Question

Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and Vanshanucharita are the indicators of
1. Vedas
2. Puranas
3. Upnishads
4. Sutras

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Puranas

The correct answer is Puranas.

• The Puranas are mainly known for the intricate layers of symbolism depicted within their stories.
• These are mainly composed primarily in Sanskrit, but also in Tamil and other Indian languages.
• Several Puranas are named after major Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and Shakti.
• The Puranic genre of literature is found in both Jainism and Hinduism.

• Matsya Purana, list "5 characteristics" or "five signs" of a Purana.
• These are called the Pancha Lakshana and are topics covered by a Purana were following:-
  • Sarga:- The creation of the world or Cosmogony
  • Pratisarga:- Cosmogony and cosmology
  • Vamsa:- Genealogy of the sages, gods, and kings
  • Manvantara:- Cosmic cycles, history of the world during the time of one patriarch
  • Vamsanucaritam:- Account of royal dynasties dynasty, including the Chandravamshi and Suryavamshi kings
• Sutras are ancient and medieval Indian texts found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
• Veda means Knowledge.
• Vedic literature can be classified into two broad categories:-
  • Shruti:- 'Shruti' means listening, ones that were transmitted orally through generations.
    • They are considered sacred, eternal, and unquestionable truth.
    • The Shrutis comprise of:-
      • The Samhita:- Actual Veda given to rishi by the god.
      • The Brahmanas:- Explanatory textbooks to original Veda.
      • The Aranyakas:- Concluding or last portion of Veda.
      • The Upanishads:- Moral teaching based on Veda.
  • Smriti:- Smriti means definite and written literature.
    • A body of texts containing teachings on religion such as Ithihasas, Puranas, Tantras, and Agamas.
    • Smritis are not eternal. They are constantly revised.