Puranas are a collection of ancient Hindu texts that contain stories and myths about various Deities, Sages, and Heroes. They are considered a part of the Smriti (memory) texts, which are secondary scriptures in Hinduism. The Puranas are believed to have been compiled between the 3rd and 10th centuries CE, and there are 18 main Puranas and several subsidiary Puranas.
The Puranas are written in Sanskrit and are divided into three categories: Sthala Puranas, which focus on the legends of a specific region or place; Kula Puranas, which deal with the myths and genealogies of specific families or lineages; and Mahapuranas, which are the most significant and cover a wide range of topics, including cosmology, mythology, genealogy, and philosophy.
The Puranas are an important source of knowledge about Hindu mythology and philosophy. They contain stories of creation, gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, and other mythical characters. They also provide guidance on Dharma (righteousness), Karma (action), and Moksha (liberation). The Puranas are also a rich source of information on ancient Indian culture, society, and history.
Despite being considered “mythological” in nature, the Puranas are still highly regarded in Hinduism and are often used as a source of inspiration for art, music, and literature. They are also an important part of Hindu festivals and rituals.
