The word “Puran” (or “Purana” in Sanskrit, plural: Puranas) refers to a genre of ancient Indian literature that contains a wide range of mythological stories, religious teachings, cosmology, and history. The term Purana literally means “ancient” or “old tale” in Sanskrit.

Key Features of the Puranas:

• Mythology & Cosmology: Stories of gods, goddesses, demons, and creation of the universe.

• Genealogies of kings and sages: Lineages of rulers and holy figures.

• Moral and spiritual teachings: Dharma (righteous living), karma, devotion, and paths to liberation.

• Philosophy & Rituals: How to live a spiritual life, perform rituals, and understand divine laws.

Famous Puranas:

There are 18 major (Mahapuranas) and 18 minor (Upapuranas). Some of the most well-known ones include:

• Bhagavata Purana – Stories of Krishna and Vishnu, very popular in devotional (bhakti) traditions.

• Vishnu Purana – Focused on Vishnu and Vaishnavism.

• Shiva Purana – Dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Devi Bhagavata Purana – Celebrates the Goddess (Shakti) as the supreme power.

Purpose:

The Puranas were meant to make complex Vedic philosophy more accessible to common people by using stories, allegories, and devotional narratives.

Do you mean this kind of Puran, or were you thinking of something else—like “puran poli” (the sweet dish), or something in another language or context?