Essence of Hindu scriptures, know what is there in which scripture?

Most Hindus do not have time to read their own scriptures. Leave aside reading Vedas and Upanishads, they do not even read Geeta whereas Geeta can be read in 1 hour. However, at many places they take out time to listen to Bhagwat Purana or recite Ramayana in full or get Satyanarayan Katha recited at home. But you should know that Purana, Ramayana and Mahabharata are not the religious scriptures of Hindus, the religious scriptures are Vedas only.

The scriptures are divided into 2 parts – Shruti and Smriti. Under Shruti come the religious scriptures Vedas and under Smriti come the books of history and interpretation of Vedas, Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Smritis etc. The religious scriptures of Hindus are Vedas only. The essence of Vedas is Upanishads and the essence of Upanishads is Geeta. Let us know what is there in the said texts.

What’s in the Vedas?

Vedas are filled with knowledge related to almost all subjects like Brahma (God), Gods, Universe, Astrology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Medicine, Nature, Astronomy, Geography, Religious Rules, History, Sanskar, Customs etc. There are 4 Vedas – Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. Ayurveda of Rigveda, Dhanurveda of Yajurveda, Gandharva Veda of Samaveda and Sthapatya Veda of Atharvaveda have been described as Upavedas of the four Vedas respectively.

Rigveda:- Rik means condition and knowledge. It has a lot to do with geographical location and mantras invoking the gods. The hymns of Rigveda contain prayers, praises of the gods and description of their position in the celestial world. It also provides information about water therapy, air therapy, solar therapy, mental therapy and therapy through havan etc.

Yajurveda:- Yaju means dynamic sky and action. Yajurveda contains the methods of Yagya and the mantras used in Yagya. Apart from Yagya, there is description of Tatvgyan. Tatvgyan means mysterious knowledge. Knowledge of the universe, soul, God and matter. There are two branches of this Veda – Shukla and Krishna.

Samaveda:- Sama means transformation and music. Gentleness and worship. This Veda contains the musical form of the hymns of Rigveda. In this there is mention of the gods Savita, Agni and Indra. From this there is also mention of classical music and dance. This Veda is considered to be the origin of music science. It also gives a description of the science and psychology of music.

Atharva Veda: – Tharva means vibration and Atharva means non-vibration. This Veda contains mention of mysterious knowledge, herbs, miracles and Ayurveda etc. Knowledge of Indian tradition and astrology is also available in it.

What is Upanishad?

Upanishads are the essence of the Vedas. Essence means squeeze or brief. Upanishads are the basic foundation of Indian spiritual thinking, the source of Indian spiritual philosophy. Whether there is God or not, whether there is a soul or not, how is the universe etc., all the serious matters like philosophy, yoga, meditation, samadhi, salvation etc. will be found in the Upanishads. Upanishads should be read by every Hindu. By reading these one gets true knowledge about God, soul, salvation and the world.

The last part of the Vedas is called ‘Vedanta’. Vedanta itself is called Upanishad. There is discussion of Tatvgyan in Upanishad. Although the number of Upanishads is 108, but the main 12 are considered, like – 1. Ish, 2. Ken, 3. Kath, 4. Prashna, 5. Mundak, 6. Mandukya, 7. Taittiriya, 8. Aitareya, 9. Chandogya, 10. Brihadaranyaka, 11. Kaushitaki and 12. Shwetashvatara.

What is Shaddarshan?

Six philosophies emerged from the Vedas: Six sages have created their philosophy after reading the Vedas and Upanishads. This is called the six philosophy of India. Actually, this is a categorization of the knowledge of Veda. These 6 philosophies are- 1. Nyaya, 2. Vaisheshika, 3. Sankhya, 4. Yoga, 5. Mimamsa and 6. Vedanta. According to the Vedas, truth or God cannot be known through any one medium. That is why the Vedas have discussed many paths or mediums.

What is there in Geeta?

