[Solved] Pancha Lakshana: Five Characteristics of Puranas

Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and Vanshanucharita are the indicators of-

[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Puranas are encyclopedic religious texts that must satisfy five thematic requirements known as 'Pancha Lakshana' to be categorized as a Mahapurana.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Matsya Purana specifies these five: 1. Sarga (Creation), 2. Pratisarga (Dissolution/Renewal), 3. Vansa (Genealogy), 4. Manvantara (Cosmic cycles), and 5. Vanshanucharita (Royal dynasties).

Analytical Breakdown

Option B is Correct: These five indicators define the structure and content of the Puranic genre.

Logic: Sarga/Pratisarga handle cosmology; Vansa/Vanshanucharita handle history/genealogy; Manvantara handles sacred time.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What does 'Manvantara' represent in Puranic time?"

It represents a vast period of time presided over by a specific patriarch (Manu).

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Puranas were instrumental in integrating diverse tribal and local traditions into the broader Brahmanical fold through these shared structures."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Genealogy 2

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