1. Shiva, Vishnu and Durga as supreme deities came to be worshipped through elaborate rituals. 2. At the same time, gods and goddesses worshipped in different in different areas came to be identified with Shiva, Vishnu or Durga. 3. In the process, local myths and legends became a part of the puranic stories. 4. The methods of worship recommended in the puranas were introduced into the local cults. 5. In course of time the puranas also said that it was possible for devotees to receive the grace of God regardless of their caste status. The idea of Bhakti became so popular that even Buddhists and Jainas adopted these beliefs.