Synopsis In fact the word Purana in Hindi, meaning `old`, owes its origin to The Puranas. There are ancient scriptures - 18 in all,with 18 Upapuranas - which are the guidelines to life in the form of ancient tales and instructions, and show us the true path of devotion to the duties, discipline [conduct] and identity with the Lord. They are basically classified into three categories: Sattavic, Rajasic and Tamasic.