Top 10 Books to Read about Sanatna Dharma(Hinduism)

Sanatana Dharma is one of the oldest religions of the World and is often called Hinduism by many. It has a vast literature and often one gets confused about which book to study and which are the most prominent books of the faith. Though there are many demigods who are worshiped in Sanatana Dharma, there is one Supreme God known as Parabrahmn.

Here’s a list to get started:

1. The Four Vedas — Rigveda, Samveda, Atharvaveda and Yajur Veda. These are the oldest books on Sanatana Dharma. They contain prayers and mantras of different demigods and also the Supreme Brahmn.Vedas are *śruti (“what is heard”), distinguishing them from other religious texts, which are called [smṛti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sm%E1%B9%9Bti)*(“what is remembered”). Hindus consider the Vedas to be *apauruṣeya*, which means “not of a man, superhuman”and “impersonal, authorless”, revelations of sacred sounds and texts heard by ancient sages after intense meditation.

2. Brahma Sutras — This book, along with Upnishads and Bhagvad Gita, is one of the main books of Sanatana Dharma. It consists of the verses about Supreme realty — Brahmn.

3. Srimad Bhagvad Gita — If you have to read just one book about Sanatana Dharma, this is it. It is in the form of divine and top secret conversation between the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna and his friend and disciple, Arjuna. Every word spoken in this book is a jewel. It can and must be used as a guide, especially in the complex situations of life. The five main themes dealt in Srimad Bhagvad Gita are : Jiva, Brahmn, Prakriti,Kaal and Karma. This book is the foundation of Sanatana Dharma.

4. Srimad Bhagvatam — If Bhagvad Gita is the Graduation book of Hinduism, then Srimad Bhagvatam is the Post Graduation book. It is Lord Krishna personified. It contains the stories of Lord’s different incarnations in different ages and the stories of his top devotees in different times. This book holds extreme importance for every Vaishnav (devotees of Lord Krishna/Vishnu).

5. Chaitanya Charitamrita — This the Ph.D according to Brahmn Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It contains the life and lessons from Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu(who is the most merciful incarnation of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani).

6. Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas ji — If you want to inclulcate the right values in yourself and your family, reading this book is a must. This is the story of Lord Ram who is known as maryada purushottam, which means he is the epitome of wisdom and good manners. The Supreme Lord practically teaches how to behave correctly and life a righteous life whatever be the circumstances. This book is a masterpiece and can be a good starting point along with Srimad Bhagvad Gita to improve one’s own life.

7. Shiv Mahapurana — This is the book about Lord Shiva/Mahadeva(one the major Gods of the Hindu trinity- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahadeva),and reading this book can relieve one from all the sins that one would have committed in the past. It also contains the stories of Rudras(incarnations of Lord Shiva) and Jyotirlingas(major holy temples of Lord Shiva). It is one of the main scriptures for Shaivs- devotees of Lord Shiva and comes in two parts.

8. Durga Saptshati — This book , along with Devi Bhagvatam, is the main book for a section of Hindus who believe the supreme power to be in the form of a devi-Durga. This book is often read during Navratras(nine holi days for worshipping Maa Durga) and contains stories of different incarnations of Goddess Durga to kill demons and save demigods at different times. Anyone who reads this book with full faith will be protected by Maa Durga and all his wishes will be fulfilled by the Supreme mother.

9. Hanuman Chalisa — Anyone who does not know about Hanuman Chalisa cannot call himself a Hindu. It is a short prayer to Lord Hanuman, who is the incarnation of Lord Shiva and the top devotee of Lord Ram and Sita. Lord Hanuman is called Sankat Mochan- one who saves from all kinds of problems from life. If one is sick or in pain , one must recite Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman Bahuk with faith to improve his condition.

10. Ganesh Chalisa — This is a short and main prayer book of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is one the panch devta- five main forms of God — Vishnu, Mahesh, Ganesha, Surya(Sun God) and Durga Devi. He is the God of Wisdom, the remover of obstacles, and the Lord of prosperity. Anyone who worships him with faith gets all material desires and is guided to progress both materially and spiritually. If one prays to Lord Ganesha before starting anything new, He removes all obstacles in the path of devotee’s success.