The first nine articles look for parallels and comparisons between Sanskrit epic texts and Vedic or Upanisadic texts, or even the Greek epic tradition, or between different layers and passages of the Sanskrit epics. They explore individual expressions and concepts, particular themes, text passages in context, text history or literary history. The next group of five articles look for parallels and comparisons in different Puranic and epic texts, within the framework of an interrelated tradition of Puranic texts, again sometimes even reaching beyond the boundaries of the Indian tradition. The last six articles discuss parallels between the Puranic and Tantric texts, between Hindu and Buddhist texts, between Hindu and Jaina texts, and finally between Sanskrit literary themes and modern themes in vernacular languages. The first nine articles in this volume are concerned with epic texts.