The 18 Puranas are a collection of ancient Hindu religious texts, and constitute a significant portion of Hindu scripture. This book aims to give a concise overview of these texts and their relevance to modern Hinduism.

The Puranas are typically written in Sanskrit, the primary language of Hindu religious texts, though some sections are written in other languages. Each convey a clear religious message, and their primary purpose is to glorify God and instruct the reader in the correct way of worship and living. A closely related text is the Ramayana, an epic poem about the life of the god Rama and his battle against the demon king Ravana. These two texts are closely intertwined, with the Ramayana often referenced in the Puranas, and the Puranas sometimes retold as a part of the Ramayana.

Thus, this book seeks to give a concise overview of these texts and explain their importance in Hinduism. It also provides a way to better understand and appreciate the different kinds of Hindu literature.