Purana
(पुराण)Literal Meaning
That which is ancient
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
Sanskrit 'purana' (ancient, old); a genre of eighteen major texts blending cosmology, genealogy of gods and kings, and devotional narrative, traditionally covering five subjects — creation, dissolution, dynasties, cosmic ages, and lineages.
Spiritual Insight & Context
Puranas democratized Hindu philosophy — where Vedic Sanskrit was reserved for the learned, Puranic stories carried the same truths to ordinary people through memorable narrative.