Sanatana Scriptures
Scriptures form the spiritual foundation of Sanatana Dharma, offering timeless wisdom and guidance for leading a righteous life. These sacred texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita, delve into profound philosophical teachings, rituals, and moral values. Each scripture carries the essence of divine knowledge, empowering individuals to connect with their inner self and the universe. Explore these eternal writings to deepen your understanding of dharma, spirituality, and the rich heritage of Sanatana Dharma.
Vedas
The Vedas are the oldest religious texts in Vedic Sanskrit. There are four Vedas: Rig Veda, containing around 1,000 hymns to various deities; Yajur Veda, with mantras for yajnas (rituals); Sama Veda, focused on chants and melodies for worship; and Atharva Veda, covering topics like environmental science and astronomy, and considered the origin of Ayurveda.
The Puranas are ancient Hindu texts that narrate the rich history, legends, and cosmology of the universe. Composed primarily in Sanskrit, they provide insights into the creation, preservation, and destruction cycles of the cosmos. Each Purana is dedicated to various deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi, detailing their divine exploits, virtues, and teachings. These texts are not just mythological stories but serve as moral guides and cultural records, preserving the essence of Sanatana Dharma through captivating narratives and profound philosophical lessons.
Ramayan
The Ramayana narrates the life of Lord Rama, highlighting themes of sacrifice, love, separation, and redemption. It is the story of Rama’s victory over evil, where he rescues Sita, who was kidnapped by Ravana, with the help of the monkey god, Hanuman. The epic teaches that Dharma always triumphs over Adharma, and emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s roles in society. Lord Rama is portrayed as an embodiment of kindness, compassion, and love.
Upanishads
The Upanishads are ancient Hindu scriptures passed down orally, focusing on Dharma and philosophy. They emphasize the unity of humanity and the connection between individual souls (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman). Written in Sanskrit, the Upanishads contain philosophical discussions with the goal of achieving enlightenment by uniting Atman with Brahman. They begin with peace invocations, known as Shanti Patha, for the well-being of all humanity.
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, meaning “The Song of the Lord,” is the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna. It is one of the most well-known Indian scriptures, offering spiritual guidance during a battlefield discussion. Krishna explains key Hindu concepts like duty (dharma), moral action (karma), discipline (yoga), and the connection between the self (Atman) and the divine (Brahman). The Gita teaches the importance of following dharma and performing one’s duties without attachment to the results.
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata, the oldest and longest poem in history, tells the story of two rival clans, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, who go to war. Arjuna hesitates to fight, not wanting to kill loved ones, but Krishna explains that death leads to rebirth. Arjuna ultimately wins the battle, and Yudhishthir becomes king after the Pandavas’ victory. The moral of the Mahabharata is that sacrifices are necessary to achieve victory and uphold righteousness.