Eternal Religion: Chief Religious Texts of Hinduism
A concise, inspiring and informative guide to the sacred literature that has shaped Hindu thought — from the Vedas and Upanishads to the Epics, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas and other important texts.
Introduction
The religious literature of Hinduism is ancient, diverse and profound. These texts are not merely ritual manuals; they guide life, philosophy, the soul, and the pursuit of liberation (moksha). Broadly, the scriptures are classified into two major categories:
- Shruti (that which is heard; considered divinely revealed — apauruṣeya), and
- Smriti (that which is remembered; works composed by sages and later teachers).
Shruti (Divinely Heard — Apauruṣeya)
Shruti texts are regarded as revelations heard by the sages. They form the oldest and most authoritative layer of Hindu scripture and are the foundation of Hindu thought and practice.
The Four Vedas
The Vedas are the primary Shruti texts. Traditionally four in number:
| Veda | Subject Matter | Main Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Rigveda | Collection of hymns (suktas) — praise of deities | Devotion and knowledge |
| Yajurveda | Formulas and procedural manuals for yajñas (sacrifices) | Ritual practice |
| Samaveda | Verses intended to be sung — musical and liturgical | Music and worship |
| Atharvaveda | Prayers, charms, medicine, domestic rites and folklore | Public and domestic life; mysticism |
Four Parts of Each Veda
Each Veda is traditionally divided into four parts, which together form the complete Vedic corpus:
- Samhitā — the core collection of mantras and hymns.
- Brāhmaṇa — prose texts explaining rituals and yajña procedures (e.g., Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa, Aitareya Brāhmaṇa).
- Āraṇyaka — "forest texts" associated with meditative and contemplative practices.
- Upaniṣads — philosophical teachings focusing on brahman (the supreme reality), ātman (the soul), non-duality and liberation.
Upanishads
The Upanishads, often called the Vedānta (the end or culmination of the Vedas), explore metaphysics and spiritual insight. Around 108 principal Upanishads are traditionally recognized; notable ones include Īśa, Katha, Muṇḍaka, Māṇḍūkya, Bṛhadāraṇyaka, and Chāndogya. They emphasize topics such as brahman, ātman, advaita (non-duality) and moksha.
Smriti (Remembered — Texts Composed by Sages)
Smriti literature consists of texts composed and compiled by sages and scholars. These writings explain, interpret and apply the teachings of the Shruti to social life, ethics, devotion and practical religion.
Epics
- Ramayana — Traditionally attributed to Rishi Valmiki; a narrative of the life and ideals of Lord Rāma.
- Mahabharata — Traditionally attributed to Vyasa (Vedavyasa); an extensive epic that includes many stories and moral lessons. The Bhagavad Gītā is a central section of the Mahabharata.
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gītā is a compact spiritual classic of approximately 700 verses located in the Bhīṣma Parva of the Mahabharata. In the Gita, Lord Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom to Arjuna, addressing paths such as karma-yoga (the yoga of action), jñāna-yoga (the yoga of knowledge), and bhakti-yoga (the yoga of devotion).
Puranas
There are traditionally eighteen major Puranas (and many Upapuranas). Their purpose is to present religious teachings, mythology and history in the vernacular for popular devotion. Well-known Puranas include the Bhagavata Purana, Shiva Purana, Viṣṇu Purana, Skanda Purana, and Markandeya Purana.
Dharma Śāstras and Smṛtis
Texts such as the Manusmṛti, Yājñavalkya Smṛti and the writings attributed to Nārada discuss social law, conduct, marriage, inheritance and judicial procedures. They functioned historically as guides to social and moral order.
Other Important Texts and Philosophical Schools
Beyond the Vedas, Upanishads and Smriti, many other works and philosophical schools have shaped Hindu thought:
Selected Works
- Aṣṭāvakra Gītā — a dialogue focused on self-knowledge and non-dual insight.
- Yoga Vāsiṣṭha — dialogues attributed to sage Vasiṣṭha, containing Advaita teachings given to Lord Rāma.
Six Orthodox (Āstika) Philosophical Systems
Classical Indian philosophy traditionally includes six schools: Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Mīmāṁsā and Vedānta. Each contributes methods of logic, metaphysics, ethics, and practice.