Geeta is a part of Bhishma Parva, one of the 18 chapters of Mahabharata. Geeta also has total 18 chapters. The total number of verses of 10 chapters is 700. If anyone has organized the knowledge of Vedas in a new way, it is Lord Shri Krishna. Hence, Geeta is the pocket version of Vedas, which is the only universally accepted scripture of Hindus. No one has enough time to read Vedas or Upanishads. For them Geeta is the best religious scripture. Geeta begins to be understood only after reading it again and again.

Devotion, knowledge and path of action have been discussed in Geeta. It also tells about Yama-Niyam and Dharma-karma. Geeta itself says that Brahma (God) is only one. If you read Geeta again and again, the secret of its knowledge will be revealed to you. A separate book can be written on each word of Geeta.

In Geeta, the origin of creation, order of evolution of living beings, order of Hindu messenger, human origin, yoga, religious deeds, God, God, Gods and Goddesses, worship, prayer, Yama-rules, politics, war, salvation, space, sky, earth, There is information about values, lineage, clan, policy, meaning, previous birth, life management, nation building, soul, principle of karma, concept of three gunas, friendship among all living beings etc.

Srimad Bhagavad Gita is the voice of Yogeshwar Shri Krishna. There is light in the form of knowledge in each of its verses, as soon as it blossoms, the darkness of ignorance is destroyed. The paths of knowledge-devotion-karma yoga have been explained in detail. By following these paths a person definitely becomes entitled to the supreme position. Apart from Arjun, Sanjay also heard Geeta and he narrated it to Dhritarashtra. In Geeta, Shri Krishna has said 574 verses, Arjun has said 85, Sanjay has said 40 and Dhritarashtra has said 1 verse. Summary of the knowledge of the above texts point wise:

1.About God!!!!!!!

There is only one Brahma (God) which some people call Saguna (corporeal) and some people call Nirguna (formless). Although He is unborn, unmanifested. He neither has a father nor any son. He does not control anyone’s destiny or karma. Not that he punishes or rewards anyone. It has neither beginning nor end. He is eternal and infinite. The entire universe runs only because of his presence. Everything originates from Him and ultimately merges into Him. Brahmalin.

2.ABOUT THE UNIVERSE!!!!!!!

This visible world is expanding and on the other hand it is also shrinking. Millions of suns, stars and earths are born and so is their end. One who is born will also die. Everything is born from the same Brahma and is going to be absorbed in it. This universe is changeable. The operation of this world happens automatically due to its power, just like due to the attraction of the sun.The earth rests on its axis and moves. Similarly, millions of suns and stars are operating dependent on the attraction of one super sun. Similarly, millions of great suns exist in the world only by the power of that one Brahma.

3.About the soul!!!!!!!!

The nature of the soul is similar to Brahma (God). Just as there is a difference between the sun and a lamp, similarly there is a difference between the soul and God. This body is functioning only because of the presence of the soul in the body. In the same way, the entire earth, sun, planets, constellations and stars are being operated only by the presence of that one Supreme Father.

The soul is neither born nor dies. The soul leaves one body and takes another body. This soul is imperishable and immortal. The soul gets 3 bodies by nature – one, the one which is visible to the physical eyes. Secondly, that which is called subtle body, which is visible only to the meditator and thirdly, that body due to which it is called body, is extremely difficult to see. Only the soul that resides in it feels it. You and I both are souls. Our names and bodies are different but our inner form is the same.

4.About heaven and hell!!!!!!!

According to the Vedas, the heaven or hell of the Puranas can be understood from the gatis. Heaven and hell are two stages. When the soul leaves the body, there are basically two types of movements – 1. Agati and 2. Gati.

1. Agati:- In Agati a person does not get salvation, he has to be born again.

2. Gati: – In Gati, the living being has to go to some world or he attains salvation through his deeds.

*There are 4 types of Agati – 1. Kshinodark, 2. Bhumodark, 3. Agati and 4. Durgati.

*Kshinodark: – In Kshinodark Agati, the living being again comes to the world of death as a virtuous soul and lives a life like a saint. *Bhoomodark:- In Bhoomodark he finds a happy and luxurious life. *Agati: – In Agati one goes into a lowly or animal life. *Misery: In misery he lives like an insect.

