Studies in the Epics and Puranas c8.112

c8.112

The preceding extracts from the Viṣṇu and other Purāṇas give some idea of the heterogeneous character of the cosmogonic theory which generally prevailed in the succeeding epochs. Mythological and theosophic notions of the Vedic period have been combined with later notions such as the genealogical legends, the evolutionary theory of Sāṅkhya, and the Kalpa theory, in order to show a harmonized scheme. In effect, however, the scheme leaves the impression of disparate parts, ill-combined or only formally united.