Tradition holds eighteen Mahāpurāṇas (“Great Puranas”) and an equal number of Upapurāṇas (“Minor Puranas”). Together, they weave a rich tapestry of myth, ritual, cosmology and ethical guidance.

1. Mahāpurāṇas (18)
   • Each is linked to one of the cosmic powers—Brahmā, Viṣṇu or Śiva—and also mapped to a dominant guṇa (quality): Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity) or Tamas (inertia).

   • Sattva (6): Padma, Vāmana, Varāha, Bhāgavata, Brahmā-vaivarta, Viṣṇu
   • Rajas (6): Brahma, Nāradīya, Agni, Linga, Kūrma, Garuḍa
   • Tamas (6): Śiva, Mātaṅga (Markaṇḍeya), Bhaviṣya, Skanda, Mātsa (Matsya), Brahmaṇḍa
     • Major themes range from creation myths in the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa to the lush devotional poetry of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa or the elaborate pilgrimage legends of the Skanda Purāṇa.

2. Upapurāṇas (18)
   • Less encyclopedic, often more sectarian or regional in flavor.
   • Some well-known examples:
   – Sītā Purāṇa (focus on Rāma and Sītā)
   – Nārasiṃha Purāṇa (Viṣṇu’s man-lion avatar)
   – Parameśvara Purāṇa (Śaiva lore)
   – Bhargava Purāṇa (Brahminical rites)
   • Unlike their “major” cousins, Upapurāṇas seldom follow a uniform guṇa-deity schema. They spring up around local cults, temple histories, or specific philosophical schools.

Categorization at a glance
• By Deity: Brahma-, Viṣṇu-, Śiva-focused texts
• By Guna: Sattva (knowledge/devotion), Rajas (ritual/action), Tamas (renunciation/mystery)
• By Scope: Mahā (universal sweep) vs. Upa (regional or sectarian emphasis)

Today, many scholars and devotees still turn to these Puranas for everything from daily puja practices to grand cosmological visions. With a nod to their 1,000-plus year legacy and a wink at modern digital archives making them ever more accessible, the Puranas remain a living bridge between ancient storytelling and contemporary spiritual life.