Devotional in spirit and encyclopedic in scope, the Vishnu Purana unfolds across six “amshas” or books, weaving together creation, genealogy, mythology, geography and history into a single tapestry honoring Lord Vishnu. In total, it comprises 126 chapters (adhyayas), each tackling a distinct theme:

Book I (chapters 1–26)
• Origins of the universe, the cosmic egg and the interplay of the three guṇas
• Genealogies of gods, sages and the early Manus

Book II (27–42)
• Tales of Pralaya (dissolution) and re-creation
• Lineages of solar and lunar dynasties, with cameo roles for Daksha and the Prajapatis

Book III (43–77)
• Legends of Krishna’s youth, descriptions of Vraja and Mathura
• Teachings on dharma, the duties of kings and householders

Book IV (78–90)
• Dynastic histories—Ikshvaku to Mandhata
• Philosophical dialogues on Vaishnava devotion and the nature of reality

Book V (91–110)
• World geography, sacred rivers, mountains and the temple towns
• Pilgrimage circuits, with Valabhi and the modern Tirupati making cameo appearances in recent festival guides

Book VI (111–126)
• Rulers of the Kali Yuga, the rise and fall of empires, and prophecies for the age to come

A fresh English translation released in late 2023 has rekindled interest in this classic, with scholars at the recent Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival in Tirumala highlighting chapters from Books I and V as “must-hear” readings. Structured yet spirited, the Vishnu Purana remains a cornerstone of Vaishnavism, its 126 adhyayas standing as milestones on the path of bhakti.