Within the sacred corpus of Vaiṣṇava literature, the Vishnu Purana presents itself with a clear and deliberate architecture. It is arranged into six major divisions known as aṁśas, or “parts,” which together form a coherent vision of the divine order presided over by Lord Vishnu. These aṁśas are not isolated treatises, but interlocking movements in a single symphony of theology, cosmology, and devotion. Each aṁśa is further divided into chapters, called adhyāyas, through which the narrative and doctrinal material unfolds in a measured and contemplative rhythm. Traditional Sanskrit editions recognize a total of 126 such chapters distributed across the six aṁśas.

The thematic progression of these six aṁśas mirrors a journey from origin to dissolution, from cosmic foundations to the intimate path of liberation. The first aṁśa treats creation and primary cosmology, setting forth the basic principles of the universe and the genealogies of gods and sages. The second turns to the structure of the cosmos in space, describing the earth, its continents and regions, and the various worlds. The third aṁśa moves into the dimension of time and duty, outlining the cycles of ages and the manvantaras, along with the responsibilities associated with different social orders and stages of life. In this way, the text gradually links metaphysical vision with ethical and ritual order.

The fourth aṁśa shifts the focus to royal lineages, especially the solar and lunar dynasties, tracing how divine order is meant to be reflected in earthly kingship. The fifth aṁśa, often regarded as the heart of the work, narrates the life and deeds of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and related Vaiṣṇava episodes, offering a sustained meditation on the presence of the Supreme in human history. The sixth and final aṁśa turns toward the themes of dissolution and liberation, describing the end of cosmic cycles and presenting the paths that lead the soul beyond bondage. Here, devotion (bhakti) to Viṣṇu is given particular prominence as the means by which the seeker aligns with the eternal amidst the rise and fall of worlds.