Sage-Tips

What is the most ancient Hindu text?

The Vedas
The Vedas (/ˈveɪdəz/, IAST: veda, Sanskrit: वेदः, lit. ‘knowledge’) are a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the texts constitute the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.

What are the main Hindu texts called?

The revealed texts constitute the Veda, divided into four sections: the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharva Veda. The Vedas are hymns that are also accompanied in the total Veda by Brahmanas (ritual texts) Aranyakas (“forest” or “wilderness” texts), and Upanishads (philosophical texts).

Is the Bhagavad Gita the most important Hindu text?

The Bhagavad Gita (“Song of God” or “Song of the Lord”) is among the most important religious texts of Hinduism and easily the best known. It has been quoted by writers, poets, scientists, theologians, and philosophers – among others – for centuries and is often the introductory text to Hinduism for a Western audience.

What is the Hindu Bible called?

the Vedas
The most ancient sacred texts of the Hindu religion are written in Sanskrit and called the Vedas. Hinduism does not just have one sacred book but several scriptures. The Vedas scriptures guide Hindus in their daily life. They also help to preserve the religious dimensions of family and society.

What are the 4 sacred texts in Hinduism?

From early times the content of the Veda was divided under four genres of text into the Ṛg Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sāma Veda and the Atharva Veda, so it is quite common to speak in terms of the ‘four Vedas.

Which is the most important Hindu scriptures?

Of the Shrutis (Vedic corpus), the Upanishads alone are widely influential among Hindus, considered scriptures par excellence of Hinduism, and their central ideas have continued to influence its thoughts and traditions.

What is the greatest and most beautiful of the Hindu scriptures?

The Bhagavad Gita – The most well-known of the Hindu scriptures, called the “Song of the Adorable One”, written about the 2nd century BC and forms the sixth part of Mahabharata. It contains some of the most brilliant theological lessons about the nature of God and of life ever written.

What are the sacred texts of Hinduism?

According to Swami Vivekananda, “the accumulated treasury of spiritual laws discovered by different persons in different times” constitutes the sacred Hindu texts. Collectively referred to as the Shastras, there are two types of sacred writings in the Hindu scriptures: Shruti (heard) and Smriti (memorized).

Where can I find ancient scriptures from Hinduism?

Hinduism Sacred Text Archive – Archive of ancient scriptures from Hinduism. Texts include original Sanskrit with English translations. On Line Texts – Translations of Rig Veda, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Avaduta Gita available on line. Scriptures List – Describes the various groups of scriptures in Hinduism.

Which is the most famous epic of Hinduism?

The Ramayana – The most popular of Hindu epics, composed by Valmiki around 4th or 2nd centuries BC with later additions up to about 300 CE. It depicts the story of the royal couple of Ayodhya – Ram and Sita and a host of other characters and their exploits.

What are the best resources for studying Hinduism?

Hindu Scriptures – A vast collection of Translations and e-Texts on Hinduism Celextel’s Online Spiritual Library – On line translation of seventy six Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutras. Hindu Scriptures – Explores the connection between Hindu literature and Hinduism.