Conclusion
The scriptures of Hinduism are not limited to ritual rules; they probe the meaning of life, the universe, the self and liberation. Even today their influence is visible — in the chanting of Vedic mantras, the moral lessons of the Rāmāyaṇa, and the spiritual guidance of the Bhagavata and the Gītā. Studying these texts is both a religious and an intense spiritual inquiry.
- Shruti — Vedas and Upanishads (divinely heard; foundational).
- Smriti — Epics, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, Dharma Śāstras (remembered and authored).
- Other works and the six classical schools expand philosophical and devotional understanding.
Eternal Religion: The Four Vedas and Their Subdivisions
The Vedas are the foundational Shruti texts of Hinduism. This article explains the four Vedas — Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda — and the four canonical subdivisions that each Veda contains.
(A) The Four Vedas
In Hindu tradition the Vedas are regarded as śruti — divinely heard and apauruṣeya (not authored by any human). The four Vedas are Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. Together they contain spiritual, ritual, practical and philosophical knowledge that connects to all spheres of life and the universe.
1. Rigveda
The oldest of the Vedas (approx. 1500–1200 BCE). It contains about 1,028 hymns, traditionally arranged in ten books (maṇḍalas). The hymns praise many deities (Indra, Agni, Varuṇa, Sūrya, Uṣā, etc.) and use Vedic Sanskrit.
- Topics: hymns, praise, prayer, philosophy, natural forces
- Notable suktas: Agni Sūkta, Puruṣa Sūkta, Nasadiya Sūkta
- Features: source for early civilization, ritual practice, and spiritual inquiry into Brahman
2. Yajurveda
The ritual manual of the Vedas: formulas, sacrificial procedures and priestly duties. The Yajurveda exists in two broad recensions — Kṛṣṇa (Black) Yajurveda (with mixed prose and verses) and Śukla (White) Yajurveda (more systematic). Important branches include the Taittirīya Saṃhitā and the Vājasaneyi recension.
- Topics: yajña mantras, sacrifice rules, priestly rites
- Features: practical guidance for sacrificial rites and moral/social discipline
3. Samaveda
Often called the "musical Veda" — many Samaveda verses are taken from the Rigveda but set to melody for singing during rituals. It includes about 1,549 verses and focuses on liturgical chant.
- Use: sung during yajñas and temple rituals
- Features: roots of Indian music and devotional expression
4. Atharvaveda
A Veda closely linked to everyday life, healing and folk practices. It contains prayers, charms, medical formulas and about 730 verses with roughly 6,000 mantras in traditional counts. The Paippalāda branch is a well-known recension.
- Topics: disease prevention, herbs, charms, domestic rites, planetary influences
- Features: early source of Vedic Ayurveda and astrological lore
Comparative Summary
| Veda | Chief Subject | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Rigveda | Hymns and praises | Foundational knowledge and devotional hymns |
| Yajurveda | Ritual formulas and procedures | Practical ritualism and sacrificial law |
| Samaveda | Sung mantras and melodies | Musical expression of devotion |
| Atharvaveda | Folk life, healing and charms | Practical, medicinal and mystical knowledge |
Conclusion: Together, the four Vedas form the eternal base of the religion — not merely ritual manuals but guides to science, philosophy, ethics, society, health and public life.
(B) Subdivisions of the Vedas
Each Veda is traditionally divided into four major sections (the fourfold division is often called the catur-aṅga or "four limbs"). These subdivisions address different aspects of religious life: mantra (saṃhitā), ritual explanation (brāhmaṇa), contemplative practice (āraṇyaka) and spiritual knowledge (upaniṣad).
The Four Subdivisions
| Subdivision | Meaning | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Saṃhitā | Collection of mantras | Hymns, sacrificial mantras and rituals |
| Brāhmaṇa | Ritual prose and explanations | Method, meaning and performance of yajñas |
| Āraṇyaka | Forest texts | Meditation, symbolic ritual, retreat and contemplative practice |
| Upaniṣad | Sitting near the teacher — esoteric teaching | Philosophy: Brahman, ātman, moksha — spiritual knowledge |
1. Saṃhitā
The Saṃhitā is the oldest core: collections of mantras and hymns used in ritual. Examples:
- Rigveda Saṃhitā — collection of Rigvedic hymns.
