Explore the ancient wisdom of Hindu scriptures, from the timeless Vedas to the philosophical Upanishads and the spiritual guidance of the Bhagavad Gita.
Sanskrit: ऋग्वेद (Ṛgveda)
The oldest of the four Vedas, containing 1,028 hymns dedicated to Rigvedic deities. A collection of mantras and sacred knowledge dating back to 1500-1200 BCE.
Sanskrit: उपनिषद् (Upaniṣad)
Philosophical texts that form the theoretical foundation of Hinduism. Contains teachings on Brahman, Atman, and the nature of reality and consciousness.
Sanskrit: भगवद्गीता (Bhagavadgītā)
A 700-verse scripture that is part of the Mahabharata epic. Contains a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna on duty, action, and spiritual wisdom.
Sanskrit: रामायण (Rāmāyaṇa)
One of India's greatest epics, narrating the journey of Prince Rama, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita, and the eventual triumph over the demon king Ravana.
Sanskrit: महाभारत (Mahābhārata)
The longest epic poem in world literature, containing the Bhagavad Gita. Narrates the Kurukshetra War between the Pandavas and Kauravas, with complex moral and philosophical themes.
Sanskrit: पुराण (Purāṇa)
A collection of 18 major and 18 minor texts containing myths, legends, and traditional lore. Covers cosmology, genealogies of gods, kings, and sages, and Hindu philosophy.
Sanskrit: मनुस्मृति (Manusmṛti)
An ancient legal text and code of conduct (Dharmaśāstra) for Hindu society. Covers laws, social obligations, and religious duties for different social classes and life stages.
Sanskrit: योग सूत्र (Yoga Sūtra)
A foundational text for the philosophy and practice of yoga, compiled by Patanjali. Outlines the eight limbs of yoga and the path to spiritual liberation through meditation.
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Explore the chronological development of Hindu sacred literature from ancient Vedic texts to contemporary interpretations.
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The four Vedas (Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda) were composed during this period, along with the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and early Upanishads. These texts form the foundation of Hindu philosophy and ritual practice.
The great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata were composed during this time, including the Bhagavad Gita. These narratives established moral and ethical frameworks and popularized Hindu teachings through storytelling.
The Puranas, Dharma Shastras, and philosophical texts like the Yoga Sutras were compiled during this period. Sectarian traditions developed with texts dedicated to specific deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and the Goddess.
Bhakti (devotional) literature flourished in regional languages, including works by saints like Tulsidas, Kabir, Mirabai, and the Alvars. Tantric texts and commentaries on earlier scriptures were also composed.
Modern interpretations, translations, and commentaries on Hindu texts emerged. New religious movements produced their own literature, and traditional texts were reinterpreted in light of contemporary social and scientific developments.
Essential Sanskrit terms related to Hindu sacred texts and their study.
"That which is heard" - revealed texts like the Vedas
"That which is remembered" - traditional texts like Dharma Shastras
Sacred sound, syllable, word, or verse with spiritual power
Concise aphorism or rule; thread that holds teachings together
Verse or stanza, typically in epic poetry
Commentary or exposition on a text
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