The Vedas
The 4 ancient Shruti texts: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
Rigveda
The oldest known Vedic Sanskrit text, containing hymns (suktas) dedicated to various deities.
Yajurveda
The Veda of prose mantras, dealing with the performance of rituals and sacrifices.
Samaveda
The Veda of melodies and chants, often referred to as the 'Book of Song'.
Atharvaveda
The Veda of procedures for everyday life, containing charms and spells.
Other Sacred Texts
Itihasa and Smriti texts.
The Upanishads
Vedanta - The philosophical essence of the Vedas. There are 108 Upanishads in total, and the principal ones are listed here.
Isha Upanishad
One of the shortest Upanishads, discussing the nature of the self (Atman) and the universe.
Katha Upanishad
Features the story of Nachiketa and his conversation with Yama (Death) about the nature of the soul.
Mandukya Upanishad
Discusses the syllable Om and the four states of consciousness.
Mundaka Upanishad
The source of the national motto 'Satyameva Jayate', dealing with higher knowledge.
Taittiriya Upanishad
Contains instructions for students and discusses the five layers of the self (Koshas).
Kena Upanishad
Inquires into the nature of Brahman and who impels the mind and senses.
Prashna Upanishad
Consists of six questions asked to Sage Pippalada regarding life and the ultimate reality.
Aitareya Upanishad
Discusses the creation of the universe and the nature of the Atman (Self).
Chandogya Upanishad
One of the oldest and largest, known for the mantra 'Tat Tvam Asi' (That Thou Art).
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
The largest Upanishad, focusing on the nature of reality, the Self, and metaphysical dialogues.