In describing the Puranic deities, I shall follow the common order. The Hindus speak of three great gods--Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, who form what is often spoken of as the Hindu Triad. After giving an account of each of these and their consorts, I shall describe those who are regarded as their incarnations, or descendants; and then proceed to speak of others who have no formal connection with any of them. It will be seen that most of the principal deities are connected with one or other of these three.

Footnotes

^91:* Wilson's Preface to the "Vishnu Purana."

^92:* For an outline of the contents of the different Puranas, see Introduction to Wilson's "Vishnu Purana."