Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s3.t12.1

v2.c10.s3.t12.1

Puranas refer to ancient Hindu texts that narrate the history of the universe and appeared after the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads and the two Hindu epics. They are also known as *Pancalaksaṇa*, referring to five subjects recorded in these books: 1. The creation of the universe; 2. Recreations after the destruction of the universe; 3. Genealogy of the gods and sages;