Puraan-Introduction-3 Synopsis of 18 Puraan
(7) Maarkandeya Puraan
This contains the teachings of Maarkandeya to Krowshtuki. The most well known
portion of this Puraan is the
Durgaa Sapt Shatee or the Devee Mahaatmya. In addition Manvantar etc, it
deals with the stories of Harishchandra, Kaartaveerya Arjun etc. Karm and its
usefulness and some portions of Yog are also dealt with. In this Puraan, instead
of Shiv and Vishnu, other deities like
Indra, Agni,
Soorya etc are given importance.
(8) Agni Puraan
Agni told this to Vashishth Jee.
It contains the descriptions of Raam and Krishn (Raamaayan and Mahaabhaarat) in addition
to details about the other Avataar of Vishnu. It also gives rules of worship of various
deities, installation of idols in temples, Jyotish, architecture, medicine human
physiology and various other such subjects.
(9) Bhavishya Puraan
Some scholars consider the second part of this Puraan as an independent Puraan
and call it the Bhavishyottar Puraan. Among the several topics dealt within
this Puraan the Shodash Sanskaar, rules for the study of Ved, many kinds of
Vrat and Kaamya Karm, Varnaashram Dharm, worship of Soorya and snakes, creation
of the Earth and the world, etc. There is a description of the good conduct
one must emulate. This Puraan is considered as a pointer and indication of the
future and so, it is called the Bhavishya Puraan.
(10) Brahm Vaivart Puraan
Vivart means appearance, and this term is used in the A-Dwait Vedaant.
This Puraan is also Krishn-centric. It describes Durgaa, Lakshmee,
Saraswatee etc, as evolved from Mool Prakriti as per the desire of Krishn.
Shree Krishn Janma Kaand describes the story of Krishn and Raadhaa. There
are stories of Shanmukh and Ganesh. There are some mundane subjects also
in it, like Aayur Ved, rules for building construction, bathing in Gangaa
and its benefits, greatness of Tulasee, code of conduct for women etc.
(11) Ling Puraan
Since this Puraan belongs to Shiv, the five aspects of Shiv - Sadyojaat,
Vaam Dev, Tatpurush, Aghor and Eeshaan are described. The story of Shiv
appearing as a huge pillar of fire to Vishnu and Brahmaa, stories of
Dadheechi, Vyaas Jee, Nandee, Soorya Vansh and Chandra Vansh kings,
Kaashee etc, are the others. Shiv's 8 forms, Shiv Panchaaksharee Mantra
and the meditation of Shiv after establishing Shiv Ling, the Mrityunjaya
Mantra are the other contents.
(12) Varaah Puraan
This Puraan was told by Vishnu to Bhoo Devee in his Varaah Roop. It provides
details of the theory of Karm, Shraadh, A-Shauch (uncleanliness). An
important portion of this Puraan is the Nachiketopaakhyaan (the main topic of
Kath Upanishad) which deals
with Heaven and Hell.
(13) Skand Puraan
This Puraan was originally taught by Shiv Jee to his consort Paarvatee Jee.
It contains many stories. It gives a detailed description of Bhaarat Varsh of
those days. In addition to the various forms of Shiv Ling and the meditation
thereof, the now famous Satya Naarayan Vrat Kathaa is also described.
(14) Vaaman Puraan
The 17th incarnations of Vishnu -
Vaaman Avataar - is described in detail. In addition to it the other deities
like Shiv, Ganapati and Soorya are also dealt with. The doctrine of Karm is
explained. An important portion of this Puraan is the story of Gajendra Moksh.
(15) Koorm Puraan
This is believed to have been taught by Vishnu in his Koorm Avataar to sage Naarad
Jee. It describes the Chaaturvarn and how the Prakriti evolved as the world. Stories
of Manu, Daksh, Vaaman Avataar, Yadu Vansh, Kaashee and Prayaag etc are given. It also
describes certain Praayashchit and Pralaya also.
(16) Matsya Puraan
This Puraan has been told by Vishnu when he was in His Matsya Avataar. Stories of
Kach and Devayaanee, Yayati and Puru, etc, are described. Various Vrat, Daan (donations),
holy places and rivers are also mentioned. Even mundane subjects like building
construction have also been explained here.
(17) Garud Puraan
We all know that this Puraan is read when some one in the family passes
away. It is said that this Puraan was taught by Vishnu Himself to Garud
Jee. While the first part deals with stories from the two epics -
Mahaabhaarat and Raamaayan - in addition to certain medicines and uses of
precious stones etc, the second part deals with the Pret Kalp - the journey
of a Jeev after death.
It suggests that Moksh or liberation from the cycle of births and deaths
is through devotion to Vishnu only.
(18) Brahmaand Puraan
It deals with creation of Brahmaand (cosmic egg) and description of
Bhaarat Varsh. The other contents are about Shraaddh etc in addition to
stories of Bhageerath, Parashuraam, Dhanvantari etc. A very important
portion of this Puraan is the Lalitopaakhyaan in 40 chapters which
includes the famous Lalitaa Sahastra Naam. The whole Puraan is in four
parts.
Vaayu Puraan
Gayaa, the famous place known for Shraaddh is described in addition to the
details of the Shraaddh ceremonies. The science of musicology is a part of
this Puraan. These are in addition to the other usual descriptions of several
kings and Rishi etc.