Hindu texts
Hindu texts or Hindu scriptures are manuscripts and voluminous historical literature which are related to any of the diverse traditions within Hinduism. Some of the major Hindu texts include the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Itihasa. Scholars hesitate in defining the term “Hindu scriptures” given the diverse nature of Hinduism, but many list the Agamas as Hindu scriptures, and Dominic Goodall includes Bhagavata Purana and Yajnavalkya Smriti in the list of Hindu scriptures as well.
- Hindu Scriptures: This term typically refers to texts considered to be divinely inspired or revealed, forming the basis of Hindu belief and practice. The Vedas, considered the most ancient and foundational, are often seen as the core of Hindu scriptures.
- Hindu Texts: This is a broader term encompassing a wider range of literature, including the scriptures but also other texts like [Smritis], [Shastras], [Sutras], and more. These texts provide additional guidance on rituals, social norms, philosophy, and various aspects of life.
A broad list of important Hindu texts, categorized and Romanized, can be helpful for understanding the vastness of Hindu literature. The texts are generally divided into two categories: Shruti (revealed) and Smriti (remembered).
Shruti (revealed texts)
- Vedas: The most authoritative and ancient texts, considered of divine origin and not human authorship.
- Rigveda (Ṛgveda): The oldest and most important Veda, containing hymns and verses praising various deities.
- Yajurveda: Focuses on liturgy, rituals, and sacrifices.
- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad)
- Isha Upanishad (Īśa Upaniṣad)
- Taittiriya Upanishad (Taittirīya Upaniṣad)
- Katha Upanishad (Kaṭha Upaniṣad)
- Shvetashvatara Upanishad (Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad)
- Samaveda: Contains chants and melodies used in rituals.
- Chandogya Upanishad (Chāndogya Upaniṣad)
- Kena Upanishad
- Atharvaveda: Deals with spells, charms, and practical wisdom.
- Mundaka Upanishad (Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad)
- Mandukya Upanishad (Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad)
- Prashna Upanishad (Praśna Upaniṣad)
- Upanishads (Upaniṣads): Philosophical texts that are part of the Vedas, considered a foundational aspect of Hindu thought. Many Upanishads exist, with a core group of “mukhya” or principal Upanishads being the most important.
Smriti (remembered texts)
- Itihasas (Histories/Epics):
- Mahabharata (Mahābhārata): One of the two major ancient Sanskrit epics, containing a vast amount of religious and philosophical teachings.
- Bhagavad Gita (Bhagavad Gītā): A core sacred text embedded within the Mahabharata, teaching about dharma, karma, and Moksha.
- Ramayana (Rāmāyaṇa): The other major Sanskrit epic, focusing on the life of Rama.
- Mahabharata (Mahābhārata): One of the two major ancient Sanskrit epics, containing a vast amount of religious and philosophical teachings.
- Puranas (Purāṇas): Vast collection of encyclopedic texts, primarily containing myths, legends, and traditional lore.
- Brahma Puranas: Brahma, Brahmāṇḍa, Brahma Vaivarta, Mārkāṇḍeya, Bhaviṣya
- Vaishnava Puranas: Viṣṇu, Bhāgavata, Nāradeya, Garuḍa, Padma, Varāha, Vāmana, Kūrma, Matsya
- Shaiva Puranas: Śiva, Liṅga, Skanda, Agni
- Dharma Shastras (Dharmaśāstra): Texts on dharma, law, and social conduct.
- Agamas: Texts focusing on the construction of temples, rituals, and the iconography of images.
- Darshanas: Six schools of Hindu philosophy, each with its own foundational texts.
- Nyaya Sutras (Nyāya Sūtras)
- Vaisheshika Sutra (Vaiśeṣika Sūtra)
- Sankhya Karika (Sāṁkhya Kārikā)
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Yoga Sūtras of Patanjali)
- Mimamsa Sutras (Mīmāṃsā Sūtras)
- Brahma Sutras (Brahma Sūtras)
- Vedangas: Six auxiliary disciplines essential for the study and understanding of the Vedas.
- Upavedas: Secondary knowledge systems related to the Vedas.
- Ayurveda (science of life)
- Arthaveda (science of statecraft, economics, and warfare)
- Gandharvaveda (science of arts and music)
- Sthapatyaveda (science of architecture and engineering)
