Question

How many Samanyalakshanas are described of Puranas?

• A. Pancha
• B. Ashtau
• C. Nava
• D. Dwadasha

Hint:

Panchalakshana = 5 features; Samanyalakshana = 12 features of Puranas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Samanyalakshanas.
Samanyalakshanas are the general characteristics that define the scope and nature of the Puranas. Originally, five features (Panchalakshana) were considered essential, but later texts expanded this to twelve.
Step 2: The twelve characteristics.
The twelve Samanyalakshanas include: sarga (creation), pratisarga (recreation), vamsha (genealogy), manvantara (cosmic cycles), vamshanucharita (dynastic history), plus additional features like vrittanta, karmavipaka, and others.
Step 3: Expansion beyond Panchalakshana.
While Vishnupurana mentions five characteristics, later scholars and other Puranas elaborate twelve features to give a fuller description of their content.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the total Samanyalakshanas of Puranas are twelve (Dwadasha).