* There are also 4 types of motion – 4 worlds have been given under motion – 1. Brahmalok, 2. Devlok, 3. Pitrlok and 4. Narkalok. The living being goes to the above worlds according to his deeds.

Travel by three routes!!!!!!!

Whenever a human being dies or the soul leaves the body and starts its journey, during this time it gets 3 types of paths. It is said that the path on which the soul will be guided depends only on its deeds. These three paths are – Archi Marg, Dhoom Marg and Origin-Destruction Marg. Archi Marg is for the journey to Brahmalok and Devlok, while Dhoom Marg takes you to the journey to Pitralok and the Origin-Destruction Marg is for the journey to Hell.

5.About religion and salvation!!!!!!!

According to the scriptures, religion means understanding the Yama and Niyama and following them. Rule is religion. Among Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha, Moksha is the ultimate goal. According to Hindu religion, a person should think about salvation. What is salvation? The situated soul attains salvation. The meaning of salvation is that the soul is not the body, the first step to salvation is to fully experience this truth and strengthen one’s existence by becoming bodiless.

6.About fasting and festivals!!!!!!!!

All the fasts, festivals or pilgrimages of Hindu religion are made only for the attainment of salvation. Salvation will be achieved when the person remains healthy and lives a cheerful and happy life. Fasting keeps the body and mind healthy. Festivals make the mind happy and pilgrimages create renunciation and spirituality in the mind and brain.

Fasts and festivals made keeping in mind the weather and movements of planets and stars have greater importance. Among the fasts, it is best to observe fast on Chaturthi, Ekadashi, Pradosh, Amavasya, Purnima, Shravan month and Kartik month. If you cannot keep all the above then keep fast for the entire month of Shravan. Among the festivals, celebrate only Makar Sankranti, Mahashivratri, Navratri, Ram Navami, Krishna Janmashtami and Hanuman Janmotsav. Do celebrate Shraddha and Kumbh festival during the festival.

By fasting one gets healthy body and peace in life. There are 12 solstices of the Sun and 12 of the Moon. Celebrations have more importance in Surya Sankranti, whereas fasts have more importance in Chandra Sankranti. Chaitra, Vaishakh, Jyeshtha, Ashadh, Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, Kartik, Agahan, Paush, Magh and Falgun. Out of these, Shravan month is considered to be the best month among fasts. Apart from this, Ekadashi, Chaturdashi, Chaturthi of each month,Fasts have different significance in Purnima, Amavasya and Adhikamas. The extended days between Saurmas and Chandramas are called Malmas or Adhikmas. Sadhus observe fast in Chaturmas i.e. 4 months of Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik.

Celebrations, festivals and festivals all have different meanings and significance. There is a festival in every season. It is more important to celebrate those festivals, festivals or celebrations whose origin is not from local tradition or culture but which are mentioned in Vedic scriptures, Dharmasutras, Smriti, Puranas and code of conduct. Some festivals are celebrated according to the solstices of Moon and Sun. There are 12 Surya Sankranti in which there are 4 major ones – Capricorn, Aries, Libra and Cancer. Makar Sankranti is important among these 4. Chhath is a famous festival for sun worship.Sankranti and Aquarius. The major festivals include Ramnavami, Krishna Janmashtami, Gurupurnima, Vasant Panchami, Hanuman Jayanti, Navratri, Shivratri, Holi, Onam, Deepawali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Rakshabandhan. However, Makar Sankranti and Kumbh are considered supreme among all.

7.About the pilgrimage!!!!!!!!

There is great virtue in pilgrimage and pilgrimage. Those who go on arbitrary pilgrimages and pilgrimages, their journey has no connection with Sanatan Dharma. Among the pilgrimages, only the visit to 4 Dhams Jyotirlinga, Amarnath, Shaktipeeth and Saptapuri is important. Ayodhya, Mathura, Kashi and Prayag are considered major centers of pilgrimage while Kailash Mansarovar is considered the highest pilgrimage. Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameshwaram and Jagannathpuri are these 4 Dhams. Somnath, Dwarka, Mahakaleshwar, Srishail, Bhimashankar,Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Rameshwaram, Ghrishneshwar and Baidyanath are the twelve Jyotirlingas. Kashi, Mathura, Ayodhya, Dwarka, Maya, Kanchi and Avanti Ujjain are the Saptapuris. Only the journey to the pilgrimage mentioned above is religious.

