Hindu scriptures form the foundation of the religion's beliefs and practices. From the ancient Vedas to the philosophical Upanishads, these texts shape Hindu thought and ritual. They offer insights into early Vedic culture and the development of key concepts like karma and reincarnation.

The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with the Bhagavad Gita, provide moral guidance and explore themes of duty and devotion. The Puranas further elaborate on Hindu mythology and devotional practices, influencing popular Hinduism across India.

Ancient Hindu Texts

The Vedas: Oldest Sacred Texts of Hinduism

• Consist of four collections of hymns, prayers, and liturgical formulas (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda)
• Believed to be divinely revealed to ancient sages and passed down orally for generations before being written down
• Contain mantras, hymns, and rituals used in worship and sacrifices
• Provide insights into early Vedic culture, religion, and philosophy
• Form the basis for the development of later Hindu scriptures and traditions

The Upanishads: Philosophical Texts Exploring the Nature of Reality

• Collection of over 200 texts composed between 800-400 BCE
• Represent the culmination of Vedic thought and the transition to classical Hinduism
• Explore the nature of reality, the self (atman), and the ultimate reality (Brahman)
• Introduce key concepts such as karma, reincarnation, and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth)
• Emphasize the importance of self-realization and the unity of the individual soul with the universal soul

The Ramayana and Mahabharata: Ancient Hindu Epics

• The Ramayana narrates the life of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana
• Teaches virtues such as loyalty, devotion, and righteousness through the characters of Rama and Sita
• The Mahabharata tells the story of the Kurukshetra War between two sets of cousins, the Pandavas and Kauravas, and explores themes of dharma (duty), karma, and the nature of the divine
• Both epics have had a profound influence on Hindu culture, art, and literature, and continue to be widely read and performed today

Influential Hindu Scriptures

The Bhagavad Gita: Dialogue on Dharma and Devotion

• Part of the Mahabharata epic, the Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra
• Krishna teaches Arjuna about the nature of the soul, the importance of fulfilling one's dharma (duty), and the paths to spiritual liberation (karma yoga, jnana yoga, and bhakti yoga)
• Emphasizes the importance of detachment from the fruits of one's actions and the cultivation of devotion (bhakti) to the divine
• Widely regarded as one of the most important Hindu scriptures and has influenced many philosophical and spiritual traditions

The Puranas: Texts Exploring Hindu Mythology and Devotion

• Collection of 18 major and many minor texts composed between 400-1000 CE
• Contain stories of the gods and goddesses, creation myths, and descriptions of sacred places and pilgrimages
• Each Purana is dedicated to a particular deity (Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi) and promotes their worship and devotion
• Provide a rich source of Hindu mythology, cosmology, and religious practices
• Play a significant role in popular Hinduism and have influenced art, literature, and regional traditions throughout India