For any work to qualify as a purāṇa, it must comprise at least five of the following ten qualities.
- Sarga: Description of the process of creation outside the Brahmāṇḍa
- Visarga: Description of creation within the Brahmāṇḍa
- Sthāna: Subjugation of evil forces by the Lord and His triumph over them
- Pōṣaṇa: Lord’s protection and grace upon His devotees
- Manvantara: Teachings of dharma (righteousness)
- Ūti: Account of the beginningless karma and former impressions of souls that lead to their various births
- Īśakathā: Stories of the incarnations of the Lord and His devotees
- Nirōdha: Description of the annihilation of the universe
- Mukti: Description of the soul’s liberation and experience of its intrinsic bliss
- Āśraya: Narration about Lord Shri Hari who is causative and refuge for all
Śrīmad Bhāgavata is considered as Mahāpurāṇa as it has all these ten qualities.
Compiled by : Akshara
