A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c3.10

c3.10

When we reach the Purānas there is found a very different condition of things. The true meaning of the Vedic myths is entirely lost, their origin is forgotten, and the signification and composition of many of the mythic names are unknown. Marvellous legends have gathered round the favourite divinities, and many more have been built upon fanciful etymologies of the old names. The simple primitive fancies suggested by the operations of nature have disappeared, and have been supplanted by the wild imaginings of a more advanced civilisation, but of a more corrupt state of society and religion. The Tri-mūrti or triad of deities has assumed a distinct shape, and while Brahmā has quite fallen into obscurity, Vishnu and Siva have each become supreme in the belief of their respective followers. Vishnu, in his youthful form Krishna, is the object of a sensuous and joyous worship. The gloomy and disgusting worship of Siva, in his terrible forms, has grown side by side with it. The worship of his fierce consort, Devī, has become established, and the foundation has been laid of the obscene and bloody rites afterwards developed in the Tantras.