Hindu Holy Scriptures
The Vedas (Veda, Sanskrit: वेद | ‘knowledge’) are the most ancient Hindu scriptures, originating in ancient India. These are considered the oldest scriptures of Hinduism and are composed in Vedic Sanskrit. The Vedas contain hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual for the priests of the Vedic religion.
Believed to have been directly revealed to seers in India and preserved by oral tradition, there are four Vedas: the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
The Vedas are Śruti (“what is heard”), distinguishing them from other religious texts, which are called Smṛti (“what is remembered”).
The Vedas are considered apauruṣeya (“not of a man, superhuman”) — revelations of sacred sounds and texts heard by ancient sages after intense meditation.
Vedas are “Śruti” (heard) as opposed to other scriptures, which are “Smṛti” (remembered). The Vedas have been orally transmitted using mnemonic methods.
There are four Vedas:
– Rigveda: The oldest Veda. It has many songs praising the gods. These songs are sung during different religious ceremonies.
– Yajurveda: This Veda is about “Worship Knowledge.” It has special sayings and chants for offering things in rituals.
– Samaveda: This is the Veda of songs and chants. It’s used for public worship.
– Atharvaveda: This Veda was written by a wise person named Atharvan and another person named Angiras.
Each Veda Has Four Parts:
• Samhitas: These are collections of basic prayers and blessings.
• Aranyakas: These are writings about ceremonies, sacrifices, and their deeper meanings.
• Brahmanas: These are explanations of the rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices.
• Upanishads: These are writings that talk about meditation, philosophy (ideas about life), and spiritual knowledge.• Upasanas: Some experts add this fifth part, which is about worship.
Upanishads
There are 13 important Upanishads that were written a long time ago. In total, there are 108 Upanishads.
Upveda
This means “applied knowledge.” These are books about specific skills:
• Archery (Dhanurveda): Related to the Yajurveda.
• Architecture (Sthapatyaveda): Related to the Rigveda.
• Music and sacred dance (Gāndharvaveda): Related to the Samaveda.
• Medicine (Ayurveda): Related to the Atharvaveda.
Vedanga
This is a group of six subjects that help people understand the Vedas:
• Phonetics (Śikṣā): How to pronounce words correctly.
• Poetic meter (Chandas): The rhythm and structure of poems.
• Grammar (Vyākaraṇa): The rules of the language.
• Etymology and language study (Nirukta): The origin and meaning of words.
• Rituals and ceremonies (Kalpa): The proper way to perform religious acts.
• Timekeeping and astronomy (Jyotiṣa): Understanding the calendar and stars.
Nibandhas
Encyclopedias of Vedic Laws pertaining to human conduct, worship, rites, and rituals.
Puranas
The Puranas are books that cover many topics, especially myths, old stories, and traditions. Several of them are named after important Hindu gods and goddesses like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi.
There are 18 major Puranas and 18 minor Puranas.
Itihasa
This word means “history” or “epic.” A story is called Itihasa only if the person who wrote it saw the events themselves or was part of the story.
The Mahabharata (written by Vyasa, who was in the story) and the Ramayana (by Sage Valmiki) are considered Itihasa.
Bhagavad Gita
Some Hindus think of this book as being like an Upanishad, and some even see it as a “revealed text” (words directly from a divine source). Others consider the Bhagavad Gita an important Smriti, which means “what is remembered” (different from the directly “heard” Vedas).
Dharam Shastras
Describes codes of human conduct, personal hygiene, social administration, ethics, and moral duties.
Best known: Manu Smriti
Agamas or Tantras
Describes three major theological traditions:
• Vaishnavism
• Shaivism
• Shaktism
Darshanas
1. Heterodox – Rejects the authority of the Vedas:
• Buddhists
• Jains
• Charvakas (Materialists)
2. Orthodox – Accepts the Vedas as authoritative.
Dr. Suresh Khanna
