Since Hindus do not hold any fundamental religious beliefs, there is no obstacle for them to accept many natural forces other than Allah as their creator with belief in Allah. And this is why their different opinions about their source books are observed. Each of their groups has different basic scriptures. Although universally they hold their scriptures in high esteem. For this reason, I will not identify the basic sources of any of their particular sects here. Because, in the books where they discuss the Gunakirtana of a deity or the method of making offerings to God, they look at those books with respect and dignity. I have already given a brief description of the books which were written during the period of compilation of religious books. Below is a detailed discussion about this.Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1.
1. Veda ( Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1 )
’Veda’ means knowledge. In the past all the scriptures of Hinduism including Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka, Upanishad were called Vedas. Later four books were specified as Vedas. These are Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samveda and Atharvaveda.The Vedas are one of the most famous sacred texts of the Hindus. The Vedas are not a single book organized into separate chapters and chapters. It is basically a collection of initiations of saints and ascetics of the dark ages before Christ. The word Veda is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Veda’ (वेद). It means knowledge. Hindu scholars have attempted to consolidate these scattered initiations and sermons. They used to teach these to students and preserve them on stone or leather pages. Those who memorized these were called ‘Shastri’.Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1.
Hindus claim that as the earth is imperishable, so are the Vedas. It was compiled by a person named Manu.Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1.
Hindu theologian Bihari Lal Varma said, ‘Vedas are not a single scripture. It is a collection of philosophies of many Hindu scholars. The word ‘Ved’ means enlightenment. That is, various spiritual knowledges have been incorporated in the Vedas. Various religious verses and mantras have also been compiled there.Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1.
Another Hindu religious scholar, Sriram Sharma, in his introduction to the commentary on the Rigveda, says, ‘The book is a collection of philosophies of 300 saints.’
Again structurally the Vedas are divided into two parts:
1. The Samhita and the original commentary.
2. Brahman as explanation.
According to Swami Dayananda, Hindu religious scholar, ‘The first type is divine and the second is not divine.’ Others here derive a third division, known as ‘Aranyaka’. It discusses the events of forest ascetics.
And the sacred texts compiled through the fourth part of this third part are called Upanishads. The number of Upanishads is 108. However, according to Pandit Shankaracharya, 16 of them are particularly acceptable to Hindus.
Surprisingly, some of the ‘Aranyakas’ were also compiled much later by Gautama Buddha. This is what the Hindu scholar Dharmananda claimed in his book Al-Hazaratul Hindiya (Indian Civilization). This shows that the history of Hindu religious literature is very dark.
However, the Vedas are essentially the combined form of four Veda texts:
1. Rigveda: ( Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1
Meaning chanting and prayer. It is said to be the oldest and most comprehensive text. According to Hindu devotees, it is the oldest collection in the world. But they cannot give an idea of any definite time of its compilation. According to Western researchers, it was compiled between 1500 and 1000 BC.
Western researcher Mantratan said, ‘It was compiled in 2500 BC.’ This view is in harmony with the opinion of Hindu scholars.
But this also proves the futility of their claim that ‘the Vedas are as original and imperishable as the earth’.Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1.
The book is divided into 10 mandalas (parts), which consist of 64 chapters and 1018 Vedic sutras (titles). There are a total of 10,552 rikas or mantras in the Rigveda. Among the gods mentioned in the Rigveda, Agni, the god of fire, is particularly noteworthy. Because, the compiler of the Vedas ‘Vedvyas’ was a contemporary of the Persian missionary Zarathustra. Zarathustra called people to fire worship.Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hinduism
Ved Vyas traveled to Persia to debate with this new missionary. There he himself became influenced by his doctrine. He returned to India influenced by Zoroaster’s teachings and incorporated many of Zoroaster’s philosophies into the Vedas.
Rigveda commentator Pandit Sri Ram Sharma presents a list of the gods and goddesses mentioned in the Rigveda in the introduction to his commentary. The number of gods and goddesses in this list exceeded 150, among which were:
Agni: The god of fire.
Vayu: God of wind.
Indra: God of thunder.
Aruna: The sky god.
Suya: Sun god.
Usha: God of morning.
Jnana: God of knowledge.
Kama: The god of desire.
In view of this, some researchers commented, Hindus accept various natural forces as creators. Similarly they believe in different gods for different regions; And they consider these gods to be trusted and close to Allah. Such was the belief of the people of pre-Islamic ignorance.Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1.
