Hindu Sacred Texts
Explore the vast collection of Hindu sacred texts, from the ancient wisdom of the Vedas and Upanishads to the practical guidance of the Bhagavad Gita and the rich mythology of the Puranas. Discover free access to translations, commentaries, and study resources from authoritative sources.
Historical Significance
The Vedas represent the oldest layer of Hindu literature and are considered the eternal, uncreated knowledge revealed to ancient sages (rishis) in deep meditation. They form the foundation of Hindu philosophy, ritual practice, and spiritual understanding, influencing all subsequent Hindu texts and traditions.
Rig Veda
The oldest Veda containing hymns and mantras
- Mandala 1-10
- Suktas (Hymns)
- Rishis (Seers)
- Devas (Deities)
1,028 hymns in 10,600 verses, primarily addressed to various deities and containing philosophical insights
Yajur Veda
Veda of sacrificial formulas and rituals
- Krishna Yajur Veda
- Shukla Yajur Veda
- Brahmanas
- Aranyakas
Prose formulas for rituals and ceremonies, along with explanatory texts
Sama Veda
Veda of melodies and chants
- Purvarchika
- Uttararchika
- Aranyaka
- Upanishads
Musical arrangements of Rig Vedic hymns for ritual chanting
Atharva Veda
Veda of spells and incantations
- Kandas
- Suktas
- Charms and Spells
- Philosophical hymns
Practical knowledge, healing, protection, and daily life guidance
Ritual and Sacrifice
Detailed instructions for various yajnas (sacrifices) and ceremonies
Cosmology
Understanding of the universe, creation, and cosmic order (rta)
Deity Worship
Hymns to various deities including Indra, Agni, Varuna, and others
Philosophical Inquiry
Early exploration of fundamental questions about existence and reality
Major Translations
Sacred-texts.com
Free online translations of Vedic texts
Harvard Oriental Series
Academic translations with extensive notes
Free Online Resources
Vedabase
Comprehensive Vedic library with multiple translations
Sacred-texts.com
Free access to Vedic texts and translations
GRETIL
Göttingen Register of Electronic Texts in Indian Languages
Sanskrit Documents
Collection of Sanskrit texts and resources
Vedic Heritage Portal
Government of India's Vedic heritage portal
Harvard Oriental Series
Academic translations with extensive notes
Comprehensive Study Resources
Access free, authoritative resources for studying Hindu texts, including online libraries, educational materials, and practice guides from respected Hindu organizations.
Key Features:
- Complete Vedic texts and translations
- Upanishads with multiple translations
- Bhagavad Gita in various versions
- Major Puranas and epics
- Historical commentaries and studies
Key Features:
- Sanskrit texts with transliteration
- Multiple English translations
- Commentaries from various traditions
- Search and cross-reference tools
- Audio recitations
Key Features:
- Searchable database of texts
- Multiple translations and versions
- Cross-references and indexes
- Study guides and commentaries
- Historical context and background
Key Features:
- Educational articles and features
- Hindu philosophy and practice guides
- Cultural and historical information
- Directory of temples and organizations
- Multimedia resources and videos
Key Features:
- Vedantic texts and commentaries
- Study courses and materials
- Audio lectures and discussions
- Traditional and modern interpretations
- Community resources and events
Key Features:
- Multiple translations and commentaries
- Audio recitations and lectures
- Study guides and courses
- Discussion forums and community
- Practice guidelines and applications
Key Features:
- Study materials and courses
- Meditation and practice guides
- Community events and retreats
- Traditional teachings and commentaries
- Modern applications and relevance
- The Rig Veda is the oldest known text in any Indo-European language
- The Upanishads were composed over a period of 600 years
- The Bhagavad Gita is part of the epic Mahabharata
- There are 18 major Puranas and many minor ones
- The Rig Veda contains 1,028 hymns in 10,600 verses
- There are 108 principal Upanishads
- The Bhagavad Gita has 700 verses in 18 chapters
- The Puranas contain millions of verses covering various topics
- Most Hindu texts are freely available online
- Many texts have multiple translations and commentaries
- Audio versions and recitations are widely available
- Study guides and courses are available for all levels
Begin Your Hindu Studies
Explore the profound wisdom of Hindu scriptures with free access to authoritative translations, commentaries, and study resources. Whether you're interested in the ancient wisdom of the Vedas, the philosophical insights of the Upanishads, the practical guidance of the Bhagavad Gita, or the rich mythology of the Puranas, comprehensive resources are available to support your spiritual journey.