- Samaveda Saṃhitā — melodies and musical arrangements.
- Yajurveda Saṃhitā — yajña mantras for sacrificial rites.
- Atharvaveda Saṃhitā — domestic and tantric mantras.
2. Brāhmaṇa
Brāhmaṇas are prose texts that explain the meaning and application of ritual actions and mantras. They often include mythological narratives and symbolic exegesis. Notable examples include the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa (Śukla Yajurveda) and the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa (Rigveda).
3. Āraṇyaka
The Āraṇyakas ("forest books") are transitional texts between ritual exegesis and philosophical inquiry. Traditionally associated with hermits and forest-dwelling ascetics, Āraṇyakas focus on internalized meanings of ritual and contemplative practices. Examples: Bṛhadāraṇyaka, Taittirīya Āraṇyaka, Aitareya Āraṇyaka.
4. Upaniṣads
The Upaniṣads represent the philosophical culmination of the Vedic tradition (often called Vedānta). They deal with the ultimate reality (Brahman), the nature of the self (ātman), and the path to liberation (moksha). There are around 108 principal Upaniṣads; well-known ones include Īśa, Kaṭha, Muṇḍaka, Māṇḍūkya, Chāndogya and Bṛhadāraṇyaka.
- Famous Upanishadic sayings: “Ahaṁ brahmāsmi” (I am Brahman), “Tat tvam asi” (Thou art that), “Sarvam khalvidam brahma” (All this is Brahman).
Summary Table
| Subdivision | Chief Subject | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Saṃhitā | Vedic mantras | Ritual and praise |
| Brāhmaṇa | Ritual explanation | Meaning and method of yajña |
| Āraṇyaka | Contemplative practice | Retreat, meditation and symbolism |
| Upaniṣad | Philosophy and liberation | Spiritual knowledge and insight |
Conclusion: The fourfold structure of each Veda—Saṃhitā, Brāhmaṇa, Āraṇyaka and Upaniṣad—reflects a complete system guiding action (karma), devotion (upāsanā) and knowledge (jnāna). This structure gives seekers the full spectrum: from ritual practice to contemplative withdrawal and ultimately to the pursuit of liberation.
Final Thoughts
The Vedas are not a narrow religious code but a vast treasury of spiritual, social and practical wisdom. Understanding their divisions helps modern readers appreciate how ritual, music, medicine, philosophy and ethics were integrated in an ancient but living tradition.
Memory Texts (Smriti) – Human-Composed Scriptures of Eternal Religion
Hindu scriptures are broadly divided into two categories: Shruti (God-given, non-human, e.g., Vedas) and Smriti (human-composed texts based on Shruti).
2. Smriti Granth (Memory Texts — Remembered / Human-Composed)
The word Smriti means “remembered knowledge.” These texts were composed by sages who explained, interpreted and applied the Vedic wisdom to practical life. Smriti literature deals with religion, ethics, society, history, devotion, justice, law and governance.
Chief Types of Smriti Texts
- Dharmaśāstras / Smritis
- Epics (Ramayana & Mahabharata)
- Puranas (18 major + 18 sub-Puranas)
- Ethics, Agamas, Tantra, Bhakti Texts
1. Dharmaśāstras / Smritis
These texts outline social rules, duties, ethics, law and religious conduct.
- Manusmriti – Duties of men and women, social conduct, law, ethics.
- Yājñavalkya Smriti – Religion, legal principles, rituals.
- Nārada, Parāśara, Bṛhaspati Smritis – Law, justice, social rules.
Subject Matter
- Varna–Ashrama Dharma (duties of life stages and social order)
- Marriage, inheritance, punishment, ethics
- Pilgrimage, fasting, rituals and conduct
2. Epics (Itihasa)
Epics hold a special place in Smriti. These are not only historical or mythological accounts but living guides of duty, ethics, devotion and philosophy.
