The eighteen Puranas are counted among the foundational texts of
Hinduism. The holy trinity of Brahma as the creator, Vishnu as the
preserver and Shiva as the destroyer play a central deities of the
Puranas and feature in the narratives. The Puranas where creation themes
feature prominently are identified with Brahma (Brahma, Brahmanda,
Brahmavaivarta, Markandeya). Puranas where Vishnu features prominently
are identified as Vaishnava Puranas (Bhagavata, Garuda, Kurma, Matysa,
Narada, Padma, Vamana, Varaha, Vishnu). Puranas where Shiva features
prominently are identified as Shaiva Puranas (Agni, Lings, Shiva,
Skanda, Vayu).
The Brahma Purana is so named because it was originally recounted by
Brahma. It is described as Adi Purana in several Purana texts,
underlining its importance. Odisha and the temples in that region are a
key component of the text.