Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 10
Paramparā of the Atharva Veda and Purāṇas; Definition of a Purāṇa
Daśa-lakṣaṇam
सर्गोऽस्याथ विसर्गश्च वृत्तिरक्षान्तराणि च । वंशो वंशानुचरितं संस्था हेतुरपाश्रय: ॥ ९ ॥ दशभिर्लक्षणैर्युक्तं पुराणं तद्विदो विदु: । केचित् पञ्चविधं ब्रह्मन् महदल्पव्यवस्थया ॥ १० ॥
sargo ’syātha visargaś ca vṛtti-rakṣāntarāṇi ca vaṁśo vaṁśānucaritaṁ saṁsthā hetur apāśrayaḥ
O brāhmaṇa, authorities on the matter understand a Purāṇa to contain ten characteristic topics: the creation of this universe, the subsequent creation of worlds and beings, the maintenance of all living beings, their sustenance, the rule of various Manus, the dynasties of great kings, the activities of such kings, annihilation, motivation and the supreme shelter. Other scholars state that the great Purāṇas deal with these ten topics, while lesser Purāṇas may deal with five.
The ten subjects of a great Purāṇa are also described in the Second Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.10.1) :
FAQs
It lists core Purāṇic subjects such as creation (sarga, visarga), cosmic maintenance, manvantaras, dynasties and their histories, dissolution, the ultimate cause, and the supreme shelter (apāśraya), understood as Bhagavān.
He was clarifying how the Bhāgavatam is structured and what a true Purāṇa contains, so Parīkṣit could grasp the scripture’s scope while preparing for death through hearing Hari-kathā.
Take refuge in the Lord through hearing, chanting, and remembering Him; let spiritual shelter guide priorities, reduce fear, and give meaning beyond temporary worldly changes.