A Hindu religious text in itself, the Padma Purana is one of the most interesting and major eighteen Puranas. There are five parts in this Purana. The first part of this Purana deals with sage Pulastya`s (one of the seven `prajapati`s or mind born son of Brahma) explanation about religion and the essence of religion to Bhishma. `Prithvi` or the earth is described vividly in the second part of the Padma Purana. The third part, on the other hand, describes the `cosmos` and India (Bharat Mata). The life and deeds of Rama are described in the fourth part of the Purana. The fifth part is written in the style of a conversation between Shiva and his spouse, Parvati, and deals with the indispensable knowledge about religion.

In addition to these, the Padma Purana houses the major sections named as the Srishti Khanda (Book of the Universe), Bhumi Khanda (Book of the Earth), Svarga Khanda (Book of Heaven), Patala Khanda (Book of the Underworld), and Uttara Khanda.

The Srishti Khanda or Book of the Universe is written in a style of conversation between Bhishma and the sage Pulastya. It also encloses a detailed description of Pushkara, a renowned place of pilgrimage.

Bhumi Khanda or the Book of Earth, on the other hand, gives a vivid description of Prithvi (earth) and tales of kings like Prithu and Yayati and several other sages. According to some scholars, the stories of Kings like Prithu, Yayati and sages in this Purana describes elements of geography and history of the Period.

Svarga Khanda or the Book of Heaven illustrates details of the progression of creation of the cosmos. The implication and descriptions of holy places are also described in this part. Moreover, it gives deals with the geographical expansion and features of Jambudvipa, including its mountains and rivers. It also narrates about the ancient people of India.

The Patala Khanda or the Book of the Underworld accords the life story of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, is narrated by Ugrasrava Sauti to an assembly of sages. Few other sections of the book deal with the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

The metaphysical aspect of religion is presented in a style of conversation between Shiva and Parvati in the Uttara Khanda of the Padma Purana. This part also contains the sections with Vishnu sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu) and Rama sahasranama (1000 names of Rama). As the name suggests, it is also related with the Uttarkhand region of the Indian Himalayas. Here Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati are believed to preside over as the source of Ganga and Yamuna, residences of Vishnu at Badrinath and Shiva at Kedarnath, and the river Ganga`s access into the plains of India at Haridwar.