Hindu Religious Texts, Hinduism - Informative & researched article on Hindu Religious Texts, Hinduism
  Indianetzone: Largest Free Encyclopedia of India with thousand of articles Indian Religion


in  
Art & Culture | Entertainment | Health | Reference | Sports | Society | Travel
Forum  | Free E-magazine
Indian Religion : Vastu Shastra l Indian Religions l Indian Myths l Indian Mythology l Gods of India l Goddesses Of India l Religious Thinkers of India l Types of Religion in India l History of Indian Religion l Indian Yogis l Ajivikas l Sacred Scriptures in Indian Religion l Tantrism l Shaivism l Indian Communities l Sacred Animals in India l Roman Impact on South Indian Art and Society l Bhattacharyas l Indian Classical Terms
Home > Society > Indian Religion > Types of Religion in India > Hinduism > Hindu Religious Texts
Hindu Religious Texts, Hinduism
Hindu Religious Texts were written and developed over many centuries. They were developed in order to get spiritual insights and guidance of the religion as a whole or to practice a perfect religious life.
  Hanuman Chalisa      

Bhagavad-Gita, Hindu Religious TextsThe vast body of scriptures among the Hindu Religious Texts is divided into Shruti or "revealed" and Smriti or "remembered". Shruti is that which is heard or divinely revealed. It consists of the Vedas, the most ancient of the scriptures, the Upanishads, the Brahmanas, and the Aranyakas. Shruti refers to the manifestation of the divine in the world, and reveal the truth, it also narrates about the deities to the early sages or rishis. These scriptures are based on theology, philosophy and mythology. The scriptures provide information on the practice of dharma or religious living.

Among these Hindu Religious Texts, the Vedas and the Upanishads are the foremost in authority, meaning and antiquity. There are four collections which comprise the Veda, the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The Veda contains accounts of creation, information on ritual sacrifices, and prayers to the deities. The Upanishads are considered to be the most important of the three scriptures of Shruti literature. In addition to that, it is believed that these texts were secret scriptures taught by a sage to a disciple. Vedas are the ancient and most authoritative religious texts. Moreover, eighteen Indian Puranas, the two epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita are also valued scriptures of Hindu religion. Other major scriptures include the Tantras and the Agama.

Chalisa is also considered to be the Hindu Religious Texts. Chalisa means "forty verse" prayer and contains verses that praise the deity with devotion. These texts have been in existence since the moment when human beings had started fearing God or almighty. The Chalisas include expression of the deepest and sincerest feelings of mankind. The term Upanishad means "those who sit near" and implies listening closely to the secret doctrines of a spiritual teacher. The Upanishads are a collection of Indian speculations and believed to have developed around 600 BC. The Puranas are the collection of mythology that deals with many religious and moral matters.

The Bhagavad Gita is a treatise from the Mahabharata which includes the verses spoken by Krishna and are regarded as the spiritual teachings of the Vedas. All the teachings of Lord Krishna were subsequently recorded by Rishi Vyasa. In the history of mankind, Mahabharata is the largest epic and it was originally called Jaisamhita. The epic Mahabharata creates a junction between the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron or Kali Age.

There are four Vedas that are considered to be among the primary Hindu Religious Texts. The Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda are the four Vedas have been influencing mankind since time immemorial. Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas which was composed about 1500 B.C. However, the beginning of its original writing cannot be traced but it is believed that, Rig Veda was probably there after 300 B.C. Hindu Religious Texts are of greatly treasured by the humanity. The texts are inscribed to offer guidance on the daily conduct of life. These religious scriptures are written for spiritual upliftment and self-realization. The scriptures are for receiving benefit and can be considered to be the science of the Soul.

(Last Updated on : 15/02/2011)
  More Articles in Hinduism
 
Aghora Vaishnavism Nath Siddhas
Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma Aham Brahmasmi Ayam Atma Brahma
Ekam Evadvitiyam Brahma Tat Tvam Asi Prajnaman Brahman
Brahma Satyam Jagan Mithya Mahavakyas Mahavidya Goddesses
Theory Of Creation Hindu Gods Hindu Goddesses
Shraadh Yajna Havan
Gotra Aarti Agnihotra
Devadasis Ishvara In Hinduism Devi
Grihya Sutras Dvija Hiranyagarbha
Brahman Cremation Puja
Janmotsava Shradh Anteshti Kriya
Homa Hindu Vrata Days of the Week
Ahalya Kachwaha Jyotirlinga
Brahmin Castes in India Panchangam Ashta Dikpalas
Astomi Brahmaloka Sannyasi
Samakara Hindu Sacred Places Origin of Hinduism
Hindu Religious Texts Hindu religious leaders Marudeva
Sarvesvara Lokas Papa
Maharudra Swahaakaar Yagna Conch Shell Punarjanam
Aghori Heaven Parting with money after sunset
Shraavana Sashtanga Kshama
Agrasya Sanskaras Libation
Kerari Kusha Maharajas
Chandrayana Bhagat Jiva
Devarshis Months of Hindu Calendar Varna System in Ancient India
Purohitas Hindu Rituals Pancharatra
Gorakhnathis Citta Ramanandi Sampraday
Omkara Cult of Draupadi in South India Development of Hinduism
Shaktism Places of Worship Mantra
Hindu Iconography Teachings of Hinduism Kalpa Sutras
Saura Goddess Tara in Hinduism Vaikhanasa
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Religion
  • Life of the building
    Vastu Shastra provides exhaustive information about the life of a building.
  •  
  • Basement
    Vastu shastra recommends certain tips for the construction of the basement.
  •  
     
  • Tips for Purchasing a Flat
    Tips for Purchasing a Flat, as suggested by Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science for construction, will lead to prosperity and pleasure
  •  
  • West-North-West Extended Plot
    The residents of these buildings will experience a steady increase in the wealth.
  •  
  • Upper Floor
    According to this ancient architectural form, the upper floor needs special attention whiles constructing.
  •  
    E-mail this Article | Post a Comment
    RSS Feeds
    Forum
    Forum on Indian Religion

    Free E-magazine
    Subscribe to Free
    E-Magazine on Indian Crafts
     
     
    Hindu Religious Texts, Hinduism - Informative & researched article on Hindu Religious Texts, Hinduism
    Sitemap
    Contact Us   |   RSS Feeds
    Copyright © 2008 Jupiter Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved including the right to reproduce the contents in whole or in part in any form or medium without the express written permission of Jupiter Infomedia Pvt. Ltd.