Introduction

The Puranas are a genre of ancient Indian literature that consist of mythological narratives, historical legends, cosmology, philosophy, and religious instructions. These texts are considered a significant part of Hindu scripture and are written in Sanskrit. The term "Purana" means "ancient" or "old," and the Puranas aim to preserve and transmit traditional knowledge. There are 18 major Puranas and 18 minor Puranas.

Contents

The following are some tales from the Puranas, in no particular order.

1. Jaya and Vijaya are Cursed by the Kumaras (Bhagavata Purana)

2. Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada, and Narasimha (Bhagavata Purana)

3. Samudra Manthana (Vishnu Puran, Bhagavata Purana)

4. The Birth of the Mighty Asura Jalandhara (Shiva Purana)

5. The Births of Lord Krishna and Balarama (Bhagavata Purana)

6. Krishna and Sudama (Bhagavata Purana)

7. The Story of Krishna's Son Pradyumna (Bhagavata Purana)

8. How Ganesha Got an Elephant's Head (Shiva Purana, Varaha Purana)

9. The Clash of Parashurama and Ganesha (Shiva Purana)

10. Goddess Durga and Mahishasura (Markandeya Purana)

11. Kali: The Bloodthirsty Goddess (Markandeya Purana, Kalika Purana)

12. Mohini and Bhasmasura (Shiva Puran, Vishnu Puran)

13. Vamana's Three Steps (Bhagavata Puran, Vishnu Purana)

14. King Harishchandra is Put to the Test (Markandeya Purana)