Paurāṇika
Paurāṇika, “one versed in the Purāṇas”
Grammar: adjective and masculine noun, from purāṇa: “one who belongs to the Purāṇas”.
Meaning: one learned in the Purāṇas who recites and explains them.
In the scriptures: Prahlāda counsels Bali: “Therefore you too build a temple of Vāsudeva, and honour brāhmaṇas who are śrotriyas (learned in the Vedas), especially the paurāṇikas, and those rich in sadācāra (good conduct). Serve them by offering wealth, gold, cloth and ornaments.” In the temple Bali built, that wise one arranged discourses on dharma and saṅkīrtanas by capable paurāṇikas and vipras (Vāmana Purāṇa, Chapter 68).
In the Saro Māhātmya the ṛshis address Romaharshaṇa, who tells them the glory of Kurukshetra, as “best of paurāṇikas” and ask him for the seven vanas, the nine rivers and the tīrthas (Vāmana Purāṇa, Saro Māhātmya, Chapter 13). Telling how the Sarasvatī came to Naimisha, the text says that Śaunaka and the other great munis in Naimiśāraṇya asked Lomaharshaṇa, the best of paurāṇikas, the way by which they might gain the fruit of yajña (Vāmana Purāṇa, Saro Māhātmya, Chapter 16).
Related terms: Purāṇa · Śrotriya · Romaharshaṇa · Saṅkīrtana
Sources
- Vāmana Purāṇa, Chapter 68
- Vāmana Purāṇa, Saro Māhātmya, Chapters 13, 16