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In Hinduism, the sacred texts are divided into two main types – Shruti and Smriti. These are very important because they help people understand religious beliefs, traditions, and values.
What is Shruti?
The word Shruti means “that which is heard.” Shruti texts are believed to be the words of God, heard by ancient sages (called rishis) when they were deep in meditation. These sages passed on the knowledge by word of mouth before it was written down. Shruti is considered divine and eternal, meaning it was not created by any human.
The most important Shruti texts are the Vedas. There are four Vedas – Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. These contain hymns, chants, and rituals used in prayers and ceremonies. Other Shruti texts include the Brahmanas (ritual explanations), Aranyakas (forest texts), and Upanishads (spiritual teachings).
What is Smriti?
The word Smriti means “that which is remembered.” Smriti texts were written by wise people based on the ideas found in the Shruti. These texts explain the rules for living a good life, stories of gods and heroes, and lessons about right and wrong. Smriti texts are considered human-made, and they can change with time to suit the needs of society.
Famous Smriti texts include the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Manusmriti (a book of laws). The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata, is one of the most loved texts in Hinduism.
Main Differences
- Shruti is heard; Smriti is remembered.
- Shruti is divine and unchangeable; Smriti is written by humans and can change.
- Shruti contains spiritual knowledge; Smriti explains how to apply that knowledge in daily life.
In simple words, Shruti gives the foundation of Hindu beliefs, and Smriti helps people follow those beliefs in real life.
Common Doubts of Social Science
