The Mahāpurāṇs are a genre of ancient Indian literature, comprising a set of eighteen major Purāṇs. These texts are encyclopedic in nature and cover a wide range of subjects, including mythology, cosmology, philosophy, history, genealogies of gods and goddesses, legends of saints and sages, religious teachings, and guidelines for rituals and worship. The word “Mahāpurāṇ” translates to “great Purāṇ,” emphasizing their comprehensive nature.

Here is a list of the eighteen Mahapuraṇas:

1. Brahma Puran: Focuses on the creation of the universe and the genealogy of gods and sages. It is associated with the god Brahma.
2. Padma Puran: Named after the lotus (padma) that Lord Brahma holds, it contains a mixture of mythology, legends, and theology.
3. Vishnu Puran: Centers on the god Vishnu, covering his various incarnations, cosmology, and the genealogy of important dynasties.
4. Shiv Puran: Dedicated to Lord Shiv, this Purana elaborates on Shiv’s mythology, philosophy, and worship.
5. Bhagavat Puran: Also known as the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, it focuses on the life and teachings of Lord Krushna, one of the incarnations of Vishnu.
6. Nārada Puran: Describes the teachings of the sage Narada and addresses a variety of topics, including cosmology and mythology.
7. Markandeya Puran: Named after the sage Markandeya, it contains narratives about the creation and destruction of the universe.
8. Agneya Puran: Primarily focuses on the stories associated with the fire god Agni.
9. Brahmavaivarta Puran: Discusses the creation of the universe and the importance of devotion to Krushna.
10. Ling Puran: Dedicated to Lord Shiv, this Puran emphasizes the significance of the ling (a symbol of Shiv) and provides guidance on rituals and worship.
11. Varaha Puran: Centers on the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Varaha) and includes cosmology and mythology.
12. Skanda Puran: Dedicated to Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), it contains a mix of mythology, geography, and legends.
13. Vamana Puran: Focuses on the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Vaman) and discusses cosmology.
14. Kurm Puran: Centers on the turtle incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Kurm) and discusses cosmology and mythology.
15. Matsya Puran: Centers on the fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Matsya) and discusses cosmology and mythology.
16. Garud Puran: Named after the mythical bird Garuda, it covers rituals, funeral rites, and cosmology.
17. Brahmand Puran: A large Puran that covers various subjects, including creation, genealogies, and cosmology.
18. Vayu Puran: Dedicated to the wind god Vayu, it discusses cosmology, mythology, and legends.

Each Mahapuraṇ is associated with one of the three primary deities of Hinduism—Brahma, Vishnu, or Shiv—and reflects the perspectives of its particular tradition.