Skanda Purana Volumes 49 to 55 (7 book set) (Part of a 23-Book Series in English and Sanskrit) by J.L. Shastri, G.P. Bhatt, and N.A. Deshpande

It is the biggest among Puranas. Named after Skanda, son of Siva, this Purana expounds doctrines and worship of Siva. It also contains legends of Siva, especially his battles with Daityas and Danavs. There are sections of Yoga, Dhyana (Meditation), and Jnana (Knowledge). It describes Siva temples in and around Varanasi. It is encyclopedic in character and throws light on different topics of general interest. This Purana is divided into Seven Khandas: Mahesvara, Brahma, Vaisnava, Kasi, Avantya, Nagara, and Prabhasa. While the first three include episodes related to the Trinity, the last four deal with the holy places of pilgrimage, the meaning and significance thereof, and the anecdotes illustrating the same. Skanda is the biggest among the Mahapuranas.

Publisher's note
The purest gems lie hidden at the bottom of the ocean or in the depth of rocks. One has to dive into the ocean or delve into the rocks to find them out. Similarly, the truth lies concealed in the language which with the passage of time has become obsolete. Man has to learn that language before he discovers that truth.

But he has neither the means nor the leisure to embark on that course. We have therefore planned to help him acquire knowledge by an easier course. We have started the series of Ancient indian tradition and mythology in English translation. Our goal to universalize knowledge through the most popular international medium of expression. The publication of the puranas in English translation is a step towards that goal.