Vāyu Mahāpurāna

The Vāyu Purāṇa (वायु पुराण) is one of the 18 Mahāpurāṇas in Hindu literature. It is named after the wind god Vāyu, who plays a role as narrator and intermediary. This Purāṇa is considered among the oldest, with many scholars dating its core to before the Gupta period (3rd–4th century CE).

It shares significant similarities with the Brāhmaṇḍa Purāṇa, and some chapters are nearly identical between the two.

The Vāyu Purāṇa traditionally contains two major parts (khaṇḍas), although in practice it is often presented in a single continuous text:

1. Purvabhāga (chs 1-64) is largely cosmology, geography and early myth;

2. Uttarabhāga (chs 65-112) turns to śrāddha ritual, musicology, and the huge genealogical sections that make the Vāyu one of the key historical Purāṇas.

112 chapters spread across four parts: creation, cosmology/geography, rites/genealogies, and conclusion, including Gayā‑Mahatmya.  (some recensions omit Ch. 104 or parts of Gayā‑Mahatmya)

Total ślokas: ≈11,000 (extant; originally ~24,000)

Main Features:

• The earliest Purāṇa to extensively treat cosmic time cycles.

• Strong emphasis on Śiva worship, though inclusive of Viṣṇu and others.

• Historically important for understanding early Purāṇic cosmology.

• Source of early Hindu kingship models and social structure.

Main Themes and Contents

Cosmology & Time Cycles

• Creation and dissolution of the universe (sṛṣṭi & pralaya)

• Detailed kalpa and yuga cycles

• The role of Vāyu (Wind deity) in the cosmic order

• Description of lokas (worlds), especially Bhūloka, Svarga, and Pātāla

Genealogies & Mythic Histories

• Extensive dynastic lists (solar and lunar dynasties)

• Genealogies of sages, gods, demons, and kings

• Early history of the Viṣṇu, Śiva, and Sūrya cults

• Origins and activities of deities such as Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva, and Skanda

Geography & Cosmography

• Detailed description of the universe's structure

• Bhuvanakośa (cosmic geography)

• Description of Mount Meru, oceans, and continents

• List of tīrthas (sacred places)

Rituals & Duties

• Prescribed rituals for different varṇas and āśramas

• Guidelines for śrāddha, dāna (charity), and vrata

• Worship of deities, especially Śiva, Viṣṇu, and Sūrya

Philosophy & Theology

• Discussion of dharma, karman, mokṣa

• Ideas aligned with Sāṅkhya, Vedānta, and Paśupata traditions

• Important reflections on time, fate, and liberation

Purvabhāga (Chs. 1 – 64)