Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s21.1108

v1.c3.s21.1108

1. Purāṇa, denoting a tale ‘of olden times,’ is often found¹ in the combination Itihāsa-Purāṇa, which is probably a Dvandva compound meaning ‘Itihāsa and Purāṇa.’ It sometimes² occurs as a separate word, but beside Itihāsa, no doubt with the same sense as in the Dvandva. Sāyaṇa³ defines a Purāṇa as a tale which deals with the primitive condition of the universe and the creation of the world, but there is no ground for supposing that this view is correct, or for clearly distinguishing Itihāsa and Purāṇa. See Itihāsa.