Question

How many types of creation (Srishti) are described in the Puranas?

• A. Dvividha (Two types)
• B. Trividha (Three types)
• C. Chaturvidha (Four types)
• D. Panchavidha (Five types)

Hint:

Think of "Sarga" as the start and "Pratisarga" as the cyclic re-start. These two are the first two pillars of the 'Pancha-lakshana' that every student of Puranas must know.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Puranas are fundamentally characterized by their focus on cosmology—the origin and dissolution of the universe. In the 'Panchalakshana' (five characteristics) definition, the first two items are Sarga and Pratisarga. These two terms define the broad binary classification of creation in the Puranic world-view.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Puranic cosmology generally classifies creation into two major types (Dvividha Srishti):
1. Sarga (Primary Creation): This is also known as Prakrita Srishti. It involves the initial manifestation of the universe from the unmanifested Prakriti (nature). This stage includes the evolution of the cosmic intelligence (Mahat), the cosmic ego (Ahamkara), the five subtle elements (Tanmatras), the five gross elements (Mahabhutas), and the organs of sense and action. This creation is done directly by the Supreme Divine or through the first impulse.
2. Pratisarga (Secondary Creation): This is also known as Vaikrita Srishti or Visarga (especially in the Bhagavata Purana). After the initial elements are created, they remain dormant until they are combined to form the "Cosmic Egg" (Brahmanda). Then, Brahma (the secondary creator) manifests and populates the world with living beings—gods, demons, humans, animals, and plants—based on their previous karmas. This creation occurs repeatedly after every minor dissolution (Naimittika Pralaya) at the end of Brahma's day.
While some texts further subdivide these into 9 types (Nava-vidha Srishti), the fundamental structural division remains Dvividha (Sarga and Pratisarga). In the context of Puranic literature, these two categories cover the 'how' (process) and 'who' (beings) of the universe.
The distinction is crucial: Primary creation (Sarga) deals with the hardware of the universe (elements and matter), while secondary creation (Pratisarga) deals with the software (biological life and social order). This binary ensures that the Puranas cover both metaphysical origins and historical continuity.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The Puranas describe creation as being Dvividha (two types).