The 18 Puranas are a collection of Hindu texts that are considered to be some of the oldest and most important religious texts in Hinduism. The Puranas are a rich source of Hindu mythology, history, and philosophy and are considered to be part of the larger body of Hindu scriptures, known as the Vedas. The 18 Puranas are widely regarded as sacred texts and are studied and worshipped by millions of Hindus around the world.

The 18 Puranas are divided into three categories: the Brahma Puranas, the Vishnu Puranas, and the Shiva Puranas. The names of the 18 Puranas are as follows:

Brahma Puranas:

Brahma Purana
Brahmanda Purana
Brahmavaivarta Purana
Markandeya Purana

Vishnu Puranas

Vishnu Purana
Bhagavata Purana
Naradiya Purana
Garuda Purana

Shiva Puranas:

Linga Purana
Skanda Purana
Vayu Purana
Matsya Purana
Kurma Purana

These 18 Puranas contain a wealth of information about Hindu mythology, including the stories of the gods and goddesses, the creation of the universe, and the history of ancient India. They also contain teachings about dharma, the Hindu concept of right action, as well as guidance on how to live a virtuous life.

In conclusion, the 18 Puranas are an important part of Hindu scripture and are widely regarded as sacred texts by millions of Hindus around the world. They contain a wealth of information about Hindu mythology, history, and philosophy, and are a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Hinduism and its rich cultural heritage.