A History of Sanskrit Literature c13.s1.7

c13.s1.7

The extensive *Padma Purāṇa*, which contains a great many stories agreeing with those of the *Mahābhārata*, is, on the other hand, strongly Vishnuite in tone. Yet this, as well as the *Mārkaṇḍeya*, expressly states the doctrine of the *Tri-mūrti* or Trinity, that Brahmā, Vishṇu, and Çiva are only one being. This doctrine, already to be found in the *Harivamça*, is not so prominent in post-Vedic literature as is commonly supposed. It is interesting to note that the story of Rāma, as told in the *Padma Purāṇa*, follows not only the *Rāmāyaṇa* but also Kālidāsa's account in the *Raghuvamça*, with which it often agrees literally. Again, the story of Çakuntalā is related, not in accordance with the *Mahābhārata*, but with Kālidāsa's drama.