Previous Year Question

Traditionally, Sarga, Pratisarga, Vamsa, Manvantara and Vamsanucharita are regarded as the five principal characteristics of the Puranas. For this reason, the Puranas are also described as literature possessing the Pancha-Lakshana, or five characteristics.

Sarga means primary creation. It deals with the origin of the universe, elements, living beings and the world.

Pratisarga is concerned with the recreation or renewed creation of the universe after its dissolution. Thus, Sarga represents primary creation, while Pratisarga represents recreation.

Vamsa deals with the genealogies of gods, sages and different royal dynasties. Genealogies such as the Solar and Lunar dynasties form an important part of the Puranic tradition.

Manvantara refers to the periods associated with different Manus. In Puranic tradition, a Kalpa is divided into different Manvantaras, each associated with a Manu.

Vamsanucharita deals with the careers and events associated with important rulers belonging to various dynasties. Thus, while Vamsa provides genealogy, Vamsanucharita gives an account of prominent individuals and their deeds within those dynasties.

These five characteristics are summarized in the traditional formulation—“Sargashcha Pratisargashcha Vamsho Manvantarani Cha, Vamsanucharitam Chaiva Puranam Panchalakshanam.”