Two Major Epics
| Epic | Author | Verse Count | Main Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramayana | Maharishi Valmiki | ~24,000 | Shri Ram, Sita, Ravana |
| Mahabharata | Maharishi Vedavyasa | ~100,000 | Krishna, Arjun, Pandavas |
1. Ramayana (Valmiki Ramayana)
- Author: Maharshi Valmiki
- Verses: ~24,000
- Chapters: 7 (Kandas)
| Canto | Subject |
|---|---|
| Bālkāṇḍ | Birth of Rama, Gurukul, Sita’s marriage |
| Ayodhyā Kāṇḍ | Exile, Kaikeyi’s demand |
| Araṇya Kāṇḍ | Forest life, Shurpanakha, Sita’s abduction |
| Kishkindhā Kāṇḍ | Hanuman’s meeting, Sugriva alliance |
| Sundar Kāṇḍ | Hanuman’s journey to Lanka |
| Yuddha Kāṇḍ | War, Ravana’s defeat, Sita’s fire test |
| Uttara Kāṇḍ | Coronation, Sita’s exile, Luv–Kush |
Key Message
- Shri Ram as Maryada Purushottam
- Ideal of duty, truth, discipline, sacrifice and service
2. Mahabharata
- Author: Maharishi Vedavyasa
- Verses: ~100,000 (world’s largest epic)
- Parts: 18 Parvas
- The Bhagavad Gita (700 verses) is included in the Bhishma Parva.
Main Themes
- Kaurava–Pandava conflict
- Dharma crisis, Draupadi’s insult
- Exile, Kurukshetra war
- Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna
Important Parvas (Festivals)
| Parva | Key Events |
|---|---|
| Adi Parva | Genealogy, beginnings |
| Sabha Parva | Dice game, Draupadi’s insult |
| Vana Parva | 12 years exile |
| Bhishma Parva | War begins, Bhagavad Gita |
| Drona Parva | Major battle episodes |
| Shanti Parva | Yudhishthira’s political lessons |
| Anushasana Parva | Bhishma’s teachings |
| Mahaprasthanika Parva | Pandavas’ final journey |
Teachings
- Conflict between dharma and adharma
- Paths of karma, devotion and knowledge
- Krishna as Yogeshwara (Divine Teacher)
- Arjuna as the seeker and karmayogi
Epics vs Puranas – Key Differences
| Point | Epics | Puranas |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Historical narrative | Mythological, symbolic |
| Objective | Religion, politics, war, duty | Creation, stories of gods, devotion |
| Language | Classical Sanskrit | Mixed styles, often folk language |
| Examples | Ramayana, Mahabharata | Bhagavata, Shiva Purana, Vishnu Purana |
3. Puranas
Purana means “ancient yet ever-new.” There are 18 major Puranas and 18 Upapuranas.
Chief Puranas
- Bhagavata Purana – Devotion to Sri Krishna
- Vishnu Purana
- Shiva Purana
- Skanda Purana
- Markandeya Purana
- Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Narada Purana
Subject Matter
- Cosmic creation
- Myths and divine stories
- Religion, devotion, pilgrimage
- Yugas and cosmic time cycles
4. Other Texts / Philosophical & Ethical Works
Ethics
- Chanakya Niti
- Hitopadesha
- Panchatantra
Philosophical Works
- Patanjali Yoga Sutras
- Sankhya, Mimamsa, Vedanta
Devotional Literature
- Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas)
- Sursagar (Surdas)
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh scripture)
Summary Table
| Text Type | Examples | Main Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Theology | Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti | Ethics, society, law |
| Epics | Ramayana, Mahabharata | History, duty, religion |
| Puranas | Bhagavata, Shiva, Vishnu | Devotion, creation, divine stories |
| Philosophy | Yoga Sutras, Sankhya | Self, liberation, yoga |
| Policy | Chanakya Niti, Panchatantra | Practical wisdom, governance |
Conclusion
Smriti texts provide practical guidance by applying Vedic teachings to life. Through them, India developed its social order, justice system, devotion, philosophy and ethical values. They remain timeless guides for understanding dharma, duty, and righteous living.
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important philosophical and spiritual texts of Hinduism. It appears in the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata (Chapters 23–40) and contains 700 verses.
It records the divine conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Krishna explains life, duty, ethics, karma, the soul, and liberation.