8.About culture!!!!!!!!

16 main types of rituals have been mentioned which it is the duty of every Hindu to follow. The names of these rituals are – Garbhadhan, Punsvan, Seemantonnayan, Jaatkarma, Namkaran, Nishkraman, Annaprashan, Mundan, Karnavedhan, Vidyarambh, Upanayan, Vedarambh, Keshant, Samvartan, marriage and funeral. Every Hindu should perform the above rituals properly and regularly. This is a sign of a man being civilized and a Hindu. The above rituals should be performed according to Vedic rules only.

9.About texting!!!!!!

It is the duty of every Hindu to recite or listen to the Vedas, Upanishads or Geeta. It is an act of virtue to study the Upanishads and Geeta yourself and discuss its contents with any curious person. But it is considered prohibited to recite the Vedas in front of a debater or a confused person.By reciting some religious scriptures daily one gets the blessings of divine powers. In Hindu religion, there has been a tradition of reciting Vedas, Upanishads and Geeta since ancient times. When times changed, people started the tradition of stories mentioned in the Puranas, whereas Vedas and Geeta recitations have more importance.

‌10.About Dharma, Karma and Seva!!!!!!!

The meaning of religious work and service is that we should do such work which gives peace to our mind and brain and we can open the door to salvation. At the same time, our social and national interests are also served, that is, such work which benefits the family, society, nation and ourselves. Religious activities can be performed in many ways, like 1. Fast, 2. Service, 3. Donation, 4. Yagya, 5. Atonement, giving initiation and visiting temple etc.

Seva means that first of all helping parents, then sisters-daughters, then brothers-brothers in any way is religious service. After this, serving and helping handicapped people, women, students, ascetics, doctors and protectors of religion is considered an act of virtue. Apart from this, giving food and water to all the creatures, birds, cows, dogs, crows, ants etc. – all these are included in Yagya Karma.

11.ABOUT DONATION!!!!!!!!

Charity frees one from attachment to sensual pleasures. The glands of the mind are opened which provides benefits at the time of death. Donation for worshiping God is the simplest and best solution. There are three types of donors mentioned in the Vedas – 1. Uktham, 2. Madhyam and 3. Worst. progress of religion, form,Whatever one gives for the sake of true knowledge is the best. The one who gives for fame or selfishness is considered medium and the one who gives to prostitutes, bards, barons, pandey is considered inferior. In the Puranas, donation of food, donation of clothes, donation of education, donation of fearlessness and donation of wealth are considered to be the best, this is also a virtue.

12.About Yagya!!!!!!!!

There are 5 main types of yagya – Brahmayagya, Devyagya, Pitriyagya, Vaishvadev Yagya and Atithi Yagya. By performing Yagya, sage debt, god debt, ancestral debt, religious debt, nature debt and maternal debt are eliminated. Brahma Yagya is accomplished by daily evening prayers, self-study and recitation of Vedas. Devyagya is completed with satsang and Agnihotra rituals. Performing Homa by lighting fire is Agnihotra Yagya. Pitriyagya has also been called Shraddhakarma. This Yagya is completed with Pind Daan, Tarpan and birth of children. Vaishvadev Yagya is also called Bhoot Yagya. Feeling compassion and duty towards all living beings and trees and giving them food and water is called Bhoota Yagya. Atithi Yagya means serving the guests. Atithi Yagya is to serve and help handicapped people, women, students, sannyasis, doctors and protectors of religion. Apart from this, description of Agnihotra, Ashwamedha, Vajpayee, Somayagya, Rajsuya and Agnichayan is found in Yajurveda.

13.About going to the temple!!!!!!

