Library of Religious Books
Classification of Santana Religion’s Scriptures
Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) has a vast and diverse collection of scriptures, broadly categorized into Shruti (revealed knowledge) and Smriti (remembered knowledge). These texts cover philosophy, law, rituals, devotion, and inspirational stories.
Here’s a classification of different types of Hindu scriptures created by the use of AI.
- VEDAS (Shruti — Divine Knowledge)
The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative scriptures in Hinduism.
A. The Four Vedas
1. Rig Veda — Hymns and praises of deities, the oldest Hindu scripture.
2. Yajur Veda — Rituals and sacrificial procedures.
3. Sama Veda — Musical chants and hymns for worship.
4. Atharva Veda — Spells, charms, and philosophical teachings.
B. Brahmanas (Commentaries on the Vedas)
• Aitareya Brahmana (Rig Veda)
• Shatapatha Brahmana (Yajur Veda)
• Tandya Brahmana (Sama Veda)
• Gopatha Brahmana (Atharva Veda)
C. Aranyakas (Forest Treatises)
• Aitareya Aranyaka
• Brihadaranyaka
• Taittiriya Aranyaka
D. Upanishads (Philosophical Teachings) — 108 total, some key ones:
• Isha Upanishad
• Kena Upanishad
• Katha Upanishad
• Mundaka Upanishad
• Mandukya Upanishad
• Taittiriya Upanishad
2. PURANAS (Smritis)
The Puranas contain cosmology, genealogies of gods, and moral teachings.
A. Maha Puranas (18 Major Puranas)
1. Brahma Purana
2. Padma Purana
3. Vishnu Purana
4. Shiva Purana
5. Bhagavata Purana
6. Narada Purana
7. Markandeya Purana
8. Agni Purana
9. Bhavishya Purana
10. Brahmanda Purana
11.Linga Purana
12. Varaha Puranas
13.Skanda Purana
14.Vamana Purana
15.Kurma Purana
16.Matsya Purana
17.Garuda Purana
18.Brahmavaivarta Purana
B. Upa Puranas (18 Minor Puranas)
1. Sanatkumara Purana
2. Narasimha Purana
3. Brihannaradiya Purana
4. Sivarahasya Purana
5. Durvasa Purana
6. Kapila Purana
7. Vamana Purana
8. Bhargava Purana
9. Vishnudharmottara Purana
10.Shivadharma Purana
11.Adi Purana
12.Maheshwara Purana
13.Devi Bhagavata Purana
14.Surya Purana
15.Ganapati Purana
16.Krishna Purana
17.Gopala Purana
18.Hamsa Purana
3. MAIN SCRIPTURES (Smriti — Religious and Ethical Texts)
These are foundational Hindu scriptures covering ethics, dharma, epics, and devotional literature.
A. Itihasas (Epics)
1. Ramayana — The story of Lord Rama, written by Valmiki.
2. Mahabharata — The great war epic, composed by Vyasa.
B. Bhagavad Gita (Sacred Dialogue)
• A part of the Mahabharata, where Lord Krishna imparts divine wisdom to Arjuna.
C. Agamas and Tantras (Ritualistic Texts)
1. Shaiva Agamas (Worship of Shiva)
2. Vaishnava Agamas (Worship of Vishnu)
3. Shakta Tantras (Worship of Devi/Shakti)
D. Dharma Shastras (Law and Ethics)
1. Manusmriti — Ancient Hindu law book.
2. Yajnavalkya Smriti — Another important dharma text.
3. Narada Smriti — Related to legal traditions.
E. Sutras and Shastras (Philosophical and Ritual Texts)
1. Vedanta Sutras (Brahma Sutras) — Philosophical treatises.
2. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Text on yoga.
3. Nyaya Sutras — Text on logic and reasoning.
F. Bhakti Literature (Devotional Texts)
1. Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas — A devotional retelling of Ramayana.
2. Kabir’s Dohe — Verses of devotion and wisdom.
3. Surdas’ Sursagar — Devotional songs for Krishna.
4. Meerabai’s Bhajans — Songs expressing love for Krishna.
3. Other Hindu Scriptures and Commentaries
• Bhashyas (Commentaries on Upanishads, Gita, and Brahma Sutras) by Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, and Madhvacharya.
• Stotras (Hymns of Praise) like Vishnu Sahasranama, Shiva Tandava Stotra.
• Yoga Vasistha — Teachings of Sage Vasistha to Lord Rama.
Conclusion
Sanatana Dharma’s scriptures are vast and serve different purposes:
• Vedas and Upanishads — Spiritual and philosophical wisdom.
• Puranas and Itihasas — History and Inspirational Literature.
• Agamas and Tantras — Rituals and temple worship.
• Dharma Shastras and Smritis — Ethics and social order.
• Bhakti Literature — Devotion and spiritual poetry.
After going through this list of scriptures , I felt so blessed with wisdom and knowledge from our ancestors.