(B) Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Text Name | Bhagavad Gita (Shrimad Bhagavad Gita) |
| Location | Mahabharata – Bhishma Parva (Ch. 23–40) |
| Total Verses | 700 |
| Speaker | Lord Sri Krishna |
| Audience | Arjuna |
| Commentators | Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, etc. |
| Paths Taught | Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga |
Bhagavad Gita – Chapter-wise Summary
| Chapter | Name | Main Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arjuna Vishada Yoga | Arjuna’s grief and confusion |
| 2 | Sankhya Yoga | Knowledge of the soul and wisdom |
| 3 | Karma Yoga | Glory of selfless action |
| 4 | Jnana–Karma Sannyasa | Mystery of avatars, power of knowledge |
| 5 | Karma Sannyasa | Action–renunciation harmony |
| 6 | Dhyana Yoga | Form of a yogi and meditation process |
| 7 | Jnana–Vijnana Yoga | Complete knowledge of God |
| 8 | Akshara Brahma Yoga | Remembrance at death, liberation |
| 9 | Raja Vidya–Raja Guhya Yoga | Supreme devotion and its simplicity |
| 10 | Vibhuti Yoga | Divine glories of God |
| 11 | Vishwarupa Darshana | Vision of the cosmic form |
| 12 | Bhakti Yoga | Types and importance of devotion |
| 13 | Kshetra–Kshetrajna Yoga | Body and soul distinction |
| 14 | Gunatraya Vibhaga | Sattva, Rajas & Tamas qualities |
| 15 | Purushottama Yoga | Soul, world, Supreme Being |
| 16 | Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga | Divine and demonic qualities |
| 17 | Shraddhatraya Vibhaga | Types of faith and diet |
| 18 | Moksha Sannyasa Yoga | Renunciation, dharma, final teaching |
Core Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
1. Principle of Karma
“Karmanye vadhikaraste…” (2.47) Perform your duty without attachment to results.
2. Immortality of the Soul
“Na jayate mriyate va kadachit…” The soul is eternal, unborn and undying.
3. Equanimity
“Samatvam yoga uchyate.” Maintain balance in success and failure.
4. Devotion
“Bhajanti mam ananya bhaktah…” Pure devotion leads to union with God.
5. Vishwaroopa Darshan
In Chapter 11, Krishna reveals His cosmic form, showing His omnipresence and divine power.
Importance of the Gita
- Universal scripture — transcends religion and culture
- Inspired thinkers like Gandhi, Vivekananda, Tolstoy, Oppenheimer
- Guides the individual through life’s conflicts and moral dilemmas
Major Commentaries
| Commentator | Tradition | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Adi Shankaracharya | Advaita Vedanta | Knowledge-based liberation |
| Ramanujacharya | Vishishtadvaita | Devotion + qualified non-dualism |
| Madhvacharya | Dualism | God and soul are eternally distinct |
| Ramakrishna/Vivekananda | Practical Vedanta | Self-improvement and service |
Conclusion
The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom on duty, devotion, detachment and self-realization. It remains a universal guide for spiritual life.
(C) Puranas
Puranas are an important category of Hindu scriptures. They combine mythology, history, devotion, philosophy and culture, presenting deeper Vedic truths in simple storytelling.
Meaning of “Purana”
Purana = “Ancient, yet always new.” Puranas are not just myths — they preserve religion, ethics, culture, and cosmic history.
