In Hinduism, people follow a number of holy books. Various sacred writings are valued by the Hindus. Vedas are the main sacred texts that were composed around 1500 B.C. Hymns and verses in a huge collection were written in the Sanskrit language. Ancient sages and saints have imparted many revelations in the Vedic Holy Scriptures. The other important texts in Hinduism are the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana and the 18 Puranas.
The Vedas are made up of:
- The Rigveda (mainly composed of praise and songs)
- The Samaveda (refers to melody)
- Yajurveda (deals with sacrificial formula) and
- Atharvaveda (contains magic formulas in a large number).
According to belief of the Hindus, the Vedas have no beginning or end and hence transcend all time.
In Hinduism there are sacred writings of two kinds, namely Smrti and Sruti.
- Smrti is very popular and has high significance with Hindus, however as compared to Sruti, it is not sacred. Mythology and Symbolism is dealt with in Smrti while speaking about Truths of the Universe. Smrti is simpler to understand and its lists (Dharma Shastra) govern the society, community, actions of individuals which guides and regulates their daily conduct. Many writings including Itihaas and Puranas are included in the Smrtis.
- Sruti is the most sacred and oldest of the Hindu Scriptures. The meaning of Sruti is that which has been perceived, heard, revealed or understood. It is segregated into two main categories, the Upanishads and Vedas both of which are believed to be of divine origin.