One should go to the temple every Thursday. There should not be a temple in the house. One should go and circumambulate the temple. In India, circumambulation of temples, pilgrimages and yagyadi has been prevalent since ancient times. It is very important to circumambulate the temple 7 times (Saptapadi). These 7 parikrama are also done in front of fire at the time of marriage. The religion of Islam adopted this circumambulation by tradition which is called Tawaf. Pradakshina is a part of Shodashopachara puja. The practice of Pradakshina is very ancient. Jains including Hindus, Parikrama also has importance in Buddhism and Sikhism. In Islam, there is a tradition of 7 circumambulation of Kaaba in Mecca. The tradition of wearing unstitched white or yellow clothes during puja, pilgrimage circumambulation, Yagya etc. sacred rituals has also been prevalent among Hindus since ancient times. Before going to the temple or offering sandhyavandan, it is necessary to perform achaman or purification. This is called Wudu in Islam.

14.About Sandhyavandan!!!!!

Sandhyavandan is also called Sandhyopasana. Sandhyavandan is done by going to the temple only during the sandhi period. By the way, the treaty is considered to be of 8 periods. There are 5 important ones in that too. Among the 5, the conjunction of 2 times i.e. sun rise and set is important. At this time, in the temple or in solitude, after defecation, breathing, pranayama, etc., prayers are offered to the formless God with Gayatri verses. There are 4 types of Sandhyopasana – 1. Prayer, 2. Meditation, 3. Kirtan and 4. Puja-Aarti. A person does whatever he believes in.

15.About serving religion!!!!!!!

It is the duty of every Hindu to praise the religion and to spread the correct information about the religion to the people. In propagating religion, it is considered best to propagate the knowledge of Vedas, Upanishads and Geeta. There are some types of preachers. It is important to read and understand Hindu religion. It is important to propagate and spread Hindu religion only after understanding it. There will be correct knowledge of religion,Only then should that knowledge be shared with others. It is necessary for every person to be a preacher of religion. For this there is no need to wear saffron clothes or be a monk. Praising one’s own religion and not listening to evil people is the true service of religion.

16.About Mantra!!!!!!!

Many mantras are mentioned in the Vedas, but only Pranav and Gayatri mantras have been said to be chanted, the rest of the mantras are for special rituals and religious functions. There is a verse named Gayatri in the Vedas which has thousands of mantras but only the first mantra is considered to be Gayatri Mantra. Chanting any other mantra other than the above mentioned mantra is a waste of time and energy.The glory of Gayatri Mantra is well known. The second mantra is Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, but the chanting and rules of the said mantra are difficult, it should be chanted only after asking an expert.

17.About Atonement!!!!!!

Since ancient times, there has been a tradition among Hindus to atone for their sins by visiting temples. The importance of doing penance has been explained in detail in Smriti and Puranas. In the Guru and Disciple tradition, the Guru tells his disciple different ways of atonement. Atonement for misdeeds is another form of penance. It consists of prostration before the deity 108 times in the temple, prostration while walking around the temple and Kavadi i.e. penance offered to Lord Murugan.This is done through acts like. Basically, forgiveness of one’s sins is sought from Lord Shiva and Varundev, because only they have the right to forgive. In Jainism, ‘Kshama Parva’ is a day of atonement. This rule or tradition of both the religions has also been included in Christianity and Muslim religion. In Christianity it is called ‘Confession’ and in Islam it is called ‘Kaffaira’.

18.About giving initiation!!!!!!!!!!

The practice of initiation was started by the Vedic sages. In ancient times, initiation was given to make disciples and Brahmins. Even when parents sent their children for education, initiation was given. According to Hindu religion, initiation is to give direction to a directionless life.Initiation is an oath, a contract, and a resolution. After initiation the person becomes Dwija. Dwija means second birth. Second personality. In Sikhism it is called Amrit Sanchar.

This tradition of giving initiation has also been there in Jainism since ancient times, although in other religions, initiation started being used to convert to their religion. Christianity adopted this tradition from Hinduism which they call baptism. There are different methods of initiation in different religions. In Judaism, initiation is done by circumcision.