This is the description of Rigveda, the main scripture of Hindus. Hindus regard this book with great reverence. They recite its verses. They recite its mantra in their morning and evening worship and marriage etc. Its verses are also recited during cremation.
2. Yajurveda: The book deals with the offerings of the priests and their religious rituals. The volume of the book is equal to two-thirds of the Rigveda. It is composed in prose. It outlines the method of offering to Hindu gods and goddesses. However, many Hindu scholars are reluctant to include the Yajurveda in their sacred Vedas.
3. Samaveda:
It means tranquility and security. The book contains 1,810 or 1,815 verses. Except for 75 verses, the rest are included in the Rigveda. Hindus recite these mantras during their worship and prayers. Seven tones of Hindi music also originated from this book.
Some Hindu devotees believe that Samveda is in no way inferior to Rigveda in Hindi music and mantras.
4. Atharvaveda:
Atharvaveda is magical mantra. This book is compiled through a series of verses. Its nineteenth and twentieth chapters are taken from the Rigveda. This book mentions various mantras and verses to ward off ghosts and devils. Violent as wellAnimal survival and mantras for peace, safety and growth are also mentioned.
Aspects of interpretation of the Vedas
The commentators of the Vedas adopted three different approaches:
1. Explanation by Sitaram Sayan. He belongs to the ancient commentators who interpreted the four Vedas according to the religious practices of the time. Similarly he explains the Vedas through the historical evidence of the Mahabharata. Hindu devotees hold him in high esteem. They consider him as the best scholar who understood the essence of the Vedas. Without Sitaram Sayan, they say, we would not have been able to understand the mysteries of the Vedas.
Max Muller said, ‘If Sitaram Sayan had not paved our way, we would not have been able to enter this impregnable fort.’
2. Explanation by Max Muller. This European scholar has considerable influence among Hindus. Because, he was the first to explain the Vedas in the Western style and played a role in promoting the education of the Vedas in Europe and America. Hindus give him the title of Mukesh Mullar (Reliever of restlessness of mind).
3. Explanation of Dayananda. He was a prominent Hindu religious scholar who called for a revival of Arya civilization in India in the nineteenth century. He was a protester against the ancient religious practices. Similarly, he denied the historical facts mentioned in the Vedas. Thus he started a completely new trend. He explained the much-discussed discussion of gods and goddesses in the Vedas as conflicting with the monotheism of God. According to him, ‘these are only proofs of God’s power in favor of monotheism.’ He also thought, ‘These are part of his powers. All these have no separate existence apart from His existence.’ He resorted to many metaphorical and analogical interpretations in the interpretation of the Vedas.This saint has a lot of influence in the current Hindu society. So I think it is appropriate to discuss his biography here at a glance.
Dayananda: (1824-1883) He was the founder of the organization called ‘Arya Samaj’. A radical Hindu organization founded in 1875 AD in Mumbai, India, which aimed to revive Hinduism in the light of the Vedas and their interpretations.
One of the most heinous projects of this Arya Samaj was ‘Shuddhi’ or cleaning. Through this they tried to re-initiate Muslims into Hinduism. They thought that by leaving Hinduism and accepting Islam or Christianity, they became impure, so they needed to be purified.
The Muslims under the leadership of the famous Munazir and Mujahid Sheikh Sanaullah Amritsari, President of Jamiat Ahle Hadith of India, stopped their project with a strong hand. This great thinker was able to make Muslims confident in their religion due to his God-given talent and ability.
Although the Muslims were able to prevent the terrible plans of the Arya Samaj; But they did not deviate from trying to implement their plan.
Satyarthya Prakash written by Dayananda is the basic book of this society. The author has tried to prove the futility of all known religions in his book. He has put 14 chapters in this book, of which the 14th chapter is written only against Islam. Shaikh Sanaullah Amritsari, President of Jamiat Ahle Hadith of India wrote Haq Prakash in response to this book. On the other hand, Shaykh Imamuddin Ramnagari wrote against it, Dalayilul Qur’an fi Iftirayi Dayanand wal Buhtan.
Satyarthya Prakash was translated into more than 10 languages in India and Europe. In 1978, the Arya Samaj celebrated the centenary of the compilation of this book. Ah! How has the book misled the common man?
We would like to question these saints Dayananda and Arya Samaj, where is their faith in the Vedas, where the Vedas prescribe animal sacrifice; But they think it is a sin? orders the construction of temples for gods and goddesses; But they think it is a sin? The Vedas call for the worship of many gods; And they only believe in the Trinity?