Composition and Purpose of Puranas
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Author | Traditionally attributed to Maharishi Vedavyasa |
| Number | 18 Mahapuranas + 18 Upapuranas |
| Subjects | Creation, gods, ages, karma, devotion, pilgrimage |
| Language | Sanskrit (later versions in regional languages) |
List of 18 Major Puranas
| No. | Purana | Main Deity | Key Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brahma Purana | Brahma | Creation, pilgrimage |
| 2 | Padma Purana | Vishnu | Pilgrimage, religion |
| 3 | Vishnu Purana | Vishnu | Creation, incarnations |
| 4 | Shiva Purana | Shiva | Shiva devotion, Rudra stories |
| 5 | Bhagavata Purana | Krishna | Devotion, Krishna’s life |
| 6 | Narada Purana | Vishnu | Religion, yoga, devotion |
| 7 | Markandeya Purana | Goddess | Durga Saptashati |
| 8 | Agni Purana | Agni | Astrology, Vastu, rituals |
| 9 | Bhavishya Purana | Vishnu | Future predictions |
| 10 | Matsya Purana | Vishnu | Matsya avatar |
| 11 | Kurma Purana | Vishnu | Kurma incarnation |
| 12 | Varaha Purana | Vishnu | Varaha avatar |
| 13 | Linga Purana | Shiva | Glory of Shiva Linga |
| 14 | Vamana Purana | Vishnu | Vamana incarnation |
| 15 | Skanda Purana | Kartikeya | Largest Purana (~81,000 verses) |
| 16 | Vayu Purana | Vishnu | Cosmic cycles |
| 17 | Brahmavaivarta Purana | Krishna–Radha | Radha-Krishna devotion |
| 18 | Garuda Purana | Vishnu | Death, afterlife, rebirth |
Main Themes (Panchalakshana)
- Sarga – Primary creation
- Pratisarga – Secondary creation
- Vamsha – Genealogies of gods, sages and kings
- Manvantara – Cycles of Manus
- Vamshanucharita – Stories of dynasties
Devotional & Cultural Contributions
- Bhagavata Purana → Basis of Shrimad Bhagavat Katha
- Markandeya Purana → Source of Durga Saptashati & Navratri worship
- Skanda Purana → Glory of holy places like Kashi & Badrinath
- Linga Purana → Worship methods of Shiva Linga
- Brahmavaivarta Purana → Radha–Krishna divine love
Mahapurana vs Upapurana
| Aspect | Mahapuranas | Upapuranas |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 18 | 18 |
| Scope | Comprehensive, philosophical | Regional, specialized |
| Authority | More authoritative | Limited scope |
Conclusion on Puranas
Puranas beautifully blend devotion, philosophy and folklore, making Vedic wisdom accessible to everyone. Their storytelling preserves culture, values and spiritual insights.
(D) Dharmashastra
Dharmashastras are texts that present the framework of social ethics, law, duty and righteous living. They are based on Vedic principles but adapted for practical life.
Meaning of Dharmashastra
- Dharma = duty, ethics, conduct
- Shastra = organized knowledge
Thus, Dharmashastra means texts that teach the methods of right conduct.
Major Dharmashastra Texts
| Text | Author | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Manusmriti | Manu | Social order, duties, punishment, king’s responsibilities |
| Yajnavalkya Smriti | Yajnavalkya | Law, inheritance, conduct |
| Narada Smriti | Narada | Jurisprudence, marriage disputes |
| Parashara Smriti | Parashara | Behavior in Kali Yuga, especially household duties |
| Brihaspati Smriti | Brihaspati | State punishment and administration |
| Katyayana Smriti | Katyayana | Merchant law and commercial ethics |
| Gautama Dharmasutra | Gautama | Rites, marriage, shraddha |
| Apastamba Dharmasutra | Apastamba | Purification, renunciation, rules |
Main Subjects of Dharmashastra
Varnashrama Dharma
- Brahmacharya
- Grihastha
- Vanaprastha
- Sannyasa
Social Behavior
- Marriage, family, shraddha
- Yajna, samskaras, household duties
State Duties
- Role of the king
- Taxation, justice, army, punishment
Law & Justice
- Evidence, crime, punishment
- Inheritance, debts, disputes
Manusmriti – Key Features
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Brahma taught Manu, who taught humanity |
| Structure | 12 chapters, 2,685 verses |
| Social Order | Division based on qualities and duties |
| Women | Dignity and protection emphasized |
| State Rule | Guidance for kings and administration |
| Punishment | Strict laws for social order |
| Final Goal | Renunciation and liberation |
Dharmashastra & Modern Law
During the British era, Hindu law was largely based on Dharmashastra texts. Today’s Hindu Marriage Act, Succession Acts, etc., draw from Yajnavalkya Smriti and Narada Smriti.
Summary Table
| Text | Objective | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Manusmriti | Rules for all aspects of life | Most influential and ancient |
| Yajnavalkya Smriti | Behavior & succession | Clear legal clarity |
| Narada Smriti | Jurisprudence | Evidence-based law |
| Parashara Smriti | Kali Yuga rules | Focus on householders |
| Brihaspati Smriti | State law | King and punishment |
Conclusion
Dharmashastras provide a structured, ethical blueprint for individual and social life. They translate Vedic knowledge into practical laws and conduct, ensuring a balanced and righteous society.
