Scriptures In Hinduism | Vedas | Upnishad | Epics | Puranas

What is scripture in Hinduism? 

By Intimate Viewpoint

Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest living religions, is rooted in a vast and diverse collection of sacred texts collectively known as Hindu scriptures. These scriptures were composed over thousands of years and form the foundation of Hindu philosophy, rituals, ethics, spiritual practices, cultural values, and social life. Unlike many other religions, Hinduism does not have a single holy book. Instead, it has a large body of texts categorized into Śruti (revealed) and Smṛiti (remembered) literature.

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This extensive scripture tradition reflects the richness, depth, and openness of Hindu thought. Below is a detailed article that covers all major and minor scriptures in Hinduism.

1. Śruti Scriptures (That Which is Heard / Divine Revelation)

Śruti texts are considered apauruṣeya (not created by any human). They are believed to be revelations received by ancient sages (ṛishis) in deep meditation. Śruti is the highest authority in Hindu philosophy.

1.1 The Vedas (Oldest Hindu Scriptures)

The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative scriptures of Hinduism. They were composed between 1500–500 BCE (or even earlier according to some scholars). There are four Vedas, each containing four major parts.

The Four Vedas:

1. Ṛigveda

Oldest Hindu scripture

Contains 1,028 hymns

Dedicated to gods like Agni, Indra, Varuna, Mitra, Ushas

Focuses on cosmic creation, nature, and divine forces

2. Yajurveda

Contains mantras used by priests during rituals and yajnas

Divided into Shukla (white) and Krishna (black) Yajurveda

3. Sāmaveda

Known as the “Veda of melodies”

Basis for Indian classical music

Mostly composed of Rigvedic verses set to music

4. Atharvaveda

Contains hymns on healing, protection, peace, and everyday life

Deals with philosophy, medicine, and magical chants

1.2 Structure of Each Veda

Every Veda has four layers of knowledge:

1. Saṁhitā – hymns and mantras

2. Brāhmaṇa – ritual explanations

3. Āraṇyaka – forest treatises for hermits

4. Upanishads – philosophical teachings

1.3 Upanishads (Vedanta – The End of Knowledge)

The Upanishads mark the spiritual culmination of Vedic wisdom. There are more than 200 Upanishads, but 13 are principal.

Themes of Upanishads:

Brahman (Ultimate Reality)

Atman (Individual Soul)

Unity of Atman and Brahman

Karma, rebirth, moksha

Meditation, renunciation, self-realization

Famous Upanishads:

Isha

Kena

Katha

Prashna

Mundaka

Mandukya

Taittiriya

Chandogya

Brihadaranyaka

2. Smṛti Scriptures (That Which is Remembered / Human Composed)

Smṛti texts are inspired by divine revelation but written by sages for guiding society, ethics, law, history, and daily life.

2.1 Itihasas (Epics)

The Itihasas combine history, mythology, dharma, and spiritual teachings.

1. Ramayana – by Maharishi Valmiki

Story of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman

Teaches ideal conduct, justice, devotion, honor

2. Mahabharata – by Sage Vyasa

World’s longest epic

Contains war story between Kauravas and Pandavas

Includes the Bhagavad Gita, a spiritual classic

Bhagavad Gita

700-verse dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna

Explains karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga

Most widely read Hindu scripture

2.2 Puranas (Ancient Narratives)

There are 18 Mahapuranas and many Upapuranas.

They include:

Vishnu Purana

Shiva Purana

Bhagavata Purana

Markandeya Purana

Brahmanda Purana

Skanda Purana

Agni Purana, etc.

Themes in Puranas:

Creation and destruction of the universe

Genealogies of gods, sages, and kings

Stories of avatars (Incarnations of Vishnu)

Rituals, festivals, holy places (tirthas)

2.3 Dharma Shastras (Law and Ethics)

These scriptures guide social conduct, law, and moral duties.

Famous Dharma Shastras:

Manusmriti (laws of society)

Yajnavalkya Smriti

Parashara Smriti

Topics include:

Duties of individuals based on life stage (ashramas)

Social responsibilities

Rules for marriage, inheritance, justice

2.4 Agamas and Tantras

These scriptures describe temple rituals, deity worship, mantras, architecture, and meditation.

Types of Agamas:

Shaiva Agamas – for Shiva worship

Vaishnava Pancharatra & Vaikhanasa Agamas – for Vishnu worship

Shakta Tantras – for Devi worship

Include details of:

Murti consecration

Yoga, mantra, yantra

Temple construction (vastu) 

2.5 Sutras (Aphoristic Texts)

Sutras give concise guidelines for rituals, philosophy, logic, and grammar.

Categories:

Grihya Sutras – domestic rituals (marriage, naming, etc.)

Dharma Sutras – moral duties

Shrauta Sutras – Vedic rituals

Philosophical Sutras:

Brahma Sutras (Vedanta philosophy)

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (8-limbed yoga)

Nyaya Sutras (logic)

Vaisheshika Sutras (metaphysics)

Samkhya Sutras (cosmology)

2.6 Aranyakas

Transitional texts between Vedas and Upanishads. Written by sages living in the forest. Teach meditation and esoteric rituals.

2.7 Samhitas (Non-Vedic)

Later compilations of prayers, hymns, and rituals associated with specific deities.

Examples:

Ganesha Samhita

Narada Bhakti Sutra

2.8 Commentaries (Bhashyas)

Great Indian philosophers wrote commentaries on major scriptures.

Famous authors include:

Adi Shankaracharya

Ramanujacharya

Madhvacharya

Ramananda, Vallabhacharya, Nimbarka

Their works shaped Hindu philosophical schools like Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, and Dvaita.

3. Philosophical Schools (Darshanas)

Hindu scriptures also include six orthodox systems of philosophy:

1. Nyaya – Logic

2. Vaisheshika – Science & metaphysics

3. Samkhya – Creation theory

4. Yoga – Practice of self-control

5. Mimamsa – Ritualistic interpretation

6. Vedanta – Spiritual knowledge

These schools draw from Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, and sutras.

4. Other Important Scriptures

4.1 Bhagavata Gita (as a standalone spiritual text)

Teaches dharma, duty, renunciation, devotion, and self-realization.

4.2 Narada Bhakti Sutra

Explains devotion and divine love.

4.3 Hanuman Chalisa

A devotional text composed by Tulsidas.

4.4 Vishnu Sahasranama & Lalita Sahasranama

1000 names of Vishnu and Devi.

4.5 Surya Siddhanta

An advanced ancient treatise on astronomy.

5. Unique Features of Hindu Scriptures

1. No single author or book defines Hinduism

The tradition evolved through countless sages over millennia.

2. Living Scriptures

They are still recited, sung, and practiced today.

3. Universal Philosophies

Concepts like karma, dharma, yoga, meditation, and moksha are central.

4. Tolerance and Diversity

Scriptures allow multiple paths—devotion, meditation, knowledge, action.

5. Blend of philosophy, rituals, and stories

They reach both intellectuals and common people.

Conclusion

Hindu scriptures are one of the richest and oldest bodies of spiritual literature in the world. They encompass everything—from cosmic creation to dharma, from philosophy to devotion, from temple rituals to meditation techniques. The scriptures do not impose rigid commandments but offer guidance, wisdom, and freedom to choose one’s path to self-realization.

Together, these sacred texts illuminate the Hindu vision of life:

“Truth is one; the wise express it in many ways.”