Mahapurana #3 of 18 · sattvic · Vishnu
विष्णु पुराण
Vishnu Purana
Viṣṇu Purāṇa
Verses: 23,000 · Best known for: Vishnu-mahima + dynastic chronology
Central theme
The classical "puranic" template: creation, dissolution, dynasties, conduct, liberation — all centered on Vishnu
Summary
Considered the most systematic Mahapurana. Six amshas cover the five canonical lakshanas of a Purana with great precision. Includes the famous "smartah parihriyate" verse on the power of remembering Vishnu.
Notable stories + sections
- ●Dhruva’s tapasya
- ●Prahlada-Hiranyakashipu
- ●Krishna’s childhood (kept brief; Bhagavata expanded it)
- ●Genealogies of solar + lunar dynasties
Why read it
Cleanest, most architecturally complete Mahapurana — the model for the genre.