PURANA: THE OLDEST SACRED BOOK OF HINDUISM

Abstract

This article throws light on the fact that Hinduism is one of the oldest religions of the world. Being one of the oldest, it has the oldest religious literature. Purana is the oldest sacred book surpassing Vedas as well. This article provides detailed information about the meaning, compilation history and contents of Puranas with strong references. It has been stated that Puranas are 18 in number containing 800000 couplets. The word ‘Purana’ means first or eternal. Some orthodox Hindus regard these texts as of divine origin. As far as the compilation history of Puranas is concerned, it is dated in 1300 B.C to 1500 A.D. The evolution of the universe, the recreation of universe at the close of each aeon, the genealogies of gods and goddesses, the groups of great ages and rebirth of mankind, and history of the royal families who rule over the earth during the four ages are the contents discussed in Puranas.