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Padma Purana

AI-drafted · awaiting admin review

A large Vaishnava Purana named after the lotus (padma) from which Brahma was born, with sections on creation, pilgrimage and devotion.

Key facts
TraditionHindu (mainly Vaishnava)
TypePurana
LanguageSanskrit
PeriodComposed in layers over many centuries (scholarly estimate)
Composed or compiled byTraditionally attributed to Vyasa

What it contains

  • Sections (khandas) on creation (Srishti), the earth (Bhumi), heaven (Svarga), the underworld (Patala) and a later section (Uttara); recensions differ.
  • Stories of Rama and of Vishnu's devotees.
  • Praise of holy places and vows such as Ekadashi.
  • A Gita Mahatmya praising each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.

Significance

It is widely used in Vaishnava worship, vows and pilgrimage traditions.