A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.2118

c5.2118

Wilson, the translator of this Purāṇa, says, “Of the whole series of Purāṇas the Vishnu most closely corresponds to the definition of a Pancha-lakshana Purāṇa, or one which treats of five specified topics (Primary Creation, Secondary Creation, Genealogies of Gods and Patriarchs, Reigns of the Manus, History). It comprehends them all; and although it has infused a portion of extraneous and sectarial matter, it has done so with sobriety and judgment, and has not suffered the fervour of its religious zeal to transport it to very wide deviations from the prescribed path. The legendary tales which it has inserted are few, and are conveniently arranged, so that they do not distract the attention of the compiler from objects of more permanent interest and importance.” The whole work has been translated with numerous elucidatory notes by Wilson, and a second edition has been published with additional valuable notes by Dr. F. Hall.