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M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018

Puranic Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

With which religion is Kalika Purana associated?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Puranic tradition is split into major (Mahapuranas) and minor (Upapuranas) texts, each serving as the primary scripture for different sects like Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism.

Explanation The Kalika Purana (or Kali Purana) is one of the eighteen minor Puranas. It is a central text of the Shaktism tradition, focusing on the worship of the Goddess (Shakti/Devi).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The text is particularly associated with the Kamarupa (Assam) region and centers on the myth of Sati and the Kamakhya Temple.
Logic 2: It describes rituals, mantras, and the origin of several forms of the Goddess, making it a foundational text for the Shakta cult in Northeast India.

Active Recall

Question

What is the primary geographical focus of the Kalika Purana?

Answer

It centers on Northeast India, particularly the ancient region of Kamarupa (modern Assam), and the worship of Mother Goddess Kamakhya.

Core Insight

The Kalika Purana helped codify local tribal and regional goddess worship into the broader Brahmanical Puranic framework.

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