The Rigveda says, ‘O Indra (god of clothes), Vistu (god of sustenance) has prepared a meal of buffalo meat for you.’
Elsewhere it is said, ‘They cook cows; And you eat it.
Elsewhere it is said, ‘Cook healthy cows for Indra Pujaris.*
Elsewhere, Indra says, ‘Cook 15 oxen for me, I will be healthy by eating them. 1
Again from the 22nd chapter to the 25th chapter of Yajurveda there are many discussions of animal sacrifice.
Similarly the followers of Arya Samaj consider the worship of one God sufficient; However, the Vedas call for the worship of many deities like Indra, Agni, Soma, Varuna, Rajavati, Vishnu and Bhima. However, Dayananda has explained both the overt and covert meaning; But most Hindus do not accept these explanations.
2. Upnishad (Upnishad)
It means getting close to Pandit for enlightenment. It is actually a compilation of the explanatory texts of the Vedas, incorporating the knowledge and wisdom of Hindu ascetics and ascetics; Those who lived in the mountains, forests and caves to realize the reality of death with a view to unraveling the mysteries of the universe and ensuring permanent peace after the end of the physical world.
The simplicity and authenticity of these texts impressed Hindus and Europeans alike. As a result, Hindu Sufism and European asceticism were greatly influenced by these texts; But the true status of these books has always been shrouded in mystery and historical darkness. No clear idea has ever been found about its author or the period of its composition. It is even said that one of these books was called Allah Upanishad, which discusses the concept of God in Islam has been It was composed during the reign of the famous Emperor Jalaluddin Akbar of India.
This shows that the composition of these texts began during the Aryan period, which extended to the Mughal period. A text may have more or less clarity, which has passed the compilation stage over 2,000 years.
As we have already seen, since Hindus have no fundamental religious beliefs, they consider their religion or everything experienced by their sages to be very sacred. It will not be too much of an exaggeration to compare these books with Al-Futuhatul Makkiaba Fususul Hikam by Ibnul Arabi.
Number of Upanishads: As per catalog of Adyar Library, Madras
The number of Upanishad texts is about 108. This library has published 71 more books called Upanishads. Through this, the number of Upanishads is 179. Similarly 108 books of Upanishads with commentary by Pandit Sri Ram Sharma have been published from Bareilly city. He divided these books into three parts:
1. Jnana Khanda means chapter of knowledge.
2. Brahma Vidyakhanda or Chapter of Brahma Vidya.
3. Sadhanakhanda i.e. the chapter on knowledge of worship.
However, more than 12 texts are known among the Upanishads:
1. Ishvasya
2. Ken
3. Kath
4. Question (Prashana)
5. Mundukya
6. Mandukya
7. Etrey
8. Teterey
1. Chandocya
10. Brihdaryak
11. Koshtaki
12. Shwetashwater
Pandit Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Nimbark, Madaya and Balab interpreted these Upanishads according to their philosophy and principles.
Indian philosopher Dr. According to Radha Karna, the composition of the Upanishads began in the sixth century BC. There is a huge gap in the composition of these books. An attempt was made to draw attention to the mystery of creation in the ancient Upanishads. On the other hand, in later Upanishads, the worship of Brahma and the observance of religious laws etc. have been encouraged. One of these Upanishads is ‘Question’. It discusses the reality of the Islamic era declaration of ‘Anaal Haq’ (I am the Seer) by Husayn Ibn Mansur Hallaj, who was executed in Baghdad in 310 AH. He came to India and acquired knowledge in Hindu scriptures including pooja, tantra-mantras.” He then returned to Baghdad and started preaching ‘Anal Haq’ doctrine there.
Ibn Hawqal writes in his Safarnama, ‘Hallaj appeared as Parso, who professed Sufism and Sadhana. He continued to excel in Sadhana. At one stage he thinks that one who engages his body in sadhana, engages his soul in austerities, endures the temptations of conscience and instincts, he will attain the status of a perfect offering. He will stand above human qualities; And then the Spirit of God will enter into him, as was the case with Jesus. He will then become omnipotent. When he says ‘kun’ (be), then it will be.’
Indian saint Sarmad Kashani, on the other hand, was a Jew who claimed to have converted to Islam. He came to India from his native Turkistan. Here he propagated Jewish and Hindu philosophies among the Muslims. He walked around naked and demanded hypnosis. He even uttered words of blasphemy. The scholars of that time complained about him to Emperor Alamgir and made him aware of the terrible activities of this saint. Later, when a fatwa was issued regarding him, it was carried out.