Other Important Texts
In addition to the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Epics and Dharmashastras, Hindu tradition includes many other important scriptures based on philosophy, yoga, devotion, ethics and practical life. These texts enrich the completeness of the Eternal Religion.
3. Categories of Other Important Texts
- Philosophical Texts (Darshana Shastra)
- Yoga Texts
- Devotional Texts
- Policy / Ethical Texts
- Tantra, Agama and Ritual Codes
1. Philosophical Texts (Darshana Shastra)
The six classical schools of Indian philosophy (Shad-Darshana) emerged from deep spiritual investigation and Vedic insight.
| Darshana | Author | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Sankhya | Kapila Muni | Dualism of Prakriti & Purusha |
| Yoga | Patanjali | Ashtanga Yoga, Samadhi |
| Nyaya | Gautama | Logic, reasoning, evidence |
| Vaisheshika | Kanada | Atomic theory |
| Mimamsa | Jaimini | Vedic ritual interpretation |
| Vedanta | Badarayana (Vyasa) | Non-dualistic metaphysics |
Vedanta – Major Branches
- Advaita – Adi Shankaracharya
- Vishishtadvaita – Ramanujacharya
- Dvaita – Madhvacharya
2. Yoga Texts
| Text | Author | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Yoga Sutras | Patanjali | Ashtanga Yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi |
| Hatha Yoga Pradipika | Swatmarama | Physical yoga, energy control |
| Goraksha Shataka | Gorakhnath | Kundalini, yogic meditation |
3. Devotional Texts
Bhakti literature was composed by saints and devotees in regional languages, expressing divine love and spiritual devotion.
| Text | Author | Devotional Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| Ramcharitmanas | Tulsidas | Rama devotion |
| Sursagar | Surdas | Krishna devotion |
| Bhajans & Padas | Mirabai | Love devotion |
| Guru Granth Sahib | Sikh Gurus | Nirguna devotion |
| Dnyaneshwari | Saint Dnyaneshwar | Marathi Krishna devotion |
| Vachana Literature | Basavanna & others | Kannada Lingayat devotion |
4. Policy / Ethical Texts
These works teach governance, statecraft, behavior, diplomacy and moral conduct.
| Text | Author | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Chanakya Niti | Chanakya | Statecraft, administration, ethics |
| Panchatantra | Vishnu Sharma | Moral stories for rulers and children |
| Hitopadesha | Narayan Pandit | Friendship, morality, practical wisdom |
| Vidura Niti | From Mahabharata | Duty of kings, ethical rules |
5. Tantra, Agama and Ritual Codes
| Text Type | Deity / Tradition | Subject Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Shaiva Agamas | Shiva | Temple rituals, tantra |
| Vaishnava Agamas | Vishnu | Temple building, idol consecration |
| Shakta Tantras | Devi | Mantra, yantra, worship of Shakti |
| Kalika Purana | Kali | Tantric practices |
| Lakshmi Tantra | Lakshmi | Wealth, prosperity worship |
Summary Table
| Category | Objective | Main Texts |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophical Texts | Knowledge of Brahman & the soul | Upanishads, Vedanta, Sankhya |
| Yoga Texts | Body–mind discipline | Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika |
| Devotional Texts | Love of God | Ramcharitmanas, Sursagar |
| Policy Texts | Practical wisdom & governance | Chanakya Niti, Panchatantra |
| Tantra/Agamas | Worship systems & rituals | Shaiva–Shakta–Vaishnava Agamas |
Conclusion
These other important texts enrich the eternal tradition by making Vedic wisdom practical in spiritual, physical, ethical and social life. They provide a holistic foundation for Hindu culture and philosophy.
References
- Valmiki. The Ramayana (Critical Edition, Oriental Institute).
- Vyasa. The Mahabharata (BORI Critical Edition).
- van Buitenen, J.A.B. (1973–78). The Mahabharata. University of Chicago Press.
- Radhakrishnan, S. (1948). The Bhagavadgita. HarperCollins.
- Prabhupada, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. Bhagavad-gita As It Is. ISKCON.