Introduction of Hinduism

Introduction of Hinduism

When exploring various subjects like biology, geometry, or geography, we typically turn to specialized textbooks for guidance. In the same way, if we seek to understand God—His nature, how to love Him, and how to develop a relationship with Him—we ought to consult the appropriate texts that impart this understanding. These sacred texts, which illuminate our knowledge about the divine, are known as scriptures.

For Christians, the New Testament serves as a central holy book. In Islam, the Quran holds that esteemed position, while Sikhs revere the Guru Granth Sahib. For Hindus, the Vedas are the foremost text, offering vast insights into the nature of God, His attributes, and pathways to connect with Him. Each of these texts is vital in guiding the faithful in their spiritual journeys.

Classification of Hindu Scriptures

Hindu scriptures, also called granth, can be broadly divided into three categories: Krit Granth, Smrit Granth and Vinirgat Granth. 

  1. Krit Granth (created works) refer to compositions by worldly people who are not yet God-realized. They write about God and related topics based on their reading and thoughts. Since the authors do not have complete knowledge of God and are using their own intellect to write, there is a possibility of misinformation and misinterpretation in such works.
  2. Smrit Granth (remembered works) refers to scriptures written by saints such as Tulsidas, Valmiki, and Ved Vyas, who had complete knowledge of God. Smrit Granth includes the Purans, the Bhagavad Gitathe Mahabharat, and the Ramayan.
  3. The word  Vinirgat means ‘coming out of.’ Vinirgat granth refers to scriptures revealed by God Himself. There is only one Vinirgat granth, the Vedas. 

In the following blog, we will discuss in detail the Smrit and Vinirgat granth, which assist mankind in understanding the importance of the human body and how this body can be used to evolve spiritually. These texts also provide stories of various saints and incarnations of the Supreme Lord.