Greatness & Real Position of Epics & Purāṇas in Indian Tradition

Abstract

In India the greatness of Epic & Puranic literature is being accepted by the people since time immemorial. The origin of the Sanskrit epics may be traced to the dialogue-hymns in the Ṛgveda. In the later Vedic literature, i.e. the Brāhmaṇas we find references to the Itihāsas, Ākhyānas and Purāṇas. There is ample evidence to show that the recital of these epic poems formed a part of the religious ceremonies at sacrificial and domestic festivals. Although there is no proof that collections of such poems existed as books, still it cannot be denied that the professional story-tellers, i.e. Aitihāsikas and Paurāṇikas existed in very ancient times.