Hindu Scriptures Explained: Vedas, Smriti, Epics & Puranas

Category: Introduction | Author : THT | Date : 04 October 2025 07:56

 A Welcoming Word on a Vast Library of Hindu Scriptures Welcome to the rich and expansive world of Hindu sacred literature. For newcomers, this collection of writings can seem like a vast and complex library with no clear catalog.

The purpose of this guide is to provide a simple map of Hindu scriptures, helping you understand how the most important texts relate to one another.

At the highest level, Hindu scriptures are classified into two foundational categories:

Śruti (What Was Heard): Direct, divine revelations without a human author.

Smṛti (What Was Remembered): Texts written by sages based on the truths of Śruti, representing tradition.

The Foundation of Hindu Scriptures

1. Śruti – "What Was Heard" Śruti texts are the primary and most authoritative scriptures in Hinduism. The word Śruti means “what is heard”, referring to eternal truths revealed to ancient sages (Rishis).

The Four Vedas The scriptures that make up the Śruti are known as the Vedas, meaning knowledge. These are the core texts of Hinduism:

Rig-Veda

Yajur-Veda

Sama-Veda

Atharva-Veda

The Four Divisions of Each Veda Part Purpose Intended For Mantra-Samhitas Hymns & prayers for prosperity Students (Brahmacharins) Brahmanas Ritual instructions & Yajnas Household life (Grihastha) Aranyakas Philosophical interpretations Hermits (Vanaprastha) Upanishads Spiritual truths & liberation Renunciates (Sannyasins)

The Upanishads, considered the “essence of the Vedas,” form the philosophical foundation of Hindu spirituality.

The Tradition of Hindu Scriptures 2. Smṛti – "What Was Remembered" Smṛti literature is based on Śruti but written by sages to make eternal truths accessible and practical for everyday life.

Śruti = Absolute Authority (divine revelation)

Smṛti = Secondary Authority (explanation & application of Dharma)

2.1 Dharma Śāstras – Hindu Law Codes The Dharma Śāstras regulate social, moral, and individual duties. The most notable law-givers include:

Manu Smriti (for Satya Yuga)

Yajnavalkya Smriti

Parasara Smriti (for Kali Yuga)

2.2 Itihasas – The Hindu Epics The Itihasas (Epics) present Vedic truths through stories and heroes.

The Ramayana (by Valmiki) – The life of Sri Rama, Sita, and Hanuman.

The Mahabharata (by Vyasa) – The great war of the Pandavas & Kauravas, including the Bhagavad Gita.

2.3 Puranas – Myths and Legends The Puranas popularize Vedic teachings through stories, allegories, and myths.

18 major Puranas (Sattvic, Rajasic, Tamasic).

Most famous: Bhagavata Purana (stories of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations).

2.4 Agamas – Manuals of Worship The Agamas are practical treatises on temple worship, rituals, and theology.

Vaishnava Agamas – Vishnu worship.

Shaiva Agamas – Shiva worship.

Shakta Agamas (Tantras) – Divine Mother worship.

2.5 Darsanas – Hindu Schools of Philosophy The six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy (based on the Vedas):

Nyaya

Vaiseshika

Sankhya

Yoga

Purva Mimamsa

Vedanta (Uttara Mimamsa)

3. How Hindu Scriptures Fit Together Think of Hindu scripture as a sacred tree of wisdom:

Root: Śruti (Vedas) – The foundation.

Trunk: Smṛti, Itihasas, Puranas – The strength.

Branches: Agamas & Darsanas – Expansions of thought.

Flowers: Poetry & drama (Kavyas & Natakas).

Quick Reference Table Category Meaning Example Śruti (Vedas) Divine revelation Rig-Veda Smṛti (Law Codes) Duties & laws Manu Smriti Itihasas Epics teaching Dharma Mahabharata Puranas Stories & myths Bhagavata Purana Agamas Worship manuals Shaiva Agamas Darsanas Philosophical systems Vedanta

Conclusion: The Common Goal of Hindu Scriptures Though vast and varied, the scriptures of Hinduism share one unified purpose:

To help humanity overcome ignorance and attain freedom, immortality, and eternal bliss through knowledge of God.

All texts—whether hymns, laws, stories, or philosophies—aim to guide humans toward self-realization and union with the Divine.