A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1969

c5.1969

VĀMANA PURĀNA. “That in which the four-faced Brahmā taught the three objects of existence, as subservient to the greatness of Tri-vikrama (Vishnu), which treats also of the Siva kalpa, and which consists of 10,000 stanzas, is called the Vāmana Purāna.” It contains an account of the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu, and “extends to about 7000 stanzas, but its contents scarcely establish its claim to the character of a Purāna.” “It is of a more tolerant character than the (other) Purānas, and divides its homage impartially between Siva and Vishnu with tolerable impartiality. It has not the air of any antiquity, and its compilation may have amused the leisure of some Brāhman of Benares three or four centuries ago.”—Wilson.