The same philosophy that Mansoor Hallaj and Sarmad mentioned about the levels of Sadhana and which Wahdatul cherished the belief in Ujud is also found in the Hindu interpretation of the word ‘om’.
It is said that six of their saints visited the court of their Guru Pippalada. They each raise their own questions before the Guru. The question of the fifth was, ‘If a man spends his whole life in the worship of God, what will be his end?’ The Guru replied, ‘Om’ [Sanskrit, अ + व + म]. The word is made up of three letters. The secrets of the human world will unfold before you in the first letter. In the second letter the upper world and in the last letter the secret of the Brahma world will be revealed. Therefore one who attains the highest status of Sadhana, the full reality of ‘O’ will emerge before him. He will possess the status of imperishable Brahman.’
Readers, try to understand the composition of ‘Om’ as per Mansoor Hallaj’s ‘Anal Haq’ and Upanishad commentary.
3. mythology
It is an anthology of ancient mythology. Puranas are considered the fifth Veda by Hindus as the understanding of the Vedas depends on it. Hindus claim that the Puranas, like the Vedas, are primordial and imperishable. For one who wants to understand the Vedas, it is necessary to understand the Puranas. Because, it analyzes the indicative events described in the Vedas through examples and stories.
The titles of the Puranas are as follows:
1. The story of the creation of the universe.
2. The expansion of the universe.
3. The ages of Manu and the messengers of God and the chronicles of each of them.
4. Legend of the Suryavanshi and Chandravanshi kings.
As per Purana study, it was originally divided into 18 chapters. Later, separate Puranas were composed about each of them. The main purpose of the Puranic texts was to establish the philosophy of avatara, i.e. the belief in the incarnation of the Lord in human form. The analysis of this belief will be presented.
The number of Puranic texts is more than 108, but 18 of them are particularly acceptable to Hindu scholars. Among them, Bhagavata Purana Samadhik is prevalent. Hindus recite it with great solemnity every morning.
There are different opinions among Hindus about who is the author of this book. According to most of them, the author of the Vedas is the author of the Vedavyas Puranas. However, the fallacy of this statement is very clear. Because it is impossible for one person to write so many books. Again the Padma Purana quotes a Hindu philosopher named Shankaracharya from around 1800 CE, who was certainly born long after Vedavyas.
Similarly, disagreements are observed in the commentaries of these books. Eg: Shiva Purana shows Shiva as ‘Great God’ and other Gods as his servants. On the other hand, followers of the Bhagavata Purana consider the Goddess as the creator of the universe; And considers other Gods as his servants.
For these reasons, Hindu theologian Harprasad Shastri strongly opines that,
Except Vishnu Purana and Aman Purana, all other Puranas are distorted and unreliable. Swami Dayananda, the founder of the Arya Samaj, denied these Puranic texts as originating from the original sources of Hinduism.
All praise be to Allah. This was the commentary of their own religious scholars regarding the Purana texts. Now we are putting a question to all those Hindus, who read the Purana morning and evening with great respect, recite it at weddings, start religious ceremonies through it – are these not corruption and disability?
4. Mahabharata ( Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1)
The word Mahabharata is composed of two words. ‘Maha’ means great and ‘Bharat’ means Hindustan. The title of the book gives an idea of its subject. It has highlighted the discussion of major battles of India. Three Hindu authors participated in the composition of the book – Vyasa, Vaishampayana and Ugrasrava.
The book was originally titled Joy. Later it came to be known as India. As a result of its wide publicity and popularity, it came to be known as Mahabharata.
As the book was compiled, it is not available now. Many types of distortions have occurred in it. Devotees believe that the book was arranged in 1 lakh 20 thousand verses in more than 2 thousand chapters.
Renowned Hindu theologian Sri Pal Dev in his book Tarikhul Hazarati Was Sakafati Phil Hind said, ‘According to the popular sources, the Mahabharata was written in the third century BC. It has 1 lakh verses.’
Context of writing the book ( Four. A Survey of the Basic Sources of Hinduism Part 1 )
Context of writing the book
As we have discussed earlier, the Aryans were able to secure victory over the natives in the 7th century BC. Then they tried to integrate their religious, social and political life. At the very beginning of this step they stumble and begin to quarrel among themselves. They split into three different religious sects.
