1. Vedas
Meaning: The word Veda means "knowledge" or "wisdom" (from Sanskrit root vid, "to know").
Purpose: They are the oldest and most sacred texts of Hinduism, containing hymns, rituals, chants, and prayers used in religious ceremonies.
Types:
Rigveda – hymns to gods
Samaveda – chants and melodies
Yajurveda – ritual formulas
Atharvaveda – spells, healing, and domestic rituals
2. Upanishads
Meaning: Upanishad means "sitting down near" (symbolizing a student learning from a guru).
Purpose: These are philosophical texts that explore the inner meaning of life, the soul (Atman), and the universal spirit (Brahman).
Focus: Meditation, spiritual knowledge, and liberation (Moksha), not rituals.
3. Puranas
Meaning: Purana means "ancient" or "old stories".
Purpose: These are mythological and historical stories about gods, goddesses, kings, creation, and destruction.
Popular Puranas: Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, etc.
4. Dharmasutras
Meaning: Dharma = duty, law; Sutra = thread or guide → "Rules of conduct and duties"
Purpose: These are ancient legal and moral texts that lay down rules for daily life, social duties, law, and punishment.
Examples: Gautama Dharmasutra, Apastamba Dharmasutra
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