Purāṇa
पुराणनपुंसकलिङ्ग (neutro) · पुरा (purā — antigo) + न प्रत्यय
purāṇa
Texts and Scriptures
AI translationTraditional narrative; text that transmits teaching through story
Purāṇas are narrative texts that transmit the knowledge of the Vedas in accessible form, through cosmogonic stories, genealogies, ethical teachings, instructive myths. There are 18 mahā-purāṇas and 18 upa-purāṇas. They complement śruti and smṛti, being classified as smṛti. In Vedānta, they are cited by Śaṅkara when they reinforce the teaching of the Upaniṣads, never as independent authority against śruti.
Using this in academic work? Get formal citation
Vishva Vidya (2026). Purāṇa (पुराण). Vishva Vidya — Vedanta. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/purana
Vishva Vidya. "Purāṇa (पुराण)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026, https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/purana.
Vishva Vidya. "Purāṇa (पुराण)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/purana.
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