The Puranas present dharma not as an abstract code but as a pattern of right living embodied in the lives of gods, sages, kings, and devotees. They describe duties according to varṇa and āśrama—social role and stage of life—so that the student, householder, forest-dweller, and renunciate each know how to live in a way that supports both social harmony and spiritual growth. Respect for parents, teachers, and elders, along with hospitality toward guests, is repeatedly praised as foundational. At the same time, the texts affirm that devotion to God and inner purity stand above mere external observance, so that ritual finds its true meaning only when grounded in sincerity and ethical conduct.

Across many narratives, the Puranas highlight a set of universal virtues that apply to all, regardless of status or stage of life. Ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), and brahmacarya (sexual restraint) are presented as cornerstones of moral life, supported by aparigraha or non-possessiveness. Compassion and generosity—karuṇā and dāna—are praised as expressions of a heart attuned to the suffering of others, while forgiveness, patience, and self-control are shown as marks of genuine strength rather than weakness. Justice, protection of the weak, and honest livelihood are woven into stories of kingship and governance, illustrating how power is meant to serve, not dominate.

Bhakti, or devotion to the divine, forms a central ethical thread in these texts. Devotees who cultivate humility, faith, and steadfast remembrance of the divine name are portrayed as undergoing deep inner transformation. The Puranas suggest that such devotion can purify character more effectively than ritual alone, and that inner sincerity outweighs external show. This devotional orientation does not negate worldly responsibilities; rather, it infuses family life, social duties, and even political authority with a sense of sacred accountability.

Underlying these teachings is the doctrine of karma and rebirth, which gives moral life a profound cosmic dimension. Actions, whether wholesome or harmful, are said to bear inevitable fruit, shaping future circumstances and even future births. Stories of rise and downfall, joy and suffering, are used to demonstrate that adharmic behavior leads to degradation, while righteous conduct supports spiritual progress. In this way, the Puranas encourage a life that balances material duties with the steady cultivation of virtue, detachment, and devotion, always mindful that the protection and embodiment of dharma is the responsibility of every individual.