains the Devi Mahatmya, glorifying Goddess Durga, along with stories of creation, cosmology, and genealogy.

Agni Purana
Agni Purana

Dedicated to Agni (fire god), it covers rituals, astronomy, astrology, medicine, and various practical aspects of life.

Bhavishya Purana
Bhavishya Purana

Known for its prophecies about the future, it also includes rituals, cosmology, and religious duties

Linga Purana
Linga Purana

Centers on worship of the Linga (symbol of Lord Shiva), detailing rituals, cosmology, and religious significance.

Varaha Purana
Varaha Purana

Focuses on the Varaha (boar) avatar of Vishnu, providing an account of the rescue of the earth from the demon Hiranyaksha and other mythological stories.

Skanda Purana
Skanda Purana

The largest of the Puranas, dedicated to Skanda (Kartikeya), the god of war, it includes a vast array of myths, pilgrimages, and religious practices.

Vamana Purana
Vamana Purana

Details the Vamana (dwarf) avatar of Vishnu and his conquest over the demon king Bali, along with other myths and legends.

Kurma Purana
Kurma Purana

Revolves around the Kurma (tortoise) avatar of Vishnu, containing cosmological and theological narratives, as well as instructions for worship and rituals.

Matsya Purana
Matsya Purana

Narrates the story of Matsya (fish) avatar of Vishnu, who saved the Vedas from a great deluge, along with other mythological stories and religious teachings.

Garuda Purana
Garuda Purana

Named after Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu, it deals with subjects like cosmology, ethics, health, and afterlife, and includes descriptions of heaven and hell.

Brahmanda Purana
Brahmanda Purana

Describes the universe’s creation and structure (Brahmanda means “cosmic egg”), along with various mythological stories and the genealogy of gods and sages.