The 18 Upapuranas

What are Upapuranas?

Upapuranas ("Secondary / Minor Puranas") are a group of 18 texts that complement the 18 Mahapuranas. They are not "inferior" — many rival Mahapuranas in spiritual depth and shloka count. Upapuranas often have a sharper sectarian focus (Shakta, Shaiva, Vaishnava, Saura, or Vedic/Brahminical), may not strictly adhere to the Panchalakshana form, and can reflect regional or later theological developments. The Devi Bhagavata Purana, for example, is considered a Mahapurana by Shakta tradition and rivals the Srimad Bhagavata in size and reverence.