Skanda Purana
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
The largest Purana, named after Skanda (Kartikeya). It is a vast guide to India's holy places, from Kashi and Ujjain to Puri and Rameswaram.
| Tradition | Hindu (mainly Shaiva) |
|---|---|
| Type | Purana |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Period | Composed in layers over many centuries; the oldest core may be c. 6th–8th century CE (scholarly estimate) |
| Composed or compiled by | Traditionally attributed to Vyasa |
What it contains
- Divided into khandas such as Maheshvara, Vaishnava, Brahma, Kashi, Avantya, Nagara and Prabhasa; recensions differ.
- The Kashi Khanda on the holiness of Varanasi.
- Mahatmyas (praises) of hundreds of temples, rivers and pilgrimage places.
- The Satyanarayana katha is traditionally said to come from its Reva Khanda.
Significance
It is the key text for the sacred geography of India and the traditions of many temples.