Hinduism boasts a vast collection of ancient scriptures. Here's a look at the most important categories
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1. The Vedas
- Considered the oldest and most authoritative sacred texts in Hinduism.
- Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, they are a collection of hymns, rituals, and philosophies.
- Four main Vedas:
- Rig Veda: The oldest, includes hymns praising various deities.
- Sama Veda: A collection of melodies and chants.
- Yajur Veda: Ritual formulas and instructions for sacrifices.
- Atharva Veda: Charms, spells, hymns on everyday life, and metaphysics.
2. The Upanishads
- Philosophical treatises that delve into the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate (Brahman).
- Over 200 known Upanishads, with the most famous being the Brihadaranyaka, Chandogya, and Isha Upanishads.
3. The Mahabharata and the Ramayana
- Two great Hindu epics.
- While primarily narratives, they also contain extensive philosophical and religious discussions.
- The Bhagavad Gita, a crucial Hindu text on dharma and devotion, is embedded within the Mahabharata.
4. The Puranas
- A vast collection of myths, legends, and stories about Hindu deities, cosmology, creation, genealogies, and religious practices.
- 18 major Puranas and numerous minor Puranas. Some important ones include the Bhagavata Purana (devoted to Vishnu), Shiva Purana, and Vishnu Purana.
These ancient texts continue to be revered and studied by Hindus worldwide, forming a foundational source of wisdom and spiritual guidance.
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