Skanda Purana

The Skanda Purana is the largest of all the Mahapuranas with approximately 81,100 verses, named after Skanda (Kartikeya/Murugan), the son of Shiva and commander of the divine army. The text is organized into seven large sections called Khandas: Mahesvara, Vaishnava, Brahma, Kashi, Avanti, Nagara, and Prabhasa. This massive Purana serves as an encyclopedic guide to sacred geography of India, containing detailed descriptions of virtually every major pilgrimage site. Each Khanda focuses on the sacred sites and traditions of a particular region, making it the most comprehensive Tirtha Mahatmya (glorification of pilgrimage sites) in Hindu literature.

As the largest Purana, the Skanda Purana is invaluable for understanding India's sacred geography. Its detailed descriptions of pilgrimage sites, their associated legends, and prescribed rituals have guided Hindu pilgrimage traditions for centuries. The Kashi Khanda's description of Varanasi is particularly famous.

Seven Khandas cover sacred sites associated with Shiva (Mahesvara), Vishnu (Vaishnava), and Brahma, followed by detailed guides to Kashi (Varanasi), Avanti (Ujjain), Nagara (various cities), and Prabhasa Patan. Includes legends of Kartikeya, dharma teachings, and